With three-and-a-half weeks to go before the kickoff of one of the most anticipated seasons in Mocs football history, GoMocs.com is breaking down each area of the 2010 squad.  Yesterday we began with a look at the offensive line and today we delve into the quarterback position. 

While there are many questions surrounding the 2010 Mocs, determining the No. 1 quarterback is not one of them.  That position is locked up for the next two years with the emergence of junior B.J. Coleman.  Coleman, a native of Chattanooga, created quite a stir in the Scenic City when he announced his plans to transfer from Tennessee to his hometown Mocs in 2009. 

The buzz that was growing around the UTC football program in the early summer of 2009, became a roar with the former McCallie standout announced his intentions to play for Chattanooga.  In spite of all the hype, Coleman has more than lived up to expectations.  Last season, he threw for 2,348 yards and 17 touchdowns.  With a full year of college football under his belt, more of the same will be expected from the 6-5, 220-pound rifleman in 2010. 

"I think at quarterback we have one of the better ones in the league," said Huesman.  "He is always trying to get better and I think he brings people along with him.  He shows great leadership and I expect him to have a great year." 

The Southern Conference coaches share Huesman sentiment that Coleman will be one of the top signal callers in the league.  Coleman was picked by the coaches as a second team preseason All-SoCon honoree.  He only needs 361 yards to break into the Mocs' top-10 for all-time passing totals.  He also needs just three more passing touchdowns to move into the school's top-8 all time.  His eight 200+ passing yard games is already No. 6 on the all-time list. 

Although Coleman met all expectations with his arm in 2009, there is one area Coach Huesman is looking for him to improve this season.  "I actually saw it yesterday in practice and that was getting us positive yardage with his legs when he needs to," added Huesman.  "There wasn't anyone open and instead of him just throwing it away, he saw a seam and took off running and got us four or five.  We want him to improve his feat.  We are not saying 'be great with your legs', but we want (him) to be a little better and I think that is happening."

The affable Coleman is always his toughest critic, adding, "I have a long way to go.  These guys out here are working us extremely hard.  Coach Sat (Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach Marcus Satterfield) and (the rest of the staff) are doing a great job getting me prepared and learning some new things.  I have to keep the intensity up and keep the confidence up." 

Coleman's greatest impact may have come in the offseason.  He organized the team's voluntary workouts and served as a 'player-coach' throughout the summer.  Despite his own analysis, he has appeared in mid-season form throughout fall camp. 

Backing up Coleman is freshman Graham Nichols.  Nichols (6-3, 190) redshirted in 2009 but is ready for action.  He was the Offensive MVP of the Mocs' Blue & Gold Spring Game, throwing for 282 yards on 16-25 attempts and a pair of touchdowns. 

Nichols seems to be continuing that improvement into the fall.  His arm appears stronger and he is playing with more confidence now that he has a full season of college football under his belt. 

"Graham got much better as the spring progressed and that is what you look for with young quarterbacks," explained Huesman.  "Sat was talking about Graham yesterday and how - mentally - he is getting it.  Right now we feel good about Graham.  He is making good throws and not making mistakes.  He is commanding the huddle.  You saw it towards the end of spring and he is continuing it in the fall."

Terrell Robinson (6-3, 180) is a very talented true freshman, but will redshirt the upcoming season.  He is a Tennessee Mr. Football award winner from nearby South Pittsburg and will be adjusting to life as a backup for his first year of college football.    

"My goal is to just get better at the fundamentals right now," stated Robinson.  "Coming from high school it is a whole different game.  I talk to B.J. every day.  He is a good football player and I ask him questions all of the time.  I am really learning from him and he is helping me out.  I pretty much knew I wasn't going to come right in and play.  B.J. is a great player and Graham Nichols is a great player.  I am just learning from both of those guys.  Myself, and my fellow freshman, Reese (Browning), are just picking up from those two guys and going from there."

Reese Browning (6-0, 210) comes to UTC after a standout season at Farragut High School in Knoxville, Tenn.  He was a two-time all-state selection for the Admirals. 

"With Terrell, we feel like we have a good one for the future," concluded Huesman.  "We will redshirt him and let him learn behind these guys, but we are thrilled to have him."

Mocs Coaches Have Strong UTC Ties - Most everyone knows that Head Coach Russ Huesman was a standout defensive back for the Mocs from 1978-81, but did you know that four of the Mocs 10 assistant coaches are also UTC alumni.  Offensive line assistant Russ Ehrenfeld was a teammate of Coach Huesman during his UTC career (1977-80).  He helped the Mocs to three Southern Conference titles during his career.  Defensive line assistant Jimmy Lindsey, offensive line assistant Geep Wade and linebackers coach Tony Coode were all teammates over a decade ago.  All three graduated from Chattanooga in 2001. 

First Scrimmage Friday - The Mocs will hold their first scrimmage of fall camp on Friday, Aug. 13.  Practice is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. on the turf at Finley Stadium.  The scrimmage is open to the public and fans are encouraged to attend.