Alejandro Bennifield Continues to Shine in First Season as Mocs Starting Quarterback

Chattanooga-(WDEF)Even though Chattanooga graduated the three time SoCon offensive player of the year in quarterback Jacob Huesman after last season, it doesn’t seem the Mocs have missed a beat with new quarterback Alejandro Bennifield.
He’s leading an offense averaging nearly 40-points a game.
Mocs coach Russ Huesman admits he didn’t take it easy on Alejandro Bennfield when he was waiting in the wings because Huesman could see Bennifield’s potential.
Said Huesman:”We just pounded him on the head for about three years from his freshman year on. Just kept going bam, bam, bam because we knew this day was going to come, and we knew he was going to be our guy.”
Said Bennifield:”One of the main things I remember him talking to me about all the time was being accountable. He wanted me to make sure that I could be a leader and that people would follow me.”
Bennifield waited three years to be the Mocs starting quarterback, and Coach Huesman appreciated Bennifield’s patience.
Said Huesman:”When our football season is over and the phone starts ringing for transfer quarterbacks. I walked right up to Alejandro Bennifield, and I said ‘Dro, thank you for staying. Thank you for being patient. Job is yours, and I ain’t taking anybody else.”
Said Bennifield:”When Coach Huesman brought me to his office and told me I was the guy basically, that gave me complete confidence.
Bennfield looks pretty confident right now.
He’s averaging nearly 200-yards passing a game, and he leads the SoCon in passing efficiency.
Said Huesman-“I think every week is a learning experience for him. As long as he continues to get better and better and not make the same mistakes then we’re going to have a really good quarterback on our hands here.”
Said Bennifield:”When you are undefeated, anybody can be comfortable. No losses under your belt. Just playing good football at this point.”
Reporter-“What’s the craziest thing you’ve said in the huddle?”
Bennifield:(Chuckles)
Mocs SID Jay Blackman:”Don’t repeat it. I can already tell.”
Bennifield:(laughs)
Reporter-“For a family audience.”
Laughs Bennifield:”I don’t know. I just try to get the guys going. I can’t repeat what I said in the huddle.”
Bennifield and the Mocs host Mercer at 4pm Saturday at Finley Stadium. It’s homecoming for UTC.