University of Tennessee at Chattanooga junior J.D. Dothard is not only coming back from knee surgery, he’s also learning a new position this preseason.
Dothard was emerging as one of the better strong safeties in the Southern Conference midway through last season when he tore the ACL in his left knee against Georgia Southern. Following surgery and months of rehab – he said the knee is about 90-percent healthy – he’s back on the field, only now at Will (weakside) linebacker.
“I’m trying to pick up on things, see things from that position because I’m used to playing from deep,” he said following Saturday’s practice. “At the line of scrimmage I’ve got to see things better.”
Dothard was moved to Will in the offseason, but the Mocs’ first three practices of the preseason are his first opportunity to work at his new position.
“He’s such a diligent worker, really intelligent, just working at it,” defensive coordinator Adam Fuller said. “He’s got obvious skills where he can run, he’s physical – he’ll be a good player.”
Pollard under pressure
Near the end of practice freshman kicker Nick Pollard was in the spotlight. Coach Russ Huesman announced to the team that for every missed field goal the Mocs would have to run a gasser – a challenge designed to put UTC’s only kicker under pressure.
Kicking a 25-yarder, Pollard pulled his first two left of the left upright before hitting the next two. Huesman then moved him back to try a 42-yarder and announced that if Pollard made it then there would be no running. Pollard sent the kick down the middle, with plenty of room to spare.
“I wouldn’t put any other freshman in that situation, but he’s going to be in that situation, probably pretty fast this year,” Huesman said. “He’s got to learn to hit things in pressure situations.”
Veres still with team
Wide receiver Jeff Veres, who was arrested outside a Nashville bar on July 31, will continue practicing with the team. Huesman said all disciplinary action will be handled internally.
Huesman has met with Veres and discussed the incident, which resulted in the 20-year-old being charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and underage drinking.
“It’s going to be handled amongst our football team,” Huesman said.
Extra points
Five former Mocs graduated Saturday: Shaun Kermah, B.J. Taylor, Rodney Beamon, Cody Romans and Doug Faatiliga. … Running back Bryan Fitzgerald (foot) returned to practice after sitting out Friday, while junior defensive tackle Nick Craig is still out with plantar fasciitis