D-LINE 'U'
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team has been known in recent years for its edge rushers and ability to attack the quarterback. Last season was no different, as the unit combined for 26.5 sacks, led by a school-record 13.5 from 2016 preseason All-American Keionta Davis. Other returning seniors are Vantrel McMillan, a preseason All-Southern Conference selection who could be poised for a breakout season, and tackle Justin King, the Tennessee transfer who had a solid first season at the position and had improved even more by the spring. Tackle Taylor Reynolds is back after missing half the 2015 season with a sprained MCL, as is Isaiah Mack, who disrupted backfields on his way to 3.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss and SoCon all-freshman-team honors.
NEW BLOOD
The unit lost only two players in all-conference performers Toyvian Brand and Josh Freeman, but there was a lot of turnover in the offseason nevertheless. Defensive line coach Marcus West left to become the co-defensive coordinator under former UTC assistant Will Healy at Austin Peay. West was replaced by Carey Bailey, who brought a new style in which he expects the players to become more cerebral on the field as opposed to the instinctive style of play West emphasized. The returners had the spring to work with Bailey, but junior college transfer Derek Mahaffey, Middle Tennessee State basketball transfer Joshua Phillips and true freshmen Demarcus Clarke and Jonathan Decker are new to the program and will get a taste starting Aug. 3 when camp opens.
STRENGTHS
The ability to get to the quarterback remains a big strength for this unit and will be key as the Mocs could be very young at the cornerback positions. It may not be "the rush," as West used to call it, but Bailey's effective system combined with what West taught could make this unit better than ever. Davis is the focal point, but that could pave the way for players such as McMillan and fellow senior D.J. Prather to get opportunities for sacks as Davis draws additional coverage.
WEAKNESSES
Quantity is there, but quality depth still must be developed. Prather is the most experienced end besides Davis and McMillan, so those three need to stay healthy as the Mocs try to bring along redshirt freshman Khayyan Edwards, junior Trevor Jachimowicz or one of the true freshmen. The team feels good about returning tackles King, Mack and Reynolds but need junior Brandon Bourk and/or redshirt freshman Telvin Mack to develop, or Mahaffey - who started his career at Western Kentucky - to be immediately ready.
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenleytfp.