COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Tech football team has a new addition, as defensive back Jimmie Blair will transfer from UAB and begin play as a Golden Eagle this fall. A 6-foot-1, 200-pound safety from Jacksonville, N.C., Blair will join the Golden Eagles this summer and has three seasons of eligibility remaining.

“I recruited Jimmie when I was at UAB,” said Golden Eagle coach Watson Brown. “He played runningback and defensive back in high school, and we’ll play him at safety. I think he can come in here and immediately challenge for a starting position.”

Blair was a redshirt for the Blazers in 2007. He was on the team but did not see any action last season.

Originally a two-sport standout during his career at Lejeune High School in eastern North Carolina, Blair rushed for 1,689 yards and 18 touchdowns as a junior for coach Tom Childs, and was the second-leading rusher in the Onslow County.

He was on his way to an outstanding senior season in 2006, rushing for 169 yards in the season opener and 120 in the second game, before he suffered a season-ending leg injury. He was named first-team all-conference two consecutive seasons, and also lettered in basketball and track & field.

The son of JoAnn and Jimmie Blair, he will enroll in general curriculum.