SOLID CORE RETURNING
If football games are won in the trenches, then UTC feels good about its chances. Four offensive line starters return from a team that averaged 413 yards per game, including a school-record 241.9 rushing yards per contest. Corey Levin is an NFL prospect and two-time winner of the Jacobs Blocking Award, given to the best offensive lineman in the Southern Conference. Center Jacob Revis is back and was a first-team preseason all-conference selection along with Levin, while Josh Cardiello was a second-team pick and Hunter Townson is a two-year starter. The offense will look somewhat different with pocket-preferring junior Alejandro Bennifield replacing stalwart quarterback Jacob Huesman, a powerful runner between the tackles. but this core should be able to handle new challenges.
NEW FACES
Redshirt freshman Malcolm White was listed as the first-team tackle opposite Townson after spring practice concluded, with classmate Tyler Martin listed as his backup. The 6-foot-6, 300-pound White moves well and blocks well, making him the ideal replacement for graduated starter and two-time All-SoCon selection Synjen Herren. The other newcomer is the position coach, as Adam Ross replaced Chris Malone, who took a job at Old Dominion. Ross, who came from national finalist Jacksonville State, harped during spring practice on following the ball on every play, which was a change from Malone, and the linemen seemed to be making the adjustment well by the end of the spring.
STRENGTHS
The strength comes in the experience. Most of the unit played together a season ago, and White or Martin will provide a solid addition at the vacant position. There could be more pass blocking - since Bennifield prefers to throw more than Huesman did - but the unit allowed only 13 sacks in almost 300 passes in 2015, so the linemen should be fine. That, along with their skill in run blocking, should make this experienced group the main strength of a strong offense.
WEAKNESSES
There aren't many. The occurrences were few and far between in 2015 that the unit was pushed around at the point of attack, but it did happen some. Also, filling Herren's position isn't just about all-conference honors. His experience from 35 starts will be hard to replace. And it will be up to a redshirt freshman to fill that void.
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him at twitter.com/genehenleytfp.