The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team took part in its first scrimmage of spring practice this afternoon. The Mocs went through a 79-play workout at Scrappy Moore Field on the banks of the Tennessee River.
“It looked like the offense had some nice runs and hit some nice plays,” stated UTC head coach Russ Huesman. “We will go in and watch the film and see exactly how it looks.
“We are really looking for individuals to get better. It is such a mix-and-match out here.
We’ve got guys who did not practice, not because of injuries, but because we just wanted to hold them out and give some other people some looks. It is hard to make it look cohesive on either side of the ball.”
Jacob Huesman, Richardre Bagley, Dee Virgin and Josh Freeman were among the starters who saw little to no action today. SophomoreAlejandro Bennifield quarterbacked the ones, while classmate Tyler Roberson piloted the second unit.
Bennifield was 8-16 passing for 117 yards and two scores. He also ran six times for 10 yards. Roberson had seven carries for 20 yards of his own.
The play of the day came on the second offensive possession. At first and 10 from the defense’s 43, Bennifield hit junior receiver C.J. Board over the top for a 43-yard strike. It was one of two catches on the day for Board.
Sophomore tight end Malcolm Colvin also had two catches for 26 yards and a touchdown. Sophomore Shaqualm McCoy may have benefitted the most from Bagley not practicing. He posted a team-high 17 carries for 92 yards and two touchdowns. Junior Derrick Crainehad 10 carries for 51 yards with the first team.
A strong defensive effort was led by sophomore Trevor Wright’s three pass breakups. Vantrell McMillan, D.J. Prather and Taylor Reynoldsall recorded a sack, while Nakevion Leslie had a tackle-for-loss.
On special teams, junior Henrique Ribeiro was 3-4 on field goals. He made from 27, 26, and 19 yards. His lone miss was from 26 yards.
“Spring is to try to evaluate who can help us next year,” added Huesman. “We are playing with a lot of guys who haven’t played much football. I hope watching it on film we just see great effort.”
The Mocs are back on the practice field on Monday at 3:45 p.m. The next scrimmage is Friday, April 10, at Finley Stadium at 3:30 p.m.The Spring Game is set for Saturday, April 18, also at Finley Stadium at 2:00 p.m.
Scrimmage Stats - Total Plays – 79
Rushing
Shaqualm McCoy – 17, 92 yards, 2TDs
Derrick Craine – 10, 51 yards
Tyler Roberson – 7, 20 yards
Alejandro Bennifield – 6, 10 yards
Xavier Johnson – 6, 5 yards
Bingo Morton – 2, 11 yards
DeJuan McQuarters – 1, 5 yards
Passing
Alejandro Bennifield – 8-16, 117 yards, 2TDs
Xavier Johnson – 2-4, 23 yards
Receiving
C.J. Board – 2, 59 yards, TD
Malcolm Colvin – 2, 26 yards, TD
DeJuan McQuarters – 1, 16 yards
Drae Bowles – 1, 13 yards
Bingo Morton – 1, 11 Yards
Bailey Lenoir – 1, 10 yards
Xavier Borishade – 1, 3 yards
Alphonso Stewart – 1, 2 yards
Defense
PBU – Ryan Bossung, Montrell Pardue, Trevor Wright (3)
Sack – Vantrell McMillan, D.J. Prather, Taylor Reynolds
TFL – Nakevion Leslie
Special Teams
Field Goals – Henrique Ribeiro – 3-4, Made (27, 26, 19), Missed (26)