Alphonso Stewart has no problem with wherever the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football coaching staff puts him. In high school, he played both quarterback and wide receiver.
As a Moc, though, he's found his preference in the latter.
The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder made a name for himself as a slot receiver for the Mocs in 2014, hauling in 20 catches for 216 yards and a score. His size also makes him very good as a blocker as well, and he can be seen helping spring a running back or a receiver for a long run, evidenced in the Mocs' first scrimmage of this preseason when Stewart's downfield blocking led to a 55-yard catch and run by redshirt freshman receiver Wil Young.
Staff Photo by Dan Henry / The Chattanooga Times Free Press- 8/15/14. UTC's Alphonso Stewart (9) reaches for an overthrown pass during a scrimmage at preseason camp on August 15, 2014. Stewart also made a big play Wednesday, which drew a big smile and a high-five from head coach Russ Huesman.
"Any time we can get the head guy to smile, it's an accomplishment," Stewart said.
Huesman said Stewart's blocking ability from the slot is helpful, especially at the point of attack.
"Normally there's a bigger guy in there - an outside linebacker or a bigger dime type of guy - and that's where the big body comes in when you have a guy like him that can be physical with those guys," Huesman said. "Alphonso's versatility is that he practices hard, blocks, is fantastic catching the football and knows the offense. He's turned himself into an excellent wide receiver, no question."
Stewart made good use of his playing time a season ago. He had six catches for 71 yards and his one touchdown against Virginia Military Institute, then added a five-catch game at Furman and four grabs against Mercer. He's shown he can play the receiver position, and he feels he's even better at doing so this year.
"I think I'm getting better; I think the team is getting better with every practice, and that's how it should be," he said. "The coaches put me where they need me to be, and I love it at the slot because I'm helping the team more there than when I was a wideout."
He was the most valuable player in an Alabama high school all-star game in 2013, catching the winning touchdown pass in the final minute. He also ran for 109 yards while playing some quarterback in the game.
Any desire for the potential of dual duty at UTC?
"Nah," he said quickly. "I know my role here. I was recruited as a wide receiver. It's what I do best."
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him at twitter.com/genehenleytfp.