The Mocs had an off day from practice as they settle into the school year on this second Monday of classes. Chattanooga just completed a successful scrimmage at Finley Stadium on Sunday and is now less than 10 days away from the start of the 2009 season.
GoMocs.com continues its outlook on the 2009 Chattanooga football season with today's overview of the defensive line. The Mocs have six returners and five newcomers.
Single-game tickets are on sale now on GoMocs.com. The Glenville State game is one of the most anticipated home-openers in school history, but fans can print their tickets at home and avoid the lines on game-day. Game-day general admission tickets are $10, but fans can enter 'restore' in the promo code box on GoMocs.com and get $5 tickets courtesy of Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Company.
Season tickets are still on sale and begin at $22 for youth, alumni, faculty and staff and can be purchased at the UTC Ticket Office - (423) 266-MOCS (6627) - or online at GoMocs.com
Be sure to make it out to "Chat with the Mocs" presented by Budweiser of Chattanooga live from Buffalo Wild Wing's downtown location on Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. This one-hour interactive radio show is hosted by the voice of the Mocs J.R. Reynolds, features head coach Russ Huesman and is aired live on ESPN Radio 105.1 FM. Buffalo Wild Wing's downtown location is 507 Broad Street in Chattanooga.
Season Outlook Part 1 - Season Overview (Aug. 10)
Season Outlook Part 2 - Quarterbacks (Aug. 11)
Season Outlook Part 3 - Running Backs
Season Outlook Part 4 - Offensive Line
Season Outlook Part 5 - Receivers
Season Outlook Part 6 - Tight Ends
Season Outlook Part 7 - Defensive Line
The Mocs will have a strong defensive line with six lettermen, including two starters, returning in 2009. This group will set the tone for what looks to be a much improved UTC defense.
"We've got a good group there," stated head coach Russ Huesman. "B.J. Taylor has played a lot of football for us and Josh Beard...can be one of the better defensive ends in the league. Jaron Norfleet is as steady as you can get and Nick Craig has had a really good camp and I am pleased with him."
Taylor, a 6-3, 298 senior, started all 12 games at left tackle and led the team with 10 tackles-for-loss in 2008. He is back at the same position for the upcoming season and was voted one of four team captains following spring practice. He finished last season with 34 tackles and a pair of sacks and is looking to improve on those numbers this season.
Norfleet, a 6-3, 250 junior, is the other returning starter, holding down the left end. He started 11 games in 2008 and has seen action in 21 games in his career. Last season, he had 25 tackles, five for a loss, and a pair of sacks. He also snagged an interception and recovered a fumble.
Craig is set to take over at right tackle after playing in seven games as a true freshman last season. The 6-2, 295 sophomore, is one of the strongest members on the team, his 430-pound bench press is best among the defensive line while his 585-pound squat is tops on the team.
Beard (6-1, 250) has earned a starting position at defensive end, opposite of Norfleet. Last season he saw action in eight games, recording eight tackles. He forced a fumble against Appalachian State and recorded a sack at Florida State.
"We have got to continue to develop depth," added Huesman. "I think we have some pass rushers and some four-down guys in there."
The second unit is led by sophomore defensive tackle La'Nard Carr (6-3, 250). He played in all 12 games in 2008, including one start. Carr totaled 17 tackles and one sack to go with four pass break-ups last season. Sophomore Pete Evans (6-3, 240) is fighting for time at defensive tackle. He played in six games in 2008, recording four tackles.
Freshman transfer De'Markus Lee (6-4, 240) is also competing for time with the second group. He is being pushed by true freshman Joshua Williams (6-3, 210) and Durlandis Hill (6-3, 220). Williams may see time on the field in his first year in the program while the coaching staff will try to redshirt Hill in 2009.
Also competing on the defensive line for the Mocs are freshmen Michael Slowey and Michael Carter. Carter (6-2, 220) joined the team in the spring and took part in all of spring practice. At 6-5 and 335 pounds, Slowey is one of the biggest players on the team. Carter may see some time on the field while Slowey is a redshirt candidate.
Be sure to check the full video interviews with Norfleet, Craig and coach Huesman at the top of page. Check back to GoMocs.com for our next look at the linebackers.
