The final game of Alejandro Bennifield's 2016 season set extremely high expectations as to how the 2017 year would go for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga quarterback.
He came in as an All-Southern Conference second-team selection, but 48 hours before the first game he found out he would have to serve a four-game NCAA suspension for an academic violation. He returned to the field against Western Carolina on Sept. 30, but his game action - and season - lasted nine plays, as a hit from linebacker Tahjai Watt left the 6-foot-3, 220-pounder unconscious.
"I remember the first drive of the game, then next thing I know I'm sitting in the locker room," Bennifield said after Thursday's practice. "I don't recall any part of that play."
Since then, he has not been cleared to practice, left to be a spectator as the Mocs have struggled to a 2-8 season, although the team has improved over its past three games.
UTC quarterback Alejandro Bennifield (15) scrambles against Western Carolina at Finley Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 30, in Chattanooga, Tenn."The most difficult thing is seeing things go wrong," Bennifield said, adding that he currently "feels great."
"Seeing us down in close situations and knowing you can't go out and help - it's just not possible. Probably the toughest part of this situation is knowing I can't go out there and help in any way. I can just give advice on the sideline and encourage."
The UTC coaching staff has started to explore the chances of trying to get Bennifield a sixth year of eligibility. There are differing reports as to how possible that may be, but the year would definitely be beneficial if it could happen. Bennifield threw for 2,682 yards and 26 touchdowns in 2016, with 295 yards passing and 85 rushing in a 41-35 loss to Sam Houston State in the second round of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.
The fact that the Mocs run a pro-style system could only stand to benefit Bennifield, who has professional aspirations.
"I think either way, obviously I do think (him) being here, playing (would help)," said UTC coach Tom Arth, a former NFL quarterback. "He's only been a one-year starter, so getting that experience I think in our offense, with our system, our terminology would help prepare him, go through, make all those decisions pre-snap, live in game action, everything that goes on post-snap for our quarterbacks would really benefit him and help him out in the long run.
"But he's got enough of it to where I think he's got an understanding of what's going to be expected of him at the next level. He'll do well if he gets an opportunity; if it's this year, he'll do well with it."
Bennifield graduates in December. If he were to be granted the additional year (which he doesn't expect to happen), he knows there probably would be interest in him as a graduate transfer, but he said if he had the extra year he'd stay in Chattanooga, noting, "I finish what I start."
But Bennifield knows there would be at least mild NFL interest. A source told the Times Free Press that when New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick came to evaluate former Mocs Keionta Davis and Corey Levin prior to the 2017 NFL draft, he noted that he'd be coming back this year "for the thrower."
"If we're able to get him a sixth year, which I don't know, then great," Arth said. "Obviously we'd love to have him back, but if not I do think he's going to have an opportunity to get in a (NFL) camp. He's put enough on tape, shown enough ability that someone is going to give him a chance, to bring him in.
"I think the road will be a bit tougher for him, without much experience, but I think he's more than capable of making a roster or a practice squad, whatever the situation is. Football is not over for him, so I think that's the silver lining in all this, one way or another, whether it's back here for another year, or get an opportunity to really live his dream, we're going to support him the best way we can."
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenleytfp.