"We look for character, intellect and talent in the young men we want to attend UTC and play football for the Mocs and we feel these 19 young men meet those standards."
-- UTC Coach Tom Arth
UTC's first year head football coach Tom Arth and his staff had 30 days to produce a talented 2017 recruiting class and the new head coach is excited about those high school players who have signed with the Mocs.
"We look for character, intellect and talent in the young men we want to attend UTC and play football for the Mocs and we feel these 19 young men meet those standards," said coach Arth.
Quick Facts: The 18 high school players - the 19th signee is Baylor School grad Nick Tiano is a transfer from Mississippi State - are from four states - Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Tennessee - include a pair of 3-Star and eight 2-Star recruits along with four who played on state championship teams and eight who earned all state honors.
Four are from the Chattanooga area - quarterbacks Tiano and Cole Copeland (Bradley Central), offensive lineman McClendon Curtis (Chattanooga Central) and wide receiver Bryce Nunnelly (Walker Valley).
Mocs have signed eight recruits on defense, eight on offense and one kicker.
Coach Tom Arth Era -
Opening Game: Aug,.
26 in Montgomery, Ala. vs. Jacksonville (Ala.) State on ESPN
Second Game: Sept. 9 - at LSU
Home Opener: Sept. 16 vs. UT-Martin
Jacob Bailey K 6-1 170 Mt. Juliet, Tenn. (Mt. Juliet HS)
All-region specialist of the year at Mt. Juliet (Tenn.) High School … played for head coach Trey Perry … hit a school-record 56-yarder … helped the Golden Bears to a 9-3 record and the district title as a senior … averaged 42 yards per punt … 11-14 (79%) on FGs as a senior, hitting five from 45+ yards … 25/35 (71%) on FGs in his career … played in the Toyota East-West All-Star Game … two-time Wilson County Specialist of the Year as a junior … member of the Academic All-State team … PERSONAL … full name is Jacob McDaniel Bailey … son of Rob and Cheree … born Feb. 18, 1999 … has two brothers, R.T. and William … plans to major in Business … plays the trumpet and the piano.
Coach Arth on Jacob Bailey:
"I'm very excited about Jacob Bailey. He's an outstanding kicker who came to us highly recommended from a number of well-trusted sources in the kicking industry. He hit a school record 56-yard field goal this past season, as well as multiple big kicks throughout the course of his career. As a KO specialist, he has performed at a high level and showcases great ability to get up and through the ball, giving his kickoffs great depth as well as hang time. Jacob is also a very talented punter and has the ability to perform all three kicking responsibilities."
Chris Broadwater RB 6-0 210 Tucker, Ga. (Tucker HS)
Two-star prospect according to 247Sports.com and Rivals.com … helped the 14-1 Tigers to the Georgia 4A title game as a senior … played for head coach Bryan Lamar … ran for 1,197 yards and 22 TDs in 2016 … AJC All-Metro Team … honorable mention all-region … MVP of the Battle of the Borders (Ga.-Fla.) … also played baseball … member of the DeKalb County Student Council … honor roll student … PERSONAL … full name is Chris Thomas Broadwater … born April 10, 1999 … son of Crosby and Teresa Broadwater … father played at Clemson … plans to major in Business … also had FBS offers from Air Force and Army.
Coach Arth on Chris Broadwater:
"Chris is an incredible player. When you are out on the road recruiting, all the high school coaches bring him up. They are all impressed and overly excited for us to have him. He is a big, strong and physical back. He runs with great pad level and plays with his shoulders square to the line of scrimmage. He is the type of back that will wear the defense out over the course of the game. He has the speed to make big plays and we are excited about what he will bring for us in the fourth quarter."
Ronnie Collins DB 6-1 180 Lake City, Fla. (Columbia HS)
All-area defensive back from Columbia High School in Lake City, Fla. … earned second-team All-First Coast honors … had 50 tackles, five interceptions and two defensive touchdowns for the 7-4 Tigers … four-year letter winner … team went 12-2 as a junior … coached by Brian Allen … PERSONAL … full name is Ronnie Charles Collins, Jr. … son of Ronnie Collins, Sr. … born June 16, 1998 … has three older sisters … plans to major in Criminal Justice.
