Even though class was canceled Tuesday afternoon because of the snow, and the team had the day off, numerous University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football players were up on the fourth floor of McKenzie Arena watching film on their own.
Among them was Chris Lewis-Harris, who was studying each of his plays during Monday’s practice. After starting a combined 17 games the past two seasons at cornerback, the redshirt sophomore is working at free safety this spring while J.D. Dothard is still recovering from knee surgery.
“It’s a major adjustment,” said Lewis-Harris, who had 33 tackles last season. “You’ve got to see more of the field, got to recognize formations more and know what to expect, whereas at corner you’re more locking in on a receiver.”
Lewis-Harris said he played a few games at safety his sophomore season at Campbell High School in Smyrna, Ga., but he’s basically starting from scratch at the position.
“The first day (of spring practice) I just acted like a deer in the headlights, just running around, but slowly I’m starting to pick things up a lot easier,” he said.
Mocs coach Russ Huesman, who also coaches the safeties, said he’s already seen a lot of improvement from Lewis-Harris.
“He gets better every snap,” said Huesman, a former Mocs safety. “I’ve been pleased with his progress, and now the next phase is how he’s going to step up and tackle. He’s going to have to tackle a whole lot more at that position than he did at corner, for sure.”
With Lewis-Harris playing a lot of snaps at free safety, cornerbacks Kadeem Wise and Robert Harrison are getting a lot of work at his old corner spot. Wise redshirted as a freshman last season and Harrison, a redshirt freshman, played in all 11 games as a backup.
Mocs in pads
The Mocs practiced in full pads for the first time this spring Wednesday night at Finley Stadium. They will practice at night on Wednesday’s due to class conflicts in the afternoon.
Quarterback B.J. Coleman had another strong day, as did wideout Marlon Anthony, who is looking very much like a go-to receiver.
Even though UTC was in pads, there was very little contact, and no tackling.
Extra points
Cornerback Buster Skrine was clocked at a school-record 4.22 seconds for the 40-yard dash during winter workouts. Jeff Veres set a wideout bench press record of 385 pounds. Safety Jordan Tippit set a defensive backs record with a combined total of 1,190 pounds in the squat, bench press and power clean. … The Mocs are off because of spring break until March 17. The first scrimmage is scheduled for March 20.