University of Tennessee at Chattanooga wide receiver Joel Bradford was rewarded for his monster game against Eastern Kentucky by being named the Southern Conference co-offensive player of the week.
The league announced Monday that Bradford and Furman receiver Adam Mims would share the honor, the first of Bradford’s career.
“He’s dynamic,” UTC wideouts coach Will Healy said. “He just constantly makes plays.”
In the Mocs’ 42-24 win over EKU on Saturday, the junior from Chattanooga and McCallie set a school record with 254 receiving yards – on 11 catches. It was the fifth-best receiving performance in SoCon history.
“I wasn’t really thinking of numbers or anything like that,” Bradford said following the game.
After three games, he is first in the SoCon and third in the nation in receiving yards per game with an average of 138.3. He’s second in the league, and No. 16 nationally, in receptions per game with 7.3.
Bradford played wideout for UTC in 2008 but didn’t have a reception. He was moved to defensive back last season but returned to his preferred position in the spring.
“I played defense last year and I missed wide receiver,” Bradford said. “Growing up here and going through these first two years, there were receivers ahead of me, but I waited for my time. I like to catch the ball.”
The Mocs (1-2, 0-1) play Saturday at Western Carolina (1-2, 0-0). The Catamounts lead the SoCon in rushing defense (86.3 yards per game) but are last in pass defense (354.7) and lost to NCAA Division II member Tusculum.
Duo’s status unknown
Mocs coach Russ Huesman said Monday that he hasn’t yet decided how he will punish redshirt freshmen Wes Dothard and Briant Henry, who were arrested by UTC police at 3:43 a.m. Sunday at Boling Apartments.
Dothard, a backup linebacker, was charged with tampering with evidence for throwing several bottles of alcohol through a bedroom window when the police arrived. He also was charged with disorderly conduct.
Henry, a backup safety, was charged with possession of alcohol by a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Huesman said he’s talked with the police and with the players and will make a decision soon. He said a curfew will be put in place for the players “that aren’t being smart.”
Extra points
Tight end Garrett Hughes was wearing a boot on his right foot Monday after suffering a sprained ankle against EKU. He said he hoped to get the boot off today and was optimistic about being available at Western Carolina. … The Mocs received votes in the Sports Network poll released Monday.
Contact John Frierson at jfrierson@timesfreepress.com or (423) 757-6268. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/mocsbeat.