May 14, 2009

Grand Valley State sixth-year head football coach Chuck Martin announced that former University of Tennessee offensive lineman, Darris Sawtelle, will join the Laker football program as a transfer. Sawtelle will be eligible to play beginning with the 2009 season.

Sawtelle, who prepped at Birmingham (Mich.) Brother Rice High School, spent two years at Tennessee as a reserve on the UT offensive line. Coming out of high school Sawtelle was a Rivals four star recruit and was listed at the No. 14 overall offensive tackle prospect in the country. Rivals also tabbed Sawtelle as the No. 7 overall prospect in Michigan. Scout.com gave Darris a four star listing and a No. 14 overall ranking among offensive tackles. In addition, Sawtelle was an ESPN No. 26 overall offensive tackle and a PrepStar All-American selection.

As a senior, Sawtelle was named to the Detroit News and Detroit Free Press Dream teams, as well as earning All-Catholic, All-County and All-Metro honors. He closed his high school career by playing played in the High School All-American Bowl in Florida.