Mocs will need freshmen to contribute

Ever since he signed with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, kicker Nick Pollard has been the Mocs' starter heading into the 2010 season. With no other kickers on the roster, the job was his.

For the 13 other scholarship true freshmen, including former Red Bank standout Keith Mayes, earning a starting spot during the preseason is a long shot. However, Mayes and one or two other freshmen could see significant playing time this season, coach Russ Huesman said.

"I think if we're ever going to play freshmen, this may be the year," said Huesman, who would prefer to redshirt every newcomer. "It may be a year where we say, play 'em and get them in the two-deep if they are good enough, put them on special teams and do it."

Because of UTC's limited scholarship numbers due to Academic Progress Rate penalties - the Mocs are down eight from the FCS maximum of 65 - the team is thin at some positions.

Linebacker and defensive line are two areas short on numbers, which could give Mayes a chance to play right away while fellow Red Bank alum Keon Williams may redshirt this season because of the guys in front of him at running back.

Mayes, an all-state safety at Red Bank, is working with the second unit at Will (weakside) linebacker. It's a position switch UTC's coaches had discussed with him during his recruitment, and it's one he likes so far.

"That might be a little more fun," he said of playing Will. "I'm down in the box and get to hit more."

Pollard's situation is unique because following the graduation of Craig Camay, UTC didn't have another kicker. Junior Mike Hammons has kicked in the past, but Huesman wants him to focus on punting.

While Pollard doesn't have the pressure to earn playing time that some other freshmen do, he does have the be ready to perform come Sept. 4, when the Mocs hosts Appalachian State. Huesman has already put him in some pressure situations in practice and those are sure to continue in the weeks ahead.

"I love that," Pollard said. "It's what a kicker wants to do, make that game-winning kick. The more you practice it, the better off you are."

Three true freshmen started for the Mocs last season: defensive end Josh Williams, running back Chris Awuah and fullback Will Brooks. Williams had 7.0 sacks and was voted second-team All-Southern Conference and Awuah was the Mocs' leading rusher.

Several freshmen, both true and redshirt, will be counted on again this season. True freshman defensive tackle Devin Scates, of Memphis, is working with the second unit while starter Nick Craig is out with plantar fasciitis.

Among the redshirts, cornerback Kadeem Wise is working with the first team, as are wide receiver Marlon Anthony and safety D.J. Key. Linebackers Gunner Miller and Wes Dothard are practicing with the second unit.

Extra points

Huesman described Monday morning's practice, UTC's first in full pads, as "a little sloppy, sluggish." One thing he liked was quarterback B.J. Coleman's deep throws, which have been on target, and caught, routinely throughout the preseason. "Obviously you can't miss those throws at any point in time and he's been putting it on pretty good," he said. ... The Mocs will practice twice today, first at 7:45 a.m. and then again at 6:30.

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