Hunter Townson won't be starring in any "Blind Side" movies any time soon.
But the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offensive tackle has been entrusted with protecting the backside of Mocs quarterbacks throughout his career. And from all parties involved, he's done a great job.
The 6-foot-4, 300-pounder from Ider, Ala., started 16 games at left tackle, protecting quarterback Jacob Huesman's back from opposing defensive ends in his first two seasons. He started 10 other games at right tackle and has missed only one game - at Florida State last season - in his UTC career.
Starting this season, Townson is back on the right side, protecting the back of the Mocs' new left-handed quarterback, Alejandro Bennifield.
"He's been amazing," Bennifield said. "I haven't really been touched and wasn't sacked one time in our scrimmage. Nothing comes from the front side, either; I feel like the line is doing really good right now.
"Their protection sends my confidence through the roof. If I know I don't have to worry about the D-line all in my face, I can worry about the safeties and linebackers and what they're doing, and I can spread the ball around."
Townson, who made the 2014 All-Southern Conference freshman team, received rave reviews about his time at UTC so far. Offensive coordinator Jeff Durden said he has been the team's "most consistent player" through spring practice and preseason camp and "knows the game and we trust him." Head coach Russ Huesman said the staff "doesn't doubt that Townson will have another great year for us."
"Hunter has been doing great this fall," first-year offensive line coach Adam Ross said. "He's really worked on his technique, and he's grown and matured since camp has gone on.
"He's got a good understanding of the game and what we're trying to accomplish."
In typical offensive-lineman fashion, Townson deflected the credit to his fellow linemen. It's a group that returns four starters, including preseason All-SoCon selections Corey Levin - the league's two-time SoCon Jacobs Blocking Award winner - center Jacob Revis and guard Josh Cardiello.
Cardiello and Townson share the right side of the line, and Townson said Cardiello deserves as much of the credit as he does.
"I just hope my work ethic and consistency shows, and I'm being trusted enough to do it," Townson said. "I come in every day, work hard. Me and Dro (Bennifield) have built a good relationship, and he knows he can trust me on the back line. If we can't protect him, we're in trouble.
"I just want to stay humble. As an O-lineman, you get blamed for a bad block, but I like that. I try to stay under the radar, work behind closed doors, so when it comes to winning, I want people to say, 'Hey, UTC has got a pretty good O-line.
"I just don't like the glory of it, I guess."
The Mocs practice this morning at 7:45. They have a closed scrimmage at 7:45 Saturday morning at Finley Stadium.
* Levin recently was mentioned by NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter as a potential NFL lineman pick from outside the Power Five conferences.
"Levin's thick build and ability to move in space give him a chance to start at left or right tackle at the next level," Reuter said. "Unlike many tackles coming out of the FCS level, this Moc has the strength to contribute right away."
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him at @genehenleytfp.