UTC senior safety Lucas Webb likes to hit people and he does it well.
A three-time first team All-Southern Conference selection, Webb has averaged 4.5 tackles a game in his four-year career with eight tackles – second best in his career - against SoCon foe The Citadel during his junior season
The Northport, Ala. native and graduate of North Tuscaloosa High School where he reeived the Outstanding Senior Award in the spring of 2013, would like to match his career best number of tackles or more in today’s 2 p.m. home game at Finley Stadium against those Bulldogs (3-3, 1-3) as the Mocs (1-6, 1-3) look for their first home win of the season.
“I started playing organized football when I was nine and played offense and defense and quickly realized I would rather hit an opponent than be hit,” said Webb who has 216 career tackles, 13 interceptions an three fumble recoveries.
“In middle school I played every position on the field except quarterback, but in high school I played on defense a vast majority of the time.”
Highs and Lows: Webb pointed to winning the Southern Conference title in 2014 his redshirt freshman year and receiving a ring as the high point in his athletic career.
“We have won three SoCon titles, but earning that first ring was and still is special to me,” Webb stated.
But tough times came during his sophomore year in high school when his parents got a divorce.
“That was a difficult time for me, but both my parents assured me they would still be a part of my life even though separated and that was a big plus for me.
“I also relied on my faith in the Lord to get me through that tough time.”
FCA Involvement: “Being involved in the FCA group on campus is like having a family away from home for Webb.
“The adjustment from high school to college life is huge and to have other teammates involved in FCA with me has been great.”
FCA Chattanooga area director Jay Fowler said, “During his time at UTC - it has been amazing to watch Lucas Webb grow as a leader on his team and in the UTC Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle.
“Lucas is a real deal, unashamed follower of Jesus Christ. Perhaps what has impressed me most is Lucas's willingness to serve his fellow athletes at UTC across different sports and to be an example for high school and middle school athletes through his work as a mentor at FCA summer camps. “
Besides having Christian friends on campus, the fifth-year senior and team co-captain also knows that redshirting his freshman year was a key to his success in all areas of his life.
Webb learned early on during his freshman year at UTC that college life would demand more of his time than high school especially as a student-athlete.
“I struggled early on as a freshman in balancing classes, getting my homework done on time plus all the demands I had as a football player, with meetings, practice and games.”
“Redshirting my freshman year was a big plus in helping me adjust to college life and I would recommend for most athletes to redshirt that first year if at all possible.
Life after College: Webb is on track to graduate in December and has a goal to play football at the next level, hopefully in the NFL.
“I will train full time after I graduate with a goal to play pro ball and whenever my football career is over I plan to live and work here in Chattanooga.”
While pro ball is a goal of his and at least a year away, Webb know he has a task at hand today to help the Mocs gain a home win against The Citadel.
contact B.B. Branton at williambranton1962@gmail.com