We are now down to just two weeks before the much-anticipated kick-off to the 2009 University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football season. GoMocs.com continues to break down each position on the team and give UTC fans updated information as we prepare to "Restore the Glory" to Chattanooga football in 2009.
The outlook continues today with an overview of the Mocs' talented and deep group of receivers. There are 11 players currently fighting for time on the field, including five returners. It will be interesting to see how the competition shakes out as the first game nears.
UTC's home-opener is against Glenville State on Thursday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. (E.D.T.) at Finley Stadium. Season tickets begin at $22 for youth, alumni, faculty and staff and can be purchased at the UTC Ticket Office - (423) 266-MOCS (6627) - or online at GoMocs.com
Be sure to make it out to "Chat with the Mocs" presented by Budweiser of Chattanooga live from Buffalo Wild Wing's downtown location on Wednesday, Sept. 2, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. This one-hour interactive radio show is hosted by the voice of the Mocs J.R. Reynolds, features head coach Russ Huesman and is aired live on ESPN Radio 105.1 FM. Buffalo Wild Wing's downtown location is 507 Broad Street in Chattanooga.
Season Outlook Part 1 - Season Overview (Aug. 10)
Season Outlook Part 2 - Quarterbacks (Aug. 11)
Season Outlook Part 3 - Running Backs
Season Outlook Part 4 - Offensive Line
Season Outlook Part 5 - Receivers
Arguably the deepest area on the team for the Mocs in 2009 will be the receiving corps. With five returners and some talented newcomers battling for time on the field, the Mocs' receiving game is sure to benefit from the competition.
Led by seniors Justin Buckhalter, Blue Cooper and Clint Woods and junior Chris Pitchford, UTC will have a full arsenal of weapons at its disposal.
Woods was chosen by his teammates to be one of four team captains following spring practice. He has a total of 1,001 yards on 95 receptions in his career and could break into the top-10 in both categories in the UTC record book with a strong showing in 2009. He has led the team in receptions in each of the last two seasons. In 2008 he also had a team-high 512 yards receiving and tied for the lead with three touchdown catches.
Cooper recorded 364 yards and three touchdowns last season, despite missing two games with an injury. He also missed all of spring practice due to off season surgery, but has been 100% for all of training camp. He is back in the first group and is looking for a strong finish to his career at UTC. He needs 44 yards to pass 1,000 receiving for his career.
Pitchford started nine times last year and had 23 catches for 245 yards. He was second on the team in receptions and third on the squad in receiving yards in 2008. He is also competing for time among the Mocs' first group of receivers.
Buckhalter played in all 12 games in 2008, starting four with 10 catches for 105 yards. At 6-3 and over 200 pounds, Buckhalter gives the Mocs a big target on the outside. Buckhalter's brother, Correll, is currently a running back on the Denver Broncos roster after spending the previous eight seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Sophomore Sloan Allison will get in the mix after moving over from quarterback in the spring. He caught seven passes for 66 yards in the spring game should be a contributor for the Mocs this fall.
Freshman speedster Brian Sutherland will also be competing at the receiver position after transferring from Miami University prior to the 2009 spring semester. He participated in spring practice with the Mocs and made seven catches for 73 yards in the spring game.
Redshirt freshman Jeff Veres spent last year as the back-up place kicker, but has also transitioned to the receiver position. He has worked out with the second group of receivers throughout training camp and could see some time in the fall. He caught seven touchdown passes and totaled 500 yards receiving as a senior at Independence High School in Thompson's Station, Tenn., as a senior in 2007.
Senior Chris Marshall is also back for his second year at UTC. He played in seven games last year, but is planning to redshirt the 2009 season. He and Sutherland teamed with defensive backs Buster Skrine and Chris Lewis-Harris to earn All-SoCon honors in the 4x100 relay at the SoCon Track & Field championships in the spring.
There also three new faces that are pushing the returners for time on the field, including freshmen Terrance Davis, Josh Blake and Marlon Anthony. Davis transferred from Mississippi State where he was a projected starter for the Bulldogs following spring practice. He eligible immediately and will have four years to play at UTC.
Blake was one of the top prep players in the Chattanooga area last season, earning TSWA all-state honors at Grace Academy. Anthony is a talented prep payer who could also get on the field in his first year at UTC. He was a three-star recruit according to Scout.com and Rivals.com. At 6-5, he can team with Cooper (6-3) and Buckhalter (6-3) to give the Mocs three big targets downfield.
"If we keep developing this strong group of guys, we will have a solid receiving corps," explained Huesman prior to the start of fall camp. "There is talent in the group that played last year and their experience should help us. We also have some new faces who will be fighting to get some playing time once the season begins."
Be sure to check the full video interviews with Woods, Sutherland and coach Huesman at the top of page. Check back to GoMocs.com for our next look at the tight ends.
