Alejandro “Action” Bennifield?
Not quite the same ring as University of Louisville quarterback Lamar “Action” Jackson, but according to University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offensive coordinator Jeff Durden, it’s a fair comparison.
While the 6-foot-2, 220-pound UTC quarterback prefers to pick defenses apart from the pocket, he has shown the ability to be fleet afoot, evidenced by his 229 rushing yards and five scores this season. His greatest trait is looking downfield while scrambling out of the pocket, leading to a number of big passing plays and touchdowns.
With the potential of possessions being limited Saturday in Finley Stadium against an option-heavy Wofford team, the Mocs will be looking for success every time they touch the ball.
“He needs to be dynamic,” Durden said of his quarterback. “He doesn’t just need to sit back in the pocket. If it’s not there and they drop eight, he needs to take off. Sometimes we coach caution in those guys, and that’s my job as a coach – I want you to be careful with the football – but at the same time you’re at your best when you’re in the free-wheeling zone. I want to give him the confidence to be where he’s supposed to be and stay in the protected area, but what a great weapon.