UTC defensive lineman Zack Rayl performs drills during a 2011 practice at Scrappy Moore Field.The braces hugging both their right knees, worn mostly for precaution, are the only reminders.
There are no more restrictions for Zack Rayl and Vantrell McMillan, both of whom missed all of last season with torn ACLs but have been turned loose now and are eager to regain their spots in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga defensive end rotation.
McMillan, who at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds is lightning quick coming off the left edge, tore ligaments in his knee in a noncontact drill during the second-to-last workout in the spring of 2013. Rayl’s injury happened in the final scrimmage of preseason camp, just before last year’s opener.
“I heard the pop and knew right away what it was from the pain,” Rayl said after Thursday morning’s second camp practice of 2014. “I had nightmares about that for weeks, hearing that pop. You hear it and then feel it and it’s awful. It was gut-wrenching not to be out there with the guys. Just standing and watching is the worst.
“I tried to stay involved by helping the younger guys in the spring, but you know you want to be out there making plays yourself, so being back out here now is awesome.”