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UTC White shades Blue 6-0 on Ribeiro kicks Weidmer: Ken Whisenhunt feels right for Tennessee Titans
Maybe it just took a game atmosphere to bring out the best in Dale Warren.
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga sophomore linebacker was named defensive most valuable player in Saturday's spring game, finishing with six tackles for the Blue team. Because the regulars at his position remained relatively healthy last season, Warren didn't get a lot of work, playing primarily on special teams. At times this spring he struggled, but he looked really good Saturday.
"I saw him flash a bunch of times," UTC coach Russ Huesman said. "He can run; he'll hit you; he's a really good player. We just need him to learn the defense, but we think he's got a bright future."
Warren spoke afterward like a player who is ready to make an impact. Maybe the sight of the big 2014 Southern Conference championship ring -- handed out to the graduated seniors at halftime and to the returners afterward -- on his finger was extra motivation to perform.
"I can be a good asset to this team because I have a good work ethic," he said. "When I'm on the field, I push everybody, and being a part of the defense will be a good change this year. Now I just can't slack off -- stay on my grind, keep studying the playbook and do everything I'm supposed to do."
Defensive line steps up
Early in the spring, the defensive line was a point of concern. There was a lot of talent there, but only three players -- Keionta Davis, Josh Freeman and Toyvian Brand -- had any starting experience.
Fifteen practices later, that position seems very solid.
There was a total of five sacks Saturday afternoon. The White team had three -- two by D.J. Prather and one by Tony Zaffore -- while the Blue team had one apiece by Brandon Bourk and Isaiah Mack, who finished with three in his final two scrimmages.
Not bad for a position group that lost potential NFL draftees Davis Tull and Derrick Lott, plus other experienced players such as Zach Rayl and Danny Ring from last season.
Davis, who had three quarterback hurries, said Saturday's game shows how much that area has grown.
"We've had some rough patches, but our work ethic helps us have days like this," he said. "Seeing us execute how we did is always a plus, and shows we can go out and take care of business when we have to."
He feels the line can be as good this season as last, if not better.
"We have a lot to live up to from last year, but we have to go beyond that," Davis said. "Now we have the summertime to get better, and then we'll put our head down and work until it's time to play ball."
Bennifield keeps improving
It wasn't the end to the spring he'd hoped for, but sophomore quarterback Alejandro Bennifield had an efficient day for both offenses. He completed all four of his passes for 30 yards for the White team and finished 5-for-8 overall and ran for 10 yards in earning the offensive MVP honor.
He threw for 201 yards in the 2014 spring game, but the coaching staff felt he's become a better player this spring.
"He's probably been our player of the spring," offensive coordinator Jeff Durden said. "I think that's more about the spring than it was this game today."
Bennifield said he's primarily tried to work on being more of a leader. Throughout the 12 practices and three scrimmages, he was seen tapping players on the helmets or encouraging them, no matter the outcome of the previous play.
"Now I just have to keep working in the summer on getting stronger and faster," he said. "I've got to watch film and get ready for Jax State (UTC's opening opponent)."
The real McCoy
Running back Shaqualm McCoy continued his strong spring Saturday, with a game-high 33 yards rushing on eight carries. He was the team's leading rusher in all three scrimmages, with a total of 215 yards on 38 attempts.
The walk-on, who prepped at Notre Dame and Ridgeland, will have to continue to pick his game up for training camp, when the competition really heats up. Derrick Craine and Richardre Bagley have already proven their abilities in games, and true freshmen Kyle Nalls -- who was in attendance Saturday -- and Alex Trotter enter the mix.
McCoy has done enough to make the coaches notice. Coach Huesman said after Saturday's scrimmage that "if he learns the offense, he'll give us something."
Durden went into more detail about the 5-foot-11, 220-pounder.
"It'll be interesting to see how he competes with the incoming freshmen," he said. "Can he compete with those guys? We'll find out in the fall, and I'll have twice as many practices (29) to figure it out. I'm impressed, though. He's physical at times and has some pretty good ball skills for a big guy."
What's next
UTC will have final exams starting Wednesday and running through Tuesday the 28th. After that the football team will watch intently to see if any of the departing seniors hear their name called in the NFL draft. Most of the players will spend their summers around the area.
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him at twitter.com/genehenleytfp.