Five Mocs freshmen standing out

During the 2017 season, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football coach Tom Arth showed he had no fear putting freshmen out on the field in games. Some were due to necessity, while others earned that opportunity with how they had practiced, but nine freshmen played last season, with six starting at least one game.

It’s possible — perhaps even likely — that the Mocs again will have to rely on some freshmen to play this season. The Times Free Press looks at five possibilities (listed alphabetically):

1. McClendon Curtis, offensive line

The 6-foot-8 Curtis needed last season to get his body back in shape after getting up to 360 pounds at one point. Working with strength and conditioning coach Chad Pearson, he was down to 312 pounds in the spring while maintaining his athletic agility, evidenced by Twitter videos of hum dunking a basketball with ease.

He’s currently the second-team left guard behind 2017 Phil Steele Freshman All-American Cole Strange but could see time on the field and be effective once he gets there.

2. Devonnsha Maxwell, defensive end

Maxwell is in line to start alongside seniors Isaiah Mack and Derek Mahaffey, All-Southern Conference selections last season. The 6-2, 260-pounder has big shoes to fill in replacing Taylor Reynolds, who was one of the Mocs’ best defensive players last season, but appears capable of doing just that.

3. Lameric Tucker, wide receiver

Tucker has wasted little time working his way into consideration for a rotation spot. It’s possible that he, along with Genuine Potts, could wind up being redshirted, as the Mocs have five senior receivers — led by Bingo Morton, Joseph Parker and Wil Young — and some talented, more experienced underclassmen, but Tucker has shown he could contribute if his number is called.

He had 112 yards receiving and a 64-yard touchdown reception in UTC’s scrimmage Sunday.

4. Gage Upshaw, tight end

The Mocs have no seniors or juniors at tight end, with sophomores Jordan Giberti and Jacob Webster seemingly leading the way. But a year after showing he can stretch the defense downfield, Upshaw keeps finding his way onto the field with his improved blocking.

He’s likely the best receiving option at the position, and with no clear leader he could play substantially.

5. C.J. Winston, inside linebacker

Winston really had to transform his 6-5 frame after getting to UTC last year. He’s done that, looking much bigger and stronger now. With no real depth at inside linebacker, Winston has been getting a lot of repetitions, and with a long build and good range laterally he could be in the rotation alongside senior Tavon Lawson and junior Marshall Cooper.

Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenley3.