Most of Mocs’ commitments expected to sign this week

What a difference a year makes for Tom Arth.

It was a year ago today that Arth was introduced as the new University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football coach, replacing Russ Huesman, who had left to fill a vacancy at Richmond.

Despite having only a little over a month to work with, Arth and his staff were able to put together a solid recruiting class. A number of the newcomers — freshmen and transfers — played key roles in their first year with the program.

Now, having had a full year to cultivate relationships with players and their families, the UTC coaches feel just as good — if not better — about what the first batch of 2018 signees could look like.

Most of the 13 players committed to UTC for 2018 are expected to sign between this morning and Friday night, when football’s initial early signing period ends. Boyd-Buchanan three-star safety Kohl Henke and Dalton offensive lineman Dylan Cole are among those planning to make their commitments official today, while two-star Bradley all-state receiver Lameric Tucker — who had 1,604 yards on 78 catches and 16 total touchdowns in 2017 — may not sign until February.

A couple of others could be added by the regular signing day, Feb. 7.

Former Signal Mountain standout Harrison Moon, who recently announced his intention to transfer from Mississippi State to UTC, told the Times Free Press recently that he intends to sign this week and will start at the school in January.

The Mocs have commitments from two running backs, two receivers, two offensive linemen, a tight end, three defensive ends, a pair of linebackers and a defensive back.

According to tweets, Hutchinson (Kan.) junior college quarterback Chris James from Gilmer High School in Georgia has committed to UTC and could join the program in January.

“Couldn’t have achieved this without all the support I get from the people I love,” James tweeted on Dec. 11. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound James originally signed with NCAA Division II member Valdosta State. As a Gilmer senior in 2015 he threw for 1,300 yards and rushed for 500 with 24 combined touchdowns.

At Hutchinson he battled through some injuries and depth at the quarterback position. He did have 56 yards rushing and a touchdown in a 48-34 loss to Eastern Arizona in the Salt City Bowl.

Possible QB addition?