UTC’s offensive lineman Hunter Townson (#70) performs drills during the Moc’s first spring practice in pads at Scrappy Moore Field on Friday.Having spent the first two days of spring practice working out in shorts and helmets, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team ratcheted things up a notch Friday evening by going out in full pads. And even without any heavy contact, the excitement level among players and coaches was noticeably raised also.
Coach Russ Huesman said the plan is to amp up the workload a bit more for this morning’s practice, when the Mocs will go live for about 16-18 plays.
“I think the big thing is when you put the pads on, whether you’re tackling, which we didn’t do today, or just out there going through plays, it lets these guys play a little freer,” Huesman said. “You don’t cringe like you do when you’re not wearing pads. It’s just another step as we progress into spring, but it’s definitely way better for everybody when you’ve got pads on.”
Besides individual and group workouts, the Mocs did have a short round of one-on-one drills early on, with the defense setting the tone.
“You want to get your name called in those one-on-one matchups so you can show everybody what you’ve got,” said senior defensive end Toyvian Brand. “That felt great because we’ve all been anticipating this moment all during offseason workouts, just waiting and getting ready for the time they let us start hitting again. That’s why we’re out here. It’s fun.”