Linebacker has become a plug-and-play position for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team during Russ Huesman's tenure as head coach.
First-year linebacker starters have been able to have immediate success despite being asked to do a lot in the Mocs' 4-2-5 defensive scheme, being asked to span sideline to sideline and make plays.
Dale Warren is just the latest example of that.
In recent seasons, the Mocs have had players such as Gunner Miller, Wes Dothard, Muhasibi Wakeel, A.J. Hampton and Nakevion Leslie patrolling the middle of the Mocs' defense.
Leslie has been the leader, playing his first two seasons at the Sam (outside) linebacker position before moving to the Mike (middle) position as a junior. His knowledge of playing both positions has been helpful for Warren, who was a leader on special teams last season before earning his chance to start on defense.
"We're both competitors," Leslie said. "Not only do we want to see each other do well, but we like to compete with each other to see who can make the play first to get some enthusiasm going. I've been through it, so when he needs advice, I can answer all of his questions to help him transition easier and help him play faster."
For Warren, it's been a long time coming. He's waited for his opportunity, and with the knowledge he would be Hampton's replacement he spent all summer working to make sure he was best prepared.
"I just focused on the little things this summer so come game time, I can fly," Warren said. "Me and Nakevion are great friends on and off the field, and come game time I know what to do because we help each other out a lot."
The 6-foot, 220-pound Warren leads the Mocs (4-0, 2-0) in tackles with 27 - one more than Leslie - while also being third on the team in tackles for loss with 4.5 and sacks with three. The defense will endure its next test today at noon in a Southern Conference clash at East Tennessee State (2-1, 1-1).
"We had A.J. Hampton last year, and Dale is very similar to him," defensive coordinator Adam Braithwaite said. "He's made a lot of football plays, and with it being the first time he's played a lot of snaps, that's encouraging to see. Those guys have a difficult job because not only do they have to be able to run, hit and be physical, but they have to think a little bit, too. Hats off to them so far: We just want them to keep moving in the right direction."
Warren had 10 tackles with two sacks against Samford last week, which was pleasing to his head coach. Huesman said earlier this week that while he's had good linebackers during his time, Warren and Leslie may be as good of a pair as he's ever had.
"We've always been blessed with some really good linebackers," Huesman said. "We're fortunate to have guys that can play, but I don't think we've ever had two as talented as these two. We've had good players, but both of these guys can run, will hit you, and Nakevion is one of the smartest guys on the football team.
"Athletically, they're probably the two best athletes we've had."
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him at twitter.com/genehenleytfp.