McCallie duo commits to Chattanooga Mocs

Monday, December 9, 2013

photo McCallie senior cornerback C.J. Fritz was one of two football players to commit to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga on Sunday.
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McCallie cornerback C.J. Fritz and lineman Cam Walker committed to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga on Sunday, following an official visit this weekend. The Mocs football program also got a commitment from Northeast (Tenn.) High School's Montrell Pardue.

The speedy 5-foot-10, 170-pound Fritz -- he won a Division II state title in the 100 meters last spring -- told UTC on Sunday night that he wanted to play for the Mocs.

"After the official visit, me and my parents talked it over and we thought the coaches were a great fit for me, as well as the academics and the school," said Fritz, who made the Tennessee Division II All-Region team this season. "It's in my backyard, so I'm still at home and I feel like the program is going in a good direction, too."

McCallie coach Ralph Potter said Fritz, who didn't play as a sophomore in order to focus on basketball and track, is only beginning to tap into his potential.

"He will be a great asset for them because he's got great speed, he's getting more physical every day and he's doing a great job in the weight room," Potter said. "He's a little bit of a late bloomer, so he's got a huge upside."

Fritz, who picked UTC over UAB, Kennesaw State and several other schools, split time at cornerback and split end this season. He didn't do much returning for McCallie -- Potter said Fritz was already too busy without adding returns to his duties -- but he could have that role with the Mocs, as well.

Walker, like Fritz a preseason Dynamite Dozen pick by the Times Free Press, announced his commitment to the Mocs late Sunday night via Twitter. The 6-4, 245-pounder, who will likely play offensive tackle, also had an offer from UAB, among others.

Rated a two-star prospect by Rivals.com, the 6-1, 190-pound Pardue will play either safety or linebacker for the Mocs, he said. A three-year starter at linebacker at Northeast, he spent much of his senior season focused on the other side of the ball, as a dual-threat quarterback that led the Eagles to the Class 5A state quarterfinals.

Pardue had more than 1,000 yards rushing and passing, he said. He picked UTC over Navy, Eastern Kentucky and Liberty.

"It was a decision I knew I was probably going to make because I always liked it so much," he said. "When I actually got there and saw everything for myself, I really fell in love with the school and city."

UTC had six players make official visits this weekend, including East Hamilton High School tight end Bailey Lenoir, a two-star prospect that committed in October.

Contact John Frierson at jfrierson@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6268. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/MocsBeat.