Christian Smith uses 2nd chance to play for UTC

According to a report from the Trussville (Alabama) Tribune, defensive tackle Christian Smith has transferred to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

The 6-foot-2, 290-pounder spent the 2017 season at Tennessee Tech. He totaled 12 tackles in six games, starting one before a hip injury cost him the remaining five games. He will have three seasons of eligibility remaining after sitting out the 2018 season, which begins with a home game against Tech’s Golden Eagles.

His decision to transfer came after a coaching change at Tennessee Tech. During his second recruiting process, he was in contact with Arizona, Arizona State and Louisiana-Monroe, among others.

Smith originally committed to UTC before flipping to Tennessee Tech prior to the 2017 signing day. As a high school senior, he was the 52nd-ranked prospect in the state of Alabama, initially choosing the Mocs over offers from 11 other programs. Those included Big Ten member Illinois and fellow Football Bowl Subdivision programs Appalachian State, Georgia State and Troy.

He played at Hewitt-Trussville, where he had 66 tackles, 18 for lost yardage, three sacks and 16 hurries in 2016, earning second-team all-state honors. His team went 11-1, falling in the second round of the Class 7A state playoffs.

He had 66 tackles, nine for loss and five sacks in 2015 and also was a second-team allstate selection in 2014 at Class 4A Leeds High School, where he helped his team win a state championship.

Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenley3.