Chris Marshall has one career reception. He caught a pass against Samford in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s 2008 football season finale. Now, following the graduation of most of the Mocs’ receiving corps, Marshall has the third-most catches of any wideout on UTC’s roster.
After years of having Blue Cooper and Clint Woods as UTC’s top options, the Mocs are entering a new era at wide receiver this spring. Cooper and Woods combined for 113 catches last season and 276 in their careers.
The Mocs’ top returning wideout is Chris Pitchford, who has 73 receptions after three seasons and is the only receiver on the roster who has caught a touchdown pass. Pitchford is out this spring while recovering from shoulder surgery, so there’s a whole new cast of characters at wideout.
“We’ve got an open competition, so everybody’s fighting for a job right now,” Marshall said after Friday’s practice.
The Mocs’ scrimmage this afternoon at Finley Stadium is expected to begin about 3.
Chris Pitchford
Height/weight: 5-11/192
Year: Redshirt junior
Stats: In three seasons, Pitchford has 73 catches for 858 yards and seven touchdowns. He had 44 catches for 528 yards and five TDs last season.
Notable: The Mocs’ only returning starter, Pitchford is out this spring while recovering from shoulder surgery. Pitchford is the only wideout on UTC’s roster with a touchdown catch.
“Pitchford’s not the most physical person in the world, so it’s not like he’s bringing a physical presence to us, but he’ll bring us depth, experience — a guy that’s caught a touchdown pass, a guy that’s caught a big ball in a game, and you can’t take that for granted.” — offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield
Marlon Anthony
Height/weight: 6-5/205
Year: Freshman
Stats: Redshirted last season
Notable: A three-star recruit, Anthony can develop into a big-play threat as he matures physically and gets game experience. With his size he’ll be a weapon in the red zone because he can go up and get balls in the corner or the back of the end zone.
“Marlon’s just got to continue to grow, and we’ve put him in positions to make plays in one-on-one situations. He’s not done that consistently yet … and we need to see him start making some plays.” — offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield
Joel Bradford
Height/weight: 5-11/162
Year: Redshirt sophomore
Stats: Bradford was a wideout in 2008 but didn’t have a reception. As a safety last season he had two interceptions and averaged 13.1 yards on punt returns, with a long of 53 yards.
Notable: Bradford is very happy to be back at wide receiver, and very happy to be catching passes from B.J. Coleman, his former McCallie School teammate. Bradford has had a very good spring, catching as many passes as any of the receivers.
“Joel’s kind of our Blue Cooper-ish type guy that we’re trying to get the ball to and feel like he can catch the ball and do something with it in space.” — offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield
Chris Marshall
Height/weight: 6-2/200
Year: Senior
Stats: Marshall had one catch for 9 yards in 2008 and redshirted last season. In his two seasons at Glendale (Calif.) Comunity College, he totaled 39 receptions for 662 yards and seven touchdowns.
Notable: A big, strong receiver, Marshall has been at UTC for more than two years yet hasn’t had a chance to shine until now. He’ll surprise defenses with his speed, which he demonstrated as a member of UTC’s All-Southern Conference 4×100-meter relay team in 2009.
“Chris is our flanker that can have a catch here, a catch there, convert third downs and medium-type throws.” — offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield
Brian Sutherland
Height/weight: 5-10/165
Year: Redshirt freshman
Stats: Sutherland played in two games last season before leaving the team. He ran the ball twice on reverses and returned a pair of punts.
Notable: After transferring from Miami (Ohio) last winter, Sutherland was, like Marshall, a member of UTC’s All-SoCon 4×100 relay team. Sutherland rejoined the team this winter and can be an effective weapon on screens, reverses and as a returner.
“Brian can fly, and he’s our reverse guy, our screen guy.” — offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield