DEFENSIVE LINE
Much like the previous staff, UTC defensive coordinator Matthew Feeney builds his defense from the front. The Mocs desire to stop the run, and they have a pair of 2017 All-Southern Conference linemen in seniors Isaiah Mack and Derek Mahaffey to do so. Redshirt freshman Devonnsha Maxwell could slide into the graduated Taylor Reynolds' spot at the end opposite Mack. Telvin Jones provides a really good backup at tackle behind Mahaffey, while sophomore Tyler Cross, true freshman Tavi McLean and junior Tristan Mann could play some at the defensive end positions.
LINEBACKERS
The Mocs have experience at the outside linebacker positions with Michael Bean, Khayyan Edwards and Hawk Schrider all back from solid initial seasons. Ian Hayes had a good preseason and should be in line to play, as could true freshman Ben Brewton. Tavon Lawson is the most experienced returner at inside linebacker; he was the team's leader in tackles midway through the season before being injured. Marshall Cooper, redshirt freshman C.J. Winston and true freshman Nyvin Nelson also likely will get on the field as the coaching staff likes to play a lot of people.
DEFENSIVE BACKS
Seniors C.J. Fritz and Kareem Orr appear in line to start at the corners, while sophomores Brandon Dowdell and Jerrell Lawson seem to have the safety positions locked down. Behind that quartet is a lot of talent. Junior Cameron Turner has made huge strides from last season, while graduate transfer Andrew Brown led Florida International in tackles his final season. Jordan Jones has remained a reliable part of the rotation with on-field experience, while sophomores Rashun Freeman and D.J. Jackson will be hard to keep off the field - Freeman at safety and Jackson at either corner or as the nickel along with Jabril Malone.