Christian Charles chose the University of Tennessee for more than just football.
The senior signal-caller and defensive specialist at Chestatee High said it was about a place to get a good education first and said he feels at home at the University of Tennessee.
"I feel like it was the best place for me to get an education, first off, as a student," he said. "Then after that, I felt like it was the best place for my football career from what I'm planning to play in college."
Unfortunately for Charles, his senior season was cut short due to an injury, but he's recovering and said he's at peace with it.
"I'm doing very well," he said. "I'm just trying to focus on the brighter side of things and well on my way to recovery."
Charles was recruited to Tennessee to play in the defensive secondary. His high school coach, Shaun Conley, said he is excited about the opportunity in front of Charles.
"I have said it many many times... his numbers speak for themselves," Conley said. "What people didn’t get to see is the commitment Christian had for making himself better in order to be able to achieve numbers like that, and the courage Christian had to stay at Chestatee and always be a great teammate. He is one of the hardest working kids I have coached. I can’t remember him ever missing a workout, practice or another opportunity in order to make himself and the team better. As athletic as he is and as many on the field accolades as he has been able to accomplish, what makes Christian special is his character which he exhibits daily both on and off the field. I couldn’t be happier for Christian and his family. Tennessee is getting a good one!"
In 31 games, Charles completed 401 of 670 passes for 4,521 yards and 25 touchdowns and rushed 423 times for 2,711 yards and 33 scores.
To listen to the full interview, click play above.
