DEFENSIVE LINE
Much like the previous staff, UTC defensive coordinator Matthew Feeney builds his defense from the front. The Mocs desire to stop the run, and they have a pair of 2017 All-Southern Conference linemen in seniors Isaiah Mack and Derek Mahaffey to do so. Redshirt freshman Devonnsha Maxwell could slide into the graduated Taylor Reynolds’ spot at the end opposite Mack. Telvin Jones provides a really good backup at tackle behind Mahaffey, while sophomore Tyler Cross, true freshman Tavi McLean and junior Tristan Mann could play some at the defensive end positions.
LINEBACKERS
The Mocs have experience at the outside linebacker positions with Michael Bean, Khayyan Edwards and Hawk Schrider all back from solid initial seasons. Ian Hayes had a good preseason and should be in line to play, as could true freshman Ben Brewton. Tavon Lawson is the most experienced returner at inside linebacker; he was the team’s leader in tackles midway through the season before being injured. Marshall Cooper, redshirt freshman C.J. Winston and true freshman Nyvin Nelson also likely will get on the field as the coaching staff likes to play a lot of people.
DEFENSIVE BACKS