2016 Combined

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Mahaffey has grown in UTC defensive role by reducing, learning I Times Free Press

11/30/2016

Defensive line coach Carey Bailey calls Mahaffey "the most improved guy" since the first day of preseason camp. "Not being able to go through the spring, getting here in August, he's progressed tremendously," Bailey said. "He's a great kid to coach and does exactly what you ask him to do. He tries to please and has been a tremendous boost, especially in the interior where you want to have more depth anyway." With Mahaffey having two more seasons with the program, the coaches feel his best is yet to come. They wouldn't be disappointed if he showed a glimpse of that potential this Saturday against a high-powered Sam Houston State offense in the second round of the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. "The strides he's made since day one are unbelievable," head coach Russ Huesman said. "Technique-wise he was really poor. You could see the talent, but talent doesJl't get you on the field, especially when you've got some pretty decent guys there, but he just got better and better and better and worked. He's a hard worker, he loves ball and he's fit in really well. "The sky's the limit for him. He's good now, but I think he could be a really excellent player." Contact Gene Henley atghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehen/eytfp.

UTC sophomore defensive tackle Derek Mahaffey (15) celebrates... Photo by Tom and Pat Cory

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