Coach Tom Arth said at the beginning of preseason practice that some University of Tennessee at Chattanooga freshmen were going to have to contribute this football season.
As camp nears an end and the focus begins to shift to the regular season, some have put themselves in position to do so.
Necessity at some positions and undeniable talent in other cases have a number of redshirt and true freshmen in line to play some in 2017. They've shown they can do the job.
"It's starting to clear up a little bit," Arth said recently. "Some guys you know are developmental guys, and a lot of it is due to where they are physically: They're going to need a year to get ready. There's a few guys we're pretty confident are going to be playing for us this year, and a group in the middle still kind of competing. We're still trying to figure that out.
Brandon Dowdell (17) plays defensive back. The UTC football team practiced at Finley Stadium on August 10, 2017. "If it's going to be a situation where they're going to be playing a significant role as freshmen or if they're better off redshirting, we're still making all those decisions, but we're pleased with the group as a whole."
Arth said final decisions about potential redshirts will come down to how well the young players respond and process all the information being thrown at them.
"We have installs every day, and there's new information flying at them, so you can see the wheels turning on them a bit," Arth said. "The guys that really separate themselves are the ones that have been able to process information, execute and slow the game down."
Freshmen are unavailable to the media during preseason camp, but today the Times Free Press looks at five freshmen who have impressed and could contribute immediately:
1. Rashun Freeman, defensive back: The former Ooltewah High School standout has found his way into some first-team packages, even in the Mocs' deep and talented secondary. Freeman has proven to be a playmaker through camp, having taken a couple of interceptions back for long returns.
2. Cole Strange, offensive lineman: The former Air Force Academy recruit spent last season injured but has worked his way into a likely spot on the young UTC line. The 6-foot-5, 270-pounder has been getting some reps with the first team and has shown well trying to create holes for the running backs and protecting quarterback Alejandro Bennifield.
3. Victor Ulmo, kicker: Probably the most important freshman on the team, Ulmo has had an inconsistent preseason, although that has turned more to the positive lately. He was 4-for-4 on field-goal tries in high-pressure situations during Tuesday's practice, and he will be needed to replace three-year starting kicker Henrique Ribeiro.
4. Brandon Dowdell, defensive back: The first true freshman on the list, Dowdell made one of the most impressive plays of the preseason during a recent practice, ranging to his left to make a diving interception and prompting tackles and tight ends coach Chris Cook to say, "That's a football player there." It's uncertain where Dowdell could fit in with the crowded defensive backfield, but if he continues to perform it may be hard to keep him off the field in some capacity.
5. Bryce Nunnelly, receiver: Nunnelly may be the surprise of camp so far. The 6-2, 185-pound former Walker Valley standout - who one experienced receiver recently said "hasn't even figured out how to play yet" - and track star has gained valuable time on the field during the preseason with injuries that have slowed senior James Stovall and junior Wil Young. He may or may not crack the rotation, but he's proven that he'll be a factor at some point.
Starter packs on sale
Single-game tickets for the 2017 season are now on sale. In conjunction with that, UTC is offering a "Mocs Fan Starter Pack" for the home opener against UT-Martin on Sept. 16, which kicks off at 6 p.m. The package includes a free UTC T-shirt with each ticket purchased for the UTM game. The offer is available until Aug. 30.
Single-game tickets start at $10 for youth, $20 for general admission and $30 for reserved chairbacks.
UTC also has a tailgate package for the Jacksonville State game in Montgomery, Ala., on Aug. 26. For $25, fans get admission to the Mocs tailgate at Patterson Field, across from the Cramton Bowl. This includes food and drink pregame.
Season tickets and mini-plans remain on sale for the five-game home schedule.
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenleytfp.