Recently, while walking on the sideline at Scrappy Moore Field, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offensive lineman Devin Lively was overheard saying something to the extent of, “Just get behind me, get behind this offensive line and let’s go score some touchdowns.”
He’s going to have a chance to be a leader on that unit this season, which has suddenly become one of — if not the most — experienced units on UTC this upcoming year.
Now in his third spring with the program, Lively has appeared in 18 games in two seasons, with seven of those coming as a starter at center. After backing up 2024 Rimington Award winner Reid Williams, Lively split reps with former Red Bank standout B.J. Ragland last season.
He’s now in pole position to take over as a full-time option, and with Nick Paul and Aidan Donald — who started all 12 games in 2025 — returning, Watts Alexander — who played in 10 games with two starts — back and Tracy Jackson in line to move into one of the guard positions vacated by the graduated Tyrell Ragland.
The Moc coaching staff may grant Lively’s wish and just get behind that unit for more success in 2026.