Josh Freeman Ready to Lead Mocs Defensive Line

August 25, 2015

Rick Nyman,

Chattanooga-(WDEF) It might be easy for offensive linemen to literally overlook Mocs senior defensive lineman Josh Freeman because he’s not very tall. But once the ball is snapped, good luck keeping Freeman out of the backfield.

New Mocs assistant Tony Brown was an undersized defensive lineman when he played for the Titans, so he can relate to the 5’11 Josh Freeman.

Said Brown,"One thing that stood out to me when I saw him for the first time was this is a small guy quote-un-quote, but he’s very much in control of the situation he has at hand."

Freeman says height is not an issue for him.

"I don’t really think about it a whole lot. I think for one, I’m smarter than most guys I play against. I like to think. I think that gives me an edge, but as far as my height, I don’t think about it a whole lot."

Said defensive line coach Marcus West,"The guy is so smart. He gets it. He understands his limitations with height. He makes up for it with heart and with his brain."

In his Mocs career, Freeman has eight sacks and 15 tackles for a loss. Not bad for an interior lineman.

Said West,"My personal opinion, I think he’s the best defensive tackle in this conference. He’s as good as any of them out there that we will play against. That’s his goal. That’s what he should be at the end of the season."

Said Brown,"I’m proud of the kid. He’s definitely getting what he deserves right now. He’s working very hard, trying to get himself together and motivate this defense as well."

And even though UTC graduated some star defensive linemen, Freeman is anxious to prove the Mocs front wall will not fall this season.

"I want guys to know there is no fall-off when those guys left. We’re still here doing our thing. I want guys to know I’m still able to lead this group and help this team win."