With his first season – a disappointing one at best – with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga done, quarterback Nick Tiano was determined to grasp a deeper understanding of the Mocs’ offense.
He spent time with offensive coordinator Justin Rascati watching NFL video, as well as that of other colleges. He was exhaustive in his study of the Mocs’ playbook, all the while trying to be the best player he could be going forward.
He’s still working on that, but he’s much better already.
Tiano has been a completely different player in his second season with the program, which continues today at 1 p.m. against Furman at Paladin Stadium. Statistically he’s far superior this season, but just a look at the 6-foot-5, 240-pound junior reveals the level of confidence that was mostly lacking a season ago.
“He’s grown a lot,” UTC head coach Tom Arth said. “Nick’s a really smart guy; he’s really sharp, and football is important to him. He spent the time needed to invest and learn, and you grow in an offense. He went from knowing and understanding the offense to mastering the offense.