Richardre Bagley has carved out a niche on the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football team.
It doesn't have an official title, but it does have a lot of importance.
UTC coaches hope the 5-foot-9, 180-pound sophomore running back continues improving on his role as an explosive playmaker. Last season, he was named to the Southern Conference all-freshman team after rushing for 183 yards and a touchdown and tallying 758 yards of total offense.
He is one of four backs who should receive playing time as the Mocs - who open their season against Jackonsville State on Sept. 5 at Finley Stadium - attempt to replace the production of Keon Williams, who rushed for 1,037 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2014.
"Richardre has got to have a great year," Mocs offensive coordinator Jeff Durden said. "He's got to catch the ball out of the backfield, pick up the blitz, he's got to be the guy that can ring the bell and go a long way on a short run or a short pass. He's got to be our explosive part of our offense."
Bagley's best single-game rushing total last year was 55 yards. He proved valuable catching passes out of the backfield (20 for 215 yards and a touchdown in 2014) and returning kicks, where he had three returns of 40 or more yards or more on 16 attempts.
He had a 23-yard touchdown run Saturday as the Mocs held their second scrimmage of the preseason.
"I feel like I'm improved as a player," Bagley said. "A lot of that is a credit to (running backs coach Shawn Bryson) coming in the spring, helping out and helping me become a better back. Also, the other running backs make me better. I think we make each other better as a whole.
"Plus, our defense makes me better. We have a great defense - the best in the nation, I think - and to run against them every day makes you a better player."
The pecking order for carries hasn't been ironed out yet. Bagley is one of two returning players at the position, along with junior Derrick Craine, the team's leading returning running back. The coaching staff is high on Kyle Nalls and Alex Trotter - the only two true freshmen they expect to contribute this season - and all four could earn carries, although Craine and Bagley are the leaders to get the bulk.
Bagley isn't worried about that. When asked about his expectations for the season, he deferred to the team's goals.
One at a time.
"Everybody has personal goals of winning a championship, but right now we're just planning on beating Jacksonville State," he said. "That's our No. 1 goal right now."
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him at Twitter.com/genehenleytfp.