Football

A shoulder injury late in the 2013 season slowed J.T. and kept him sidelined throughout the 2014 spring drills...he battled back into the rotation in Tech's offensive line during the season, and continued to develop into a player who can have an impact on Tech's prospects...will line up at center in his third season in a backup role following a very good 2015 spring...outstanding football smarts...a solid player who has returned to full sttrength...came out of a very strong high school program...unlimited potential...good size and outstanding strength...primed to make huge contributions as a true freshman in 2012 but suffered a season-ending injury in his first game and was granted a medical redshirt...came back as a redshirt freshman in 2013 season and provided consistent depth to the center position...consistent entry on the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.

AT TECH (IN 2014): After missing most of spring drills following shoulder surgery, J.T. worked his way back onto the field during fall camp and saw action in five games including starts in the first three games of the year.

(IN 2013): J.T. played in eight games and started in three during his redshirt freshman year...during his first start he made his first career tackle, that coming against UT Martin...late-season shoulder injury slowed him in the final month.

(IN 2012): J.T. appeared in the North Greenville game in the opener and sustained an injury that forced him to take a medical redshirt...kept his focus in the classroom and made two appearances on the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.

IN HIGH SCHOOL: The starting center for Alcoa High School where he played for his father, coach Gary Rankin, J.T. helped the Tornadoes rank among the top teams in the state throughout his career which featured 43 consecutive starts...named all-state as both a junior and senior, he was a key in Alcoa winning the TSSAA state title in 2008, 2009 and 2010, including undefeated seasons in both 2009 and 2010...team captain as a senior...Knoxville News Sentinel PrepXtra first-team selection and selected for the Tennessee East-West All-Star game...graded out at 88 percent as a senior with 82 pancake blocks.

PERSONAL: The son of Gary and Sandra Rankin, he was an Honors student... born January 31, 1993, in Alcoa, Tenn... full name is John Tucker Rankin (J.T.)... majoring in EXPW/fitness and wellness.