UTC defensive coordinator Adam Braithwaite instructs the defense during the Mocs' victory over Austin Peay.Although it's a bye week for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team, the schedule has not slowed noticeably for the coaching staff.
The team returned to Scrappy Moore Field Wednesday afternoon after having Monday and Tuesday off from practice. With the exception of head coach Russ Huesman, defensive coordinator Adam Braithwaite and offensive coordinator Jeff Durden, the rest of the staff spent those two days on the road recruiting.
Huesman and the two coordinators stayed back to begin putting together the game plan for next week's Southern Conference opener against last year's co-champion Samford. Those coaches also spent time going back over film of the Mocs' first three games to determine if they saw tendencies in their play-calling that opponents might also recognize.
"Every school in the country self scouts and the open week is a good time for us to do that, just to see if we are predictable in what we're doing," Huesman said. "Defensively we're pretty simple. We just let our athletes make plays for the most part.
"Offensively I just wanted to make sure they couldn't get a bead on us based on where our back was with down and distance. We do so many different things there. I wanted to make sure that we weren't giving anything away."
NFL scouts visit
There has been a steady stream of NFL scouts attending Mocs practices for several weeks, including Wednesday with the Broncos and Jaguars represented. While scouts survey several players, their focus is mainly on defensive linemen Derrick Lott and Davis Tull, as well as tight end Faysal Shafaat and running back Keon Williams.
Mocs defense ranked
UTC's is ranked No. 22 nationally in total defense according to the latest NCAA statistics for FCS programs. The Mocs are allowing an average of 303.3 yards per game, ranking No. 17 in passing yards allowed (145) and No. 48 in rushing defense (158.3). UTC is also No. 22 in scoring defense, giving up an average of 17.3 points through three games.
"Semi-pleased," Huesman said when asked to evaluate the defense so far. "We made some plays against Jacksonville State but I don't think we played as well as we're capable. I don't think we played great against Austin Peay. We played okay. Bottom line is we expect so much from our defense. If they're not playing to their capabilities, and that's all I care about, then it's not good enough."
Hudson honored
Just days after being named SoCon special teams player of the week, Mocs senior Tommy Hudson also was named the National Punt Returner of the Week by College Football Performance Awards. Hudson returned three punts for 65 yards (21.7 yard average), including a 58-yard touchdown against Austin Peay. Before the season Hudson was named to the CFPA Watch List for punt returners.
'C' Club event
The Mocs are hosting the first 'C' Club event of the year at next weekend's home game against Samford. The C Club is the Mocs letter winners' group that includes former student-athletes, cheerleaders, managers, trainers and coaches. There will be a campus tour on Friday at 1 p.m. beginning at McKenzie Arena and a reception and dinner that evening at 6 in the Tennessee Room at the University Center. On gameday there will be tailgating at the First Tennessee Pavilion, beginning at 5 p.m. and the game is set to kickoff at 7 p.m. All C Club members will be recognized at halftime. Anyone with questions about the C Club can contact Joe Levin at (423) 425-4233.
Contact Stephen Hargis at shargis@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6293.