Back out at Scrappy Moore Field on Thursday morning for its third practice in 26 hours, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team hobbled a bit on tired legs between drills. But when it was time to work, they appeared energized and enthusiastic despite the physical and mental toll that comes with the start of two-a-days.

“We’re practicing hard, and we just got to continue to coach them hard and they’ve got to continue to respond,” Mocs coach Rodney Allison said.

The Mocs practiced for about two hours — again starting at 7:25 a.m. — a day after going in the morning and late afternoon. Wednesday’s morning session concluded with four rounds of sprints — called “gassers” — but to the surprise and delight of the players, Thursday’s practice ended much more easily with some not-too-taxing special teams work.

Among the players who stood out was wide receiver Chris Pitchford, who continues to catch everything thrown his way. Fellow wideout Jordan Hazard also made some good plays, including a spectacular diving grab in which he caught the ball a few inches above the turf.

On the other side of the ball, cornerback Buster Skrine broke up several passes, and defensive end Neil Brown continued to be a menace to the offensive linemen.

The Mocs will practice twice Friday and will conduct their first scrimmage of the preseason at 9 a.m. Saturday at Finley Stadium. Like the rest of UTC’s preseason practices, the scrimmage is open to the public.

And now, five questions with a UTC player. This is the first installment of what will be a regular feature on the Mocs blog this season.

Five questions with linebacker Aaron Adams, a 6-foot-1, 225-pound senior from Scottsdale, Ariz.:

1. What’s been the best moment of your athletic career?

My junior year in high school we won the lacrosse state championship. That was by far the best feeling, because you know you’re No. 1 and there’s nobody above you.

2. If you could sit down to any meal, what would it be?

A nice rare steak, baked potato with sour cream and bacon and a salad with just a little bit of ranch dressing.

3. If you could meet any living person, who would it be?

Michael Jordan. Ever since I was a kid, he’s always been a big inspiration.

4. What movie can you watch over and over again without getting tired of it?

For sure I can watch “Forrest Gump” over and over. It’s cool, there’s a hundred stories in one movie. And “The Blues Brothers,” you can’t go wrong there either.

5. What sports team has the best uniforms?

I like (the University of) Colorado with the all black. I like all black or all white, so I like Texas and their all-white uniforms, too.

For more Mocs coverage see tomorrow’s Times Free Press.

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