UTC’s first year head football coach Tom Arth understands quite well it will take time for the new Xs and Os and 3-4 defense and pro-style offense of Mocs football 2017 to be fully embraced and understood.
He and his staff have spring ball, summer workouts and pre-season camp to nail those things down in preparation for the Aug. 26 opener with long-time rival Jacksonville (Ala.) State in Montgomery, Ala. in prime time on ESPN.
What coach Arth wants are 49 players who are sold on and have bought in to a philosophy of excellence in every aspect of their lives.
The 36-year-old, soft-spoken Cleveland, Ohio native believes if the players give it their all to the new system the wins will come.
Coach Arth has a proven track record in the wins and losses at NCAA D-III John Carroll Univ. here he guided the Blue Streaks to four straight winning seasons (40-8) - (9-2, 11-2, 8-2, 12-2, three NCAA post season appearances including the national semis this past fall and one conference title.
“We as coaches want to establish a standard of excellence for the players on and off the field, ´said Arth while meeting with the media prior to Tuesday’s first spring practice at Scrappy Moore Practice Facility.
“We also want the players to have an understanding of the offense, defense and special teams schemes (at the end of spring practice) and also what it takes to be successful.”
Senior quarterback Alejandro Bennifield said, “Every time he (coach Arth) comes into a room he brings a light and energy no one else can. You want to do your best for him.”
Five Quarterbacks: A quintet of QBs will be fighting for playing time – senior Alejandro Bennifield, juniors Hunter Moore and Xavier Johnson, sophomore Nick Tiano and redshirt freshman Zack Weatherly.
Offensive coordinator Justin Rascati said, ”I want the guys to focus on the little things, get one percent better each day and come to work (practice) coachable. It all starts with fundamentals.
“I have seen a lot of leadership in them in the huddle.”
contact B.B. Branton at william.branton@comcast.net