Coach Arth on Ronnie Collins:
"Ronnie Collins is a very exciting player. He comes from one of the top high school programs in the state of Florida and he played for a coach who played for Florida State then in the National Football League. Ronnie has incredible ball skills and excellent range in the deep part of the field. He's long and athletic, and gives our defense and our secondary the opportunity to play the way we want to play. He's a versatile athlete that I think can play multiple positions for us in the secondary."
Cole Copeland QB 6-4 200 Cleveland, Tenn. (Bradley Central HS)
Two-star prospect according to 247Sports.com … two-time all-state at Bradley Central High School in Cleveland, Tenn. … played for head coach Damon Floyd … over 6,000 passing yards, 2,000 rushing yards and 70 TDs in his career led the Bears to a 9-3 record as a senior … all-state basketball player … honor roll student ... PERSONAL … full name is Brian Cole Copeland … son of Brian & Kim Copeland … born Sept. 18, 1998 … father played football at Tennessee Tech … older sister, Brooke, plays basketball at Florida … older brother, Bryce, plays basketball at Lee University … his uncle, Chad Copeland, was the 1994 Men's Basketball SoCon Player of the Year for the Mocs … plans to major in Business.
Coach Arth on Cole Copeland:
"Cole Copeland, out of Bradley Central, is local student-athlete that we are incredibly excited about. We feel like he is the best quarterback in the state of Tennessee this year. He has great stature for the position. He is about 6'4", probably about 200 pounds now, but is going to turn into a 225-230-pound guy. He has great talent and comes from a very athletic family. We love his leadership and competitiveness. He processes information quickly and has the ability to operate from a tight pocket, but can also escape and make plays out on the edge."
McClendon Curtis OL 6-7 310 Chattanooga, Tenn. (Central HS)
Three-star prospect according to 247sports.com … all-state at Chattanooga's Central High School … played for head coach Cortney Braswell … member of the Times Free Press Dynamite Dozen … also lettered in basketball … PERSONAL … full name is McClendon Jerrell Curtis … son of Angelina Curtis … born Sept. 16, 1999 … plans to major in Physical Therapy … had FBS offers from Appalachian State, Georgia Southern, MTSU, Ohio, Temple and Western Kentucky.
Coach Arth on McClendon Curtis:
"McClendon's a local player from Chattanooga Central and I'm so incredibly excited about McClendon. I remember the first day that I was able to get out on the road, I was in Chattanooga Central, and had the opportunity to meet McClendon. I saw this guy come walking through the door and instantly fell in love. He's got an incredible personality, he's got a great smile, and just an incredible way about him. He's 6'7", 300-plus pounds and a huge wingspan. He's just an incredible athlete for the position. We feel that McClendon is going to be the type of player that you can build a program around."
Dakota Davis OL 6-3 275 Knoxville, Tenn. (Bearden HS)
Two-star prospect according to 247Sports.com … all-region offensive lineman from Bearden High School in Knoxville, Tenn. … played for head coach Morgan Shinlever … made the Knoxville News Sentinel PrepXtra First Team … PERSONAL … full name is Dakota Antone Davis … son of Antone and Carrie Davis … born on Oct. 5, 1998 … has two sisters, Cailyn and Carley, and one brother, Braden … father was an All-American at Tennessee and played in the NFL for Philadelphia (1991-95) and Atlanta (1996-97) … enrolled at UTC in January 2017 … plans to major in Criminal Justice.
Coach Arth on Dakota Davis:
"Dakota Davis comes from an incredible family. His father, Antone, played for the University of Tennessee, where he was an All-American and played eight years in the NFL. The thing that excites me the most about Dakota is how much coming to UTC meant to him. This was a situation where he had offers from a lot of different places and from the moment that we called him, he was all in. He was able to graduate early from high school and is enrolled now, in classes, and doing very well in our off-season program. He is physical in the run game and athletic enough to pass and protect."
