The Mocs are nearing game-week as preparations are underway for the season opener against Glenville State on Thursday, Sept. 3, at 7:00 p.m. (E.D.T.) at Finley Stadium.
"Right now, I think everybody's hungry," stated senior linebacker Joseph Thornton. "We are ready to play somebody new. The offense, I know they are tired of getting to see the defensive players and vice-versa. I think it's about time we played somebody new. A lot of the players are enthused about next week. The energy up so it is a good thing right now."
Chattanooga was back on Scrappy Moore Field today before moving to Finley Stadium for an evening practice on Thursday. GoMocs.com continues its outlook on the 2009 Chattanooga football season with today's overview of the linebackers.
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. The Mocs just topped 2,200 season tickets sold today and are less than 100 away from breaking the school record for season tickets sold.
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 (Aug. 12)
Season Outlook Part 4 - Offensive Line (Aug. 17)
Season Outlook Part 5 - Receivers (Aug. 20)
Season Outlook Part 6 - Tight Ends (Aug. 22)
Season Outlook Part 7 - Defensive Line (Aug. 24)
Season Outlook Part 8 - Linebackers
The Mocs' linebacker group has four seniors among its top-five in the rotation, making it one of the most experienced groups on the team.
Senior Joseph Thornton leads 10 players competing for one of three spots on the field. He is currently No. 1 on the depth chart on the strong side. With 174 career tackles, he has a chance to break into the top-10 on the Mocs' all-time chart. He has started the last 27 consecutive games dating back to his sophomore season.
"This year they have me playing more out in coverage and using my athleticism as much as possible," continued Thornton. "I am loving the new spot...setting up for tackles and a lot of interceptions this year. My expectations are real high when looking at the position I am playing this year compared to last year."
One of the leaders on the team, Thornton (6-2, 215) was the Chattanooga's recipient of the Southern Conference Coleman Lew Award given to a student-athlete for his leadership, community service and success in the classroom.
Another leader in the linebacker ranks is senior Steven Smigelsky. A 6-2, 224-pound middle linebacker, Smigelsky was elected captain by this teammates follow spring practice. He has played in 20 games over the last two years and was an Academic All-SoCon selection in 2008.
Senior Doug Faatiliga (6-3, 258) also returns and is fifth among the lettermen in tackles with 34 last season. He started nine of 12 games in 2008 and is one of the strongest linebackers. His bench (445), squat (545) and power clean (305) all lead the linebackers.
Senior Tony Swafford (5-11, 180) is adjusting to a new position after moving up to linebacker from safety. He was second on the team with 61 tackles last season. He is currently working with the second group and brings energy and experience off the bench.
Redshirt freshman Ryan Consiglio (6-1, 210) has been impressive in his second year in the program. He has worked his way up to the first group during fall camp and will be one of the top defenders this season.
"We got a great bunch," added Thornton. "We've got young guys and older guys. The younger guys learn a lot from us and we are learning from the new coaches. The linebackers are one of the strongest parts of our defense this year. That's where we are right now."
Sophomore Thomas Green, redshirt freshmen Arsenio Clemmons and Shane Heatherly and freshmen Gunner Miller and Wes Dothard are also fighting for time on the field. Heatherly (6-3, 210) had worked his way up the depth chart in spring practice, but has been slowed by nagging injuries during fall camp. Clemmons (6-1, 205) is looking to return to the form that got him the Defensive MVP award at the Spring Game. Green (6-0, 220) is working with the second unit, while Miller and Dothard are adjusting in their first year of collegiate action.
"A lot of experience there, stated head coach Russ Huesman when asked about the linebackers. "Doug played a lot last year. Smig has been around for a while. Joe Thornton has played a lot of football since his freshman year here. Another guy who has done a good job in practice is Ryan Consiglio. I like what he is doing out here. Tony Swafford, who we moved from safety, is still kind of finding his way around right now. We've got five or six kids we think we can put out there and be successful."
Be sure to check the full video interviews with Thornton and coach Huesman at the top of page. Check back to GoMocs.com for our next look at the defensive backs.
