Mocs add pair of FBS walk-ons

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football program has added a pair of Football Bowl Subdivision walk-ons, running back Deandre Alexander and defensive back Alex Gaca. Both were at the University of Memphis last season.

Gaca already has joined the Mocs and has been practicing, while Alexander is listed on the roster but is finalizing the physical exam process.

“They are good players that I think do have the ability to help us and will add depth,” UTC coach Tom Arth said after Tuesday’s practice. “Alex is a big, tall, long defensive back. He’s somebody we’re excited to work with and help develop in our defense. Deandre’s tape is exciting; he’s somebody at a position where we don’t have a lot of depth. I’m hoping he’s going to be able to come in, help us out and get some carries.”

The 6-foot-3, 195-pound Gaca was a two-star prospect coming out of Franklin (Tennessee) High School. In his two seasons of playing varsity, he caught 43 passes for 1,187 yards and 14 touchdowns and made 13 tackles and a pair of fumble recoveries.

Alexander played at Hillsboro in Nashville, where the 5-10, 185-pounder had 764 yards on 91 carries with 10 touchdowns as a senior while adding 227 yards receiving on 21 catches with three other scores. He also had 177 yards on kick returns.

Arth also confirmed that defensive end Mychal Austin is now in camp and that promising linebacker/defensive end prospect Dre Butler “more than likely” will not be joining the program. Austin signed with the Mocs last fall, passing up an offer from Minnesota to stay closer to home. He had 17 sacks, 26 solo tackles, a pair of interceptions and four forced fumbles as a senior for the Apopka (Florida) team that reached the regional semifinals.