Brandon Dowdell DB 5-10 195 Cordele, Ga. (Crisp County HS)
Two-star prospect according to 247Sports.com and Rivals.com … all-state defensive back from Crisp County High School in Cordele, Ga. … coached by Shelton Felton … seven INTs and eight PBUs to go with 39 tackles … added 631 yards of total offense and seven TDs … PERSONAL … chose UTC over offers from FBS programs Georgia Southern, Georgia State, South Alabama and Western Kentucky.
Coach Arth on Brandon Dowdell:
"Brandon Dowdell is an extremely exciting recruit for us. He was just named first team All-State by the Georgia High School Coaches Association. Brandon comes from an incredible high school, Crisp County, where we have a great relationship with their head coach, Coach Felton. He's done an incredible job coaching him. The way that they play, the type of scheme, the multiplicity in how they play has just prepared him so well to come into our program and contribute immediately. Brandon is a multiple sport athlete. He has the ability to play all four positons in our secondary. He is also an incredibly versatile player on special teams, and he will add a lot of value there."
Zach Feaster LB 6-2 215 Opelika, Ala. (Beauregard HS)
Two-time all-state as a defensive back from Beauregard High School in Opelika, Ala. … 134 tackles and four interceptions as a senior … led the Hornets to a 13-1 record and a state title as a senior … played for head coach Rob Carter … also played baseball … member of the National Honor Society … PERSONAL … full name is Zachary Alston Feaster … born Oct. 21, 1998 … son of Jason & Tiffany Feaster.
Coach Arth on Zach Feaster:
"Zach Feaster is an outstanding linebacker from Opelika at Beauregard High School where he won the 5A state championship. He's a versatile player with high football intelligence. He plays the game fast and he's an outstanding open-field tackler. He was a two-time all-state player and is someone that really understands what it takes to be successful. We're looking forward to his versatility and everything that he can do for us in our defense, not only as a linebacker, but also somebody who can blitz and cover down. He will be a great special teams player for us as well."
Jordan Ferguson WR 6-3 200 Knoxville, Tenn. (Bearden HS)
Two-star prospect according to 247Sports.com … all-region at Bearden High School in Knoxville, Tenn. … played for head coach Morgan Shinlever … 40 catches for 624 yards and nine TDs … also ran track … named Most Athletic at Bearden … PERSONAL … full name is Jordan Isaiah Ferguson … son of Angela & George Ferguson … born August 6, 1999 … has an older brother, Trey … plans to major in Graphic Design.
Coach Arth on Jordan Ferguson:
"Jordan Ferguson was high school teammates with Dakota Davis, which is very exciting that the two of them are going to be able to continue their career together. He brings great size and athleticism to our team. He was an outstanding safety in high school, so we know he is going to be a physical wide receiver. We will to create one-on-one match-ups for Jordan, as he will most likely play our X position and be a difficult match-up for a lot of corners due to his size, length and ability to run."
D.J. Jackson DB 6-1 185 Fort White, Fla. (Fort White HS)
Two-time all-state athlete from Fort White (Fla.) High School … threw for 1,392 yards and 12 TDs and ran for 228 yards and eight scores … had five INTs and 48 tackles on defense … averaged 45 yards as a punter … played for his father, Demetric, at Fort White … also lettered in basketball, baseball and track … all-state honorable mention in basketball and regional qualifier in track … PERSONAL … full name is Demetric Lavon Jackson … son of Demetric & Kemberly Jackson … has an older sister, Rykia, and a younger brother, Jayden … father played football at Florida (1993-96) … plans to major in pre-Law/Criminal Justice.
Coach Arth on D.J. Jackson:
"D.J. played for his father at Fort White, who was an incredible player at Florida and won a national championship under Steve Spurrier, and now is the mayor of Fort White. That's just an incredible family. D.J. is an exceptional player. He played quarterback in high school and that is something that's really important to us. He can be that true field general in our secondary. He has great range and great ball skills. I think his arms measured at 33-inches, which was longer than any defensive back at the Senior Bowl. I'm really thrilled about D.J. and what he will be able to bring to our secondary."
Parker Mallett TE 6-3 220 Tyrone, Ga. (Sandy Creek HS)
All-state tight end from Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, Ga. … played for head coach Chip Walker two-time all-region, all-county and all-area … honorable mention all-state as a junior … also an all-region baseball player … honor roll student … PERSONAL … full name is Parker Wade Mallett … born Oct. 7, 1998 … son of Greg & Denease Mallett … has a younger sister, Emily … percussionist in a jazz band.
