SOLID CORE RETURNING
If football games are won in the trenches, then UTC feels good about its chances. Four offensive line starters return from a team that averaged 413 yards per game, including a school-record 241.9 rushing yards per contest. Corey Levin is an NFL prospect and two-time winner of the Jacobs Blocking Award, given to the best offensive lineman in the Southern Conference. Center Jacob Revis is back and was a first-team preseason all-conference selection along with Levin, while Josh Cardiello was a second-team pick and Hunter Townson is a two-year starter. The offense will look somewhat different with pocket-preferring junior Alejandro Bennifield replacing stalwart quarterback Jacob Huesman, a powerful runner between the tackles. but this core should be able to handle new challenges.
NEW FACES
Redshirt freshman Malcolm White was listed as the first-team tackle opposite Townson after spring practice concluded, with classmate Tyler Martin listed as his backup. The 6-foot-6, 300-pound White moves well and blocks well, making him the ideal replacement for graduated starter and two-time All-SoCon selection Synjen Herren. The other newcomer is the position coach, as Adam Ross replaced Chris Malone, who took a job at Old Dominion. Ross, who came from national finalist Jacksonville State, harped during spring practice on following the ball on every play, which was a change from Malone, and the linemen seemed to be making the adjustment well by the end of the spring.
STRENGTHS