Slightly less than a year ago, Jared Johnson topped off one of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wrestling program's most amazing comebacks.
He'll be on the mat again this afternoon when the Mocs host Virginia. The meet starts at 2 p.m. at Maclellan Gym.
The heavyweight pinned Patrick Gillen deep into the second period, handing the Mocs a surprising 19-18 victory over Virginia in February of last season.
UTC was down 18-7 headed into the final three weight classes, and then-senior John Lampe started the rally with a decision. Scottie Boykin, the 197-pounder who's taking a redshirt this season, beat 11th-ranked Zachary Nye 7-3, bringing UTC within striking distance and setting the stage for Johnson's heroics.
It may take more of the same today from Jordan, who's ranked 14th nationally, or another Moc.
"It should be a great meet. There are several toss-up matches. The outcome may come down to bonus points and winning those toss-ups," said UTC coach Heath Eslinger, whose team is ranked No. 24 in the latest national polls.
In addition to Boykin, 141-pound Mike Pongracz also has been granted a redshirt season, but Eslinger has no regrets about those decisions although the two have four NCAA tournament appearances between them.
"Yeah, it's tough as a coach but we're doing what's right for the kids," he said.
Senior Clay Dent has been an admirable addition to the lineup in the place of Boykin.
"He's looking good and he's healthy after getting banged up a little at Lindenwood (tournament)," Eslinger said. "The kid is a picture of consistency - just doing the right things day in and day out and being a good teammate."
Roman Boylen has stepped in at 141 and has a 4-2 record. He's one of four sophomores expected to be in the UTC lineup this afternoon, joining Alonzo Allen (125), Chris DeBien (133) and Trey Watson (157). Freshman Dylanger Potter will be at 149.
Although just 2-5, Allen has impressed the coaching staff.
"He continues to get better. He has consistently put in the work and it's a matter of belief in himself. We're beginning to see that belief," Eslinger said.
Allen will have his hands full with the Cavaliers' Jack Mueller, who's 8-0 and ranked 15th nationally. Virginia, which wrestled Gardner-Webb on Friday, also will roll out ranked wrestlers at 141 (No. 10 George DiCamillo, 5-0) and 157 (No. 17 Andrew Atkinson, 7-2).
This is the first time Virginia has visited Chattanooga for a dual meet.
Contact Ward Gossett at wgossett@timesfreepress.com or 423-886-4765. Follow him at Twitter.com/wardgossett.