J.J. Jackson had a mere 11 rushes last season, and six of those came in the finale at Alabama. Since the end of the 2009 season, however, the redshirt sophomore has been the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga's most consistent running back.
Offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield said Sunday, prior to UTC's "Meet the Mocs" fan day at Finley Stadium, that Jackson will be the starter when the Mocs host Appalachian State in their Sept. 4 season opener.
"He's had a great camp, he's had a great summer, very dependable - not that the others aren't dependable - but you just know what you're getting every snap with J.J.," Satterfield said, adding that Jackson was also the most consistent receiver among the backs.
When asked later about Satterfield's declaration that he was the starter, Jackson didn't appear to know about it.
"It hadn't even crossed my mind, really," said Jackson, a 5-foot-9, 195-pounder from Marietta., Ga., who had 11 carries for 46 yards last season. "We're going to need every single one of us this season, it's going to be a long season, so right now a starter's a starter, but we're all going to contribute."
Satterfield said his running back depth chart as of Sunday was Jackson, followed by sophomore Chris Awuah and senior Erroll Wynn, with true freshman Keon Williams being the wild card. Williams has been very impressive running the ball, he's also been out for nearly a week with an ankle injury.
"I can't wait until the big horse gets back," Satterfield said of Williams following Saturday's scrimmage.
Prior to the Mocs' practice at Finley, they took their team picture and spent about an hour on the field signing autographs and posing for pictures with fans. The fan day, which this year also included all the fall sports, drew an estimated crowd of nearly 1,000, slightly less than last year.
Benny Mull, of Soddy-Daisy, brought his young son Jackson out to see the Mocs up close. Mull said he received season tickets for Father's Day and is looking forward to the upcoming season, the second under coach Russ Huesman and second with quarterback B.J. Coleman.
"I just moved to Chattanooga about seven years ago and I had some interest early on just because I love football," Mull said. "Now, it's much different because of the excitement with Coach Huesman coming in and getting B.J. to transfer back, it's excited my whole family.
"We're all looking forward to the first game and I think it's going to be a great season."
The Mocs will get their first day off today, the first day of class, since reporting for preseason practice on Aug. 4.
Extra points
Wideout Joel Bradford (knee) did not practice and could be out all week, Huesman said. Kicker Nick Pollard (hip) remains out and will have an MRI, but is expected back for the opener. Defensive tackle La'Nard Carr (foot/ankle) returned to practice, while Nick Craig (foot) is still sidelined. ... Several former Mocs were came out for the fan day, including quarterback Tony Pastore. The 2009 graduate is now on Bill Curry's staff at Georgia State, serving as the defensive quality control assistant.