Mocs Quarterback Alejandro Bennifield Ready For First Career Start

Chattanooga-(WDEF) Even though the Mocs will send out a veteran team in their opener against Shorter, they’ll sport a brand new quarterback in Alejandro Bennifield. He enjoyed some playing time backing up Jacob Huesman in recent years, but Thursday will mark Bennifield’s first career start.
Jacob Huesman was the most accomplished quarterback in Mocs history, setting the UTC all time record for both rushing and passing yards, and yet, it doesn’t seem UTC will miss a beat when Alejandro Bennifield takes over this fall.
Said head coach Russ Huesman-“Alejandro, I don’t want to put words in his mouth, but he probably thought he was a better quarterback than Jacob the last two years. He’s a confident kid.”
Said offensive coordinator Jeff Durden-“I think our kids have a lot of confidence in him. I told him it wasn’t really an open quarterback competition because he was so proven. I think that helped him, and he was comfortable.”
Said Bennifield-“Lot of emotions right now. Lot of excitement. Just ready to get out there and have some fun with my teammates. Get out there and make some plays in front of the fans and have a good time.”
Bennifield has the physical tools you want from a quarterback, as well as the right demeanor.
Said Durden-“He beats to a different drum. He is a cool customer. He’s fun to watch play. He has got a really live arm. He’s sudden, and that really helps him with his escapability and also his decision making. He can extend plays. I think that will be something to really watch.”
Reporter-“What’s the secret to kind of being level-headed when everything is in chaos around you.”
Said Bennifield-“Just taking it play-by-play. Not worrying about the last play or the next play or anything else. Just what’s right in front of me. That’s what I have to execute right now.”
Don’t be surprised to see Bennifield really air it out.
Said Huesman-“I would probably say the deep ball is what he throws as good as anybody I’ve been around. You guys will see that if we get some opportunities to take a shot and somebody is open, he ain’t going to be afraid to fling it.”
So what does Bennifield hope to accomplish in his first career start?
Said Bennifield-“My first start. I want to get a win. I feel like that’s our main objective right now is to win the first game.”