Austin Brackett and family sit during his signing ceremony with Carson Newman at Rhea County High School on February 9, 2022.(Photo:GaryBolden)

RCHS Eagle Football Player Will Attend Carson Newman After Graduation

2/11/22

Evensville, Tn -- Rhea County High School senior Austin Brackett signed scholarship papers to attend Carson Newman and play football. Austin signed the papers with family, friends, school officials, teammates and coaches in attendance. The All-Region linebacker and Region "Linebacker of the Year" helped lead the Eagles to a 10-3 record last year will pursue a degree related to economics at Carson Newman. Austin played in 13 games in 2021 and had 77 solo and 44 assisted tackles for a total of 121 tackles to lead the team. In his junior year, he had 57 solo tackles and 32 assisted tackles for 89 total tackles. Austin is the son of Wylie and Ashlee Brackett. His family moved to Rhea County from Roane County in his 7th grade year. Austin played football at Spring City Middle School before playing for the Eagles. During the last two years, the Eagles went 19-5 and finished first in 5A-Region 4 both years.

Carson Newman has a great football history with 643 Wins against 343 losses and 32 ties over the years. Carson Newman first played football in 1895. The team has won 5 National Championships, the last was in 1989. They have 24 conference championships. It is a Christian university with over 2,800 total enrollment, located in Jefferson City, Tennessee. It is known as a very good academic school.

It has been a pleasure watching Austin play, especially these last two years. His improvement has been outstanding. Austin is a fine young quiet student-athlete. He has played football, basketball and baseball over his high school career.

RCHS head coach Mark Pemberton said, " He has had tremendous improvement over the last two years. He did not play his sophomore year. He had tremendous junior season and even better 2021. Great kid and hard worker and very aggressive."

"I am tickled to death he will have opportunity to play for a quality football program in Carson Newman. It will be challenge for him, but I know he will work at it. I am excited to go see him play on Saturdays."

"He is a hard nosed stubborn player and I mean that in a good way. He is a hard nosed physical kid and good kid to coach. He has a little bit of a temper, which is good."

Austin said, "I knew they were a good football school. I went up on first visit and really liked it. They invited me up on another visit and I got a chance to talk to the coaches and meet them. I loved the "Christian College" experience."

"I will be majoring in business. They have a really good business program up there. I am hoping to get a good business apprenticeship program, maybe at Tennessee Valley Authority."

"I began playing football around 6 years of age and have played ever since. Youth football didn't have as much pressure. I played running back and defense."

"Linebacker if my favorite position. I think staying focued and reading your keys are key to being a good linebacker. It it good to have a little mean streak in you. It is kind of a family tradition to be tough."