Malden's Tapp signs letter of intent with Tennessee State University

MALDEN – Chayse Tapp, a 6'3 offensive lineman for the Malden Green Wave football team, signed a letter of intent to continue his academic and athletic career at Tennessee State University last Friday.

Tapp received more than ten offers to play college football, but he made the decision to go with his first offer from TSU, which is located in Nashville, Tenn.

Present for the moment were Tapp's family, friends, and coaching staff at Malden High School.

“When I received that first offer with Tennessee State University I was already impressed when I saw the names on the coaching staff,” Tapp said. “Eddie George is one of the best in the nation.”

“When I went to visit them on campus, they immediately made me feel at home,” he continued. “They all came up to shake my hand. They just showed me a kind of love and comfort that allowed me to feel like I had a new family. I am extremely excited to go there and do my part in helping to make the team even better.”

Tennessee State University finished last season with a 4-7 overall record and will kick off its 2023 campaign by traveling to Notre Dame Sept. 2.

Tapp's mother and father spoke about how proud they are of their son for his hard work and dedication.

“He is the first one in the family to go on to college,” Tapp's mother, Lorena Tapp, said.

Tapp's younger sister Barbie also expressed pride in her brother, saying, “We are all so proud of him.”

“Although he had several offers, we knew that his trip to Nashville would be hard to beat,” his father Jimmy said. “He was impressed by everything Tennessee had to offer, especially the way they made him feel at home. He said it was like he was already a part of their family.”

Malden football coach Jeff Bullock had nothing but praises when it came to the athlete.

“Chayse is a well-rounded young man with a ton of potential,” Bullock said. “Athletics just comes easy to him. He comes from a wonderful family who is involved with every aspect of his life. From his parents to his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and it goes on. They are just great people. They've all played a huge role in raising such a wonderful and talented young man. I can't wait to see his growth and maturity develop as he moves on in this next chapter of his life. We are extremely proud of him and know that he will do great things at Tennessee.”

Green Wave baseball coach Tim Harmon was also present for the signing. He said, “Chayse has always been a good high-quality athlete and person in general.”