When Steve Pickren joined the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football program, one of his primary strengths was his ability to “set the edge” as a tight end.
It appears he’s brought a little edge, too.
The 6-foot-5, 260-pounder, who transferred to UTC from the disbanded Alabama-Birmingham program along with offensive lineman Hunter Kennedy, is making the transition back to tight end, where he started his UAB career in 2012. After a redshirt season, he made two starts at the position but then was moved to defensive end and spent time both there and at offensive tackle last season.
“I’m glad to move back,” he said after Wednesday’s practice. “It feels good to get back and stretch my legs out. Last year I had to wear knee braces because I was on the line, so I really didn’t sprint any, so it’s been good. I’ve been able to get a lot of work in, but I still have some work to do.”
The biggest adjustment has just been trying to get used to catching the ball. Pickren has struggled in that regard, although in a recent rainy practice he was 4-for-4 in catching passes thrown his way — each reception drawing cheers from the coaching staff and offensive players.