close
close

Talented, lean linebacking corps ready for University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s 2024 football season begins Aug. 31 in Tennessee. The Times Free Press takes a look at UTC’s roster from a positional perspective.

After looking at quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers/tight ends, and the offensive and defensive lines, today we look at the linebackers.

WHO’S GONE: Bo Spearman (transferred to Austin Peay; 13 games, eight starts, 48 ​​tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss); Rip Hutcherson (left team in spring)

WHO’S BACK: Alex Mitchell (Jr., 6-1, 230; 11 games, 11 starts, 78 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, interception returned for touchdown); Kobe Joseph (Sr., 6-3, 241; 12 games, seven starts, 59 tackles, five tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions); Kameron Brown (Sr., 6-1, 245; 13 games, 30 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, half-sack); Zion Rutledge (So., 5-11, 226; nine games); Kendall Jackson (R-So., 6-0, 200; eight games); Connor Delashmitt (R-So., 5-11, 206)

WHO’S IN IT: Amanuel Dickson (Fr., 5-11, 199); Landon Feggins (Fr., 6-1, 215)

The linebacker position at UTC isn’t about quantity as much as quality, and the Mocs’ starting group of Mitchell and Joseph — who came on strong toward the end of the season — is as good as it gets in the Southern Conference. Both should just be better with another year of experience.

New defensive coordinator Mike Yeager is focusing on the linebacker position. Working with defensive quarterback Mitchell for the past two years and Joseph last season will help him build a relationship with the defense.

The Mocs also have plenty of depth at the position: Brown started every game last season, but Jackson or Rutledge (or one of the freshmen) will have to step up as the Mocs like to rotate four linebackers in and out of the game.

It was that extra action in the game that prepared Mitchell for a starting role last year.

Contact Gene Henley at [email protected].

photo Staff photo by Robin Rudd / UTC’s Kameron Brown returns an interception against VMI in October 2022. Brown, a senior, is expected to be a key part of the defense again in 2024.