Practice continues on the banks of the Tennessee River at Scrappy Moore field this weekend as the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team prepares to "Restore the Glory" in 2009.

The Mocs are now less than two weeks away from the home opener against Glenville State on Thursday, Sept. 3, at 7:00 p.m. at Finley Stadium.  GoMocs.com continues its outlook on the 2009 Chattanooga football season with today's rundown of the tight ends.  UTC is working in three student-athletes who are new to the position, but their mixture of size, speed and hard work should make for a smooth transition. 

Single-game tickets are on sale now on GoMocs.com.  The Glenville State game is one of the most anticipated home-openers in school history, but fans can print their tickets at home and avoid the lines on game-day.  Game-day general admission tickets are $10, but fans can enter 'restore' in the promo code box on GoMocs.com and get $5 tickets courtesy of Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Company. 

Season tickets are still on sale and 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

Season Outlook Part 6 - Tight Ends

The one area that has seen the biggest change in the offseason for the Mocs is at tight end.  Chattanooga began fall camp without any experience at the position, but three student-athletes have steeped in to learn the role. 

The tight end spot was held down by Joseph Pitman, who played in all 23 games over the last two years.  In 2007, he tied for the team lead with four touchdown receptions, and during his senior year in 2008 he made five catches for 47 yards. 

Also gone from last year's squad is Patrick Wilkinson.  He saw action in 11 games with two starts, making six grabs for 55 yards and a touchdown in 2008.

Fighting for playing time this season are junior Garrett Hughes, sophomore Ryan Geist and redshirt freshman Louis Gibson.  Each of these three players brings a unique look to the table and can add versatility to the position. 

Hughes has taken the majority of the snaps with the first team during fall camp.  He is entering his fourth year in the program and has played numerous positions on the field.  Primarily used as a receiver in the past, Hughes has also played fullback, special teams and returned a kick in his career.  He worked hard in the weight room in the offseason to add noticeable bulk to his frame (6-4, 215), but still maintains his receiver's speed that will make him a tough match-up for opposing linebackers.             

"The adjustment is going great and I love it," stated Hughes.  "I can cause mis-match problems, because I am an undersized tight end, but my speed helps me out...I am used to running routes against corners and safeties, so linebackers aren't used to covering me."  

"I think Garrett is doing a great job," stated head coach Russ Huesman.  "I knew he was going to have a good camp and I think he is going to have a great season because he worked hard this summer.  He put himself in position to be a college tight end.  He has worked at it and it is showing." 

Gibson is currently backing up Hughes with the second group.  The redshirt freshman moved over from defensive end prior to the start of spring practice and has adapted well to his new position.  At 6-4, 260, Gibson gives the Mocs the traditional big-body at tight end. 

"Louis Gibson is still finding his way through it, but he is a big body out there," continued Huesman.  "We hope he will be able to block well.  At the beginning of camp he wasn't catching it well, but he has gotten better at that." 

Geist converts to tight-end after battling for the fullback position during spring practice.  He played in four games as a true freshman in 2007, before redshirting last season.  He is very athletic for his size (6-3, 220) with the third highest vertical on the team at 36.5 inches.   

"Ryan is going to be a tight end/fullback," explained Huesman.  "We haven't eliminated him from the full back position because he could very well be our starting fullback and a third tight end for us."

Regardless of who wins the starting spot as the Mocs' tight end, all three should have an impact on the team this fall.  They have a good mix of size and speed and will help add another dimension to the Mocs' offensive attack. 

"These three guys will be battling for the starting position," stated head coach Russ Huesman.  "They all bring something different to the table and I think all three can be quality tight ends."

Be sure to check the full video interviews with Hughes and coach Huesman at the top of page.  Check back to GoMocs.com for our next look at the defensive line.