Staff Photo by John Rawlston/Chattanooga Times Free Press
Keon Williams runs with the ball as UTC holds spring football practice at Finley Stadium on Monday afternoon.The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga offense has spent much of its time during spring practice so far improving the running game.
During their 6-5 season in 2010, the Mocs averaged 152.8 yards rushing per game and 277.2 passing. Offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield said he wants those numbers to be more balanced, which is why the focus so far this spring has been on running the ball.
“We feel pretty good we can play-action and throw and catch; we’re feeling good from that end of the offense,” he said. “We’ve just got to make sure that when it’s time to put it all together that we can run the football.”
With quarterback B.J. Coleman returning, along with wideouts Joel Bradford, Brian Sutherland and Marlon Anthony, Satterfield said it would be easy for the offense to line up this spring and have success throwing the ball.
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A piece of paper on the door outside the offense’s meeting room Monday at McKenzie Arena read: “Your blocking is a sign of your commitment to the team.”Offensive line coach Geep Wade said the line had “ups and downs” during Saturday’s scrimmage. The linemen opened some running lanes and mostly protected the quarterback well, but they did allow several sacks.”We know what we’re doing, but we’re just not executing at times because we’re not moving our feet and stuff like that,” Wade said. “The O-line can move their feet in the rain, so that’s not an excuse. We’re preaching feet, feet, feet.”