Coach Arth on Parker Mallett:
"Parker Mallett comes from a great family. His father is a pastor and Parker is so involved in his community through his church. He is a kid with an engaging personality and will be an incredible leader in our program. We feel he is a versatile player at tight end, and this is really important to the way we play and the way we use that position. Parker is going to be excellent in the run game and will also be a match-up problem in the secondary. He is great with the ball in his hands after the catch."
Jabril Malone DB 5-11 190 Memphis, Tenn. (Whitehaven HS)
Two-star prospect according to 247Sports.com … led Whitehaven High School in Memphis, Tenn., to a 14-0 record and state title as a senior … played for head coach Rodney Saulsbury … Whitehaven went 48-6 in his four-year career … 19 career INTs … also ran track … PERSONAL … full name is Jabril Rahkman Malone … born Nov. 27, 1998 … son of Charles & Rashakla Malone … father played football at UT Martin … plans to major in Criminal Justice.
Coach Arth on Jabril Malone:
"Jabril led his team to a state championship at Whitehaven High School, one of the top programs in Tennessee. He was a four-year starter and had 19 career interceptions. He is able to play in the deep part of the field. What is so exciting about him is how well he moves around at safety. He will come out of the top and strike you. He is a very physical, talented player and we are very excited to welcome him to our program."
Devonnsha Maxwell DL 6-2 250 Valdosta, Ga. (Valdosta HS)
All-state selection at Valdosta (Ga.) High School … led the Wildcats to the Georgia 6A state title as a senior in 2016 … played for head coach Alan Rodemaker … 69 tackles (10 for loss), 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery as a senior … team captain … two-time best defensive lineman award winner … PERSONAL … full name is Devonnsha Jerome Maxwell … born May 5, 1999 … son of Regina Maxwell.
Coach Arth on Devonnsha Maxwell:
"Devonnsha played for one of the top programs in the nation at Valdosta, and led his team to a state championship in 2016. He is one of the most versatile defensive linemen that we have seen on film and he can play inside and outside. He plays the run well and can rush the passer. He has a great family and personality. A lot of people on campus see him and are reminded of Keionta (Davis), and I think that's an incredible compliment and one that we are really excited about."
Bryce Nunnelly WR 6-2 185 Cleveland, Tenn. (Walker Valley HS)
Two-star prospect according to 247Sports.com … led Walker Valley HS in Cleveland, Tenn., to its first-ever playoff win as a senior … played for head coach Glen Ryan … all-district and all-region basketball player … all-state decathlete … 4.0 GPA and a member of the National Honor Society ... PERSONAL … full name is Joshua Bryce Nunnelly … born Nov. 28, 1998 … son of Jeff & Deanna Nunnelly … has two older brothers, Drew and Trent … both brothers ran track at Bryan College … plans to major in Mechanical Engineering.
Coach Arth on Bryce Nunnelly:
"Bryce is an outstanding local player. He is a multiple sport athlete with a 4.0 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. He is an all-state decathlete as well as an incredible football and basketball player. I think what shows up the most when you watch Bryce is his competiveness. So often you see Bryce is the best player on the field, offensively, defensively and on special teams. He is one of those guys that you know is going to give you everything he has every single day. We could not be more excited to welcome him to our program."
Jahsari Patterson LB 6-0 205 Cairo, Ga. (Cairo HS)
First team all-state at Cairo (Ga.) HS … played for head coach Steven Devoursney … 105 tackles (seven for loss), two sacks, nine quarterback pressures and an interception for the Syrupmakers who finished 11-2 and reached the Georgia 4A quarterfinals … also lettered in wrestling and played basketball as a sophomore … PERSONAL … full name is Jahsari Derrell Patterson … born April 27, 1998 … son of Rashawn Patterson … brother, Deon, plays basketball at St. Petersburg (Fla.) College.
Coach Arth on Jahsari Patterson:
"Jahsari has an incredible personality, one of the most competitive guys I've been around. The moment he stepped on campus for his visit, he brought so much energy. You could just tell there is something different about him and something really special. He runs incredibly well. I think one of his best traits is how well he tackles. He is a very good open-field tackler and violent on contact. Jahsari comes from one of the great programs in South Georgia."
Jamal Thomas DB 5-11 170 Cairo, Ga. (Cairo HS)
All-region defensive back from Cairo (Ga.) High School … 46 tackles and six PBUs for the Syrupmakers who finished 11-2 and reached the Georgia 4A quarterfinals … played for head coach Steven Devoursney … also ran track and lettered in wrestling ... PERSONAL … full name is Lauren Jamal Thomas … son of Rueben & Marilyn Thomas … born Aug. 25, 1999 … one of seven siblings.
Coach Arth on Jamal Thomas:
"Jamal is one of the fastest guys in the state of Georgia. He is an incredible track athlete and great long jumper. He played both sides of the ball in high school and adds great value on special-teams as a returner. He can play all four positions in the secondary and displays great range and ball skills."
Nick Tiano QB 6-4 240 Chattanooga, Tenn. (Mississippi State)
Transfer from Mississippi State who joined the Mocs in January of 2016 … saw action in five games as a redshirt freshman in 2016 … completed one pass for five yards against Auburn … member of the SEC Honor Roll … top QB recruit in Tennessee for the Class of 2015 at Chattanooga's Baylor School … consensus three-star athlete … No. 22 overall prospect in Tennessee by ESPN.com, No. 20 by Rivals.com, No. 26 by 247Sports Composite and No. 28 by Scout.com … 137-of-224 passing for 2,096 yards with 16 touchdowns and three interceptions … 136 rushes for 723 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior in 2014 … coached by Phil Massey … PERSONAL … full name is Nicklas Vincent Tiano … born Dec. 10, 1996 … son of Jan and Vince Tiano … has one sister, Jami … majoring in Business.
Coach Arth on Nick Tiano:
"I have been incredibly impressed with Nick Tiano since the day I met him. He brings such great energy and always has a smile on his face. He is one of the hardest workers in our program and brings so much competiveness each day. He transferred in from Mississippi State at the semester and has been an absolute blessing to have in our program. We look for him to bring great things to our quarterback room. He is an outstanding player from the pocket, but can also be a very dominate player in the run game. We will find a great role for Nick this season."
C.J. Winston LB 6-5 195 Gadsden, Ala. (Gadsden City HS)
All-area linebacker at Gadsden (Ala.) City High School … second team all-county … led the Titans to an appearance in the state semifinals … played for head coach Matt Scott … PERSONAL … son of Corey Winston and Tomika Underwood ... has an older brother, Dytereous, and a younger sister, Angelicia … Dytereous played football at Mississippi Valley State.
Coach Arth on C.J. Winston:
"C.J. is incredibly long and athletic, and has the versatility to play many positions. We see him as more of an outside linebacker in our scheme, but he has the ability to also play behind the ball. I think what is most exciting about C.J. is his upside. There is no telling what could happen once he grows into his body. He has a great frame and a great personality. C.J. has a great personality and the desire to be the best he can be. We are excited to see what his future holds."
Jeffery Wood II WR 5-8 165 Knoxville, Tenn. (Catholic)
Two-star prospect according to 247Sports.com … called 'the fastest man in Tennessee' by Jim Harbaugh … led Knoxville (Tenn.) Catholic to a 10-2 mark as a senior … played for head coach Steve Matthews … Irish were 11-4 and state champions his junior year … honor roll student … PERSONAL … son of Jeffery and Salisa Wood … born Sept. 18, 1998 … plans to major in Business.
Coach Arth on Jeffrey Wood:
"Jeffrey Wood won the state championship as a junior and is an incredibly versatile athlete. We will use him in a lot of different ways. The type of player that he is really fits well with how we play on offense. We have an incredible role in mind for him where he can line up in the slot, line up in the backfield and get carries, or motion out and really be a match up problem for defenses. He is one of the most explosive players we have had a chance to watch on film and one of the fastest players in the state of Tennessee. We are excited to game-plan for him and find him ways to get the ball."
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