As has been the case with so many players on the current University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football roster, Khayyan Edwards is focused on helping the Mocs rebound from a poor 2017 season.
And with any lingering rust that may have developed from the 6-foot-3, 244-pounder not playing much in his first two seasons with the program now seemingly gone, Edwards will have that chance.
Edwards finished with 19 tackles (1.5 for loss) with a sack and a pass breakup in his first season playing outside linebacker. The 2015 signee redshirted his first year with the program, then played in four games off the bench a year later, so last season provided his most extensive on-field experience.
During the Mocs' spring practices that started last month, Edwards has appeared bigger, faster and even more confident with a year of experience in the Mocs' 3-4 defensive front, which was a change from the 4-2 the former defensive end played in under the previous coaching staff.
"I would say getting back on the field was a smooth transition," Edwards said before Wednesday's practice. "I was able to grow as a player when I did get my opportunity to be on the field, and to be able to see as many different aspects, different formations the way our coaches showed us really helped me out, so I wasn't surprised that it all came fairly natural to me."
Outside linebackers coach Shelton Felton said Edwards had just started to "scratch the surface" last season, and Edwards said his primary goal heading into this season is to become a more physical, more violent player on the field.
The more he grows into his role, the better he'll be suited at filling it.
"In the conversations I've had with him, I've learned how important this season is for him and how important his performance is," UTC coach Tom Arth said. "He certainly has the ability to be the most physical, most violent player on our team, and that's what we need out of him, what we need out of that position.
"I've been really impressed with everything that I've seen from him this spring."
The Mocs will practice Friday evening at Finley Stadium before taking next week off for the school's spring break. They'll return to practice March 19 at Scrappy Moore Field.
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenleytfp.