The final game of Alejandro Bennifield’s 2016 season set extremely high expectations as to how the 2017 year would go for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga quarterback.
He came in as an All-Southern Conference second-team selection, but 48 hours before the first game he found out he would have to serve a four-game NCAA suspension for an academic violation. He returned to the field against Western Carolina on Sept. 30, but his game action – and season – lasted nine plays, as a hit from linebacker Tahjai Watt left the 6-foot-3, 220-pounder unconscious.
“I remember the first drive of the game, then next thing I know I’m sitting in the locker room,” Bennifield said after Thursday’s practice. “I don’t recall any part of that play.”
Since then, he has not been cleared to practice, left to be a spectator as the Mocs have struggled to a 2-8 season, although the team has improved over its past three games.
UTC quarterback Alejandro Bennifield (15) scrambles against Western Carolina at Finley Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 30, in Chattanooga, Tenn.“The most difficult thing is seeing things go wrong,” Bennifield said, adding that he currently “feels great.”