Chris Houston put it all on his faith.
Since he joined the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga football program as a transfer in the spring of 2022, Houston and the coaching staff have been dealing with a similar problem: Coaches have been trying to find the best way to use the 5-foot-8, 169-pounder, and he has been trying to figure out how he could get on the field.
Initially it was just on special teams, which is largely where he had contributed in his first two college seasons at Charlotte, including blocking a kick during the 49ers’ overtime win against Rice in November 2021. However, he was listed as a wide receiver on Charlotte’s roster and had potential to help the Mocs on offense.
That was apparent on the practice field: According to some of the UTC defenders who have had to deal with Houston the past two years, there may be no player on the roster more difficult to tackle in the open field.
And yet there was no easy answer for where he should line up for the Mocs or how they should use him, despite Houston being listed as a running back. He was capable of making catches or garnering the occasional carry, and he obviously wasn’t afraid to take hits or deliver them, as shown by his special teams work. Even in last week’s season opener at North Alabama, while playing on the punt coverage team he tackled the returner for a 1-yard loss.
“Chris does some things that the other running backs can’t do,” UTC coach Rusty Wright said, “and he does them well, but there’s some things they do that he can’t do, that aren’t his M.O. But what he does for us on offense and on special teams, it’s important for us.”
And it was important for the Mocs to find a way to use Houston’s skill set on game days, which is what happened last Saturday night at North Alabama. Houston lined up as a receiver and found himself wide open for a 36-yard catch-and-run touchdown in the 41-27 loss to the Lions. It was the first reception of his career.
“All athletes, every person has adversity in life, and it’s really just about how you respond to things,” Houston said this week. “I had to be more patient and wait my turn. I think that’s a big thing for me: I had to trust in God, be patient, give it to him and just let things happen.”
Staff file photo by Robin Rudd / Chris Houston is listed as a running back on UTC’s roster, but the 5-foot-8, 169-pound junior has skills as a receiver and has contributed tackles on special teams during his college career.Houston believed the coaches would find a role for him. In the meantime, he focused on getting better and being ready, heeding the advice of his father, Chris Sr. — who showed his own versatility while playing at Western Carolina from 1991-94, rushing for 269 yards and three touchdowns and collecting 55 tackles for the Catamounts.
“He’s probably my biggest fan. He just wants me to keep my head down and work, and everything will come to me,” Houston said. “I’ve just been trusting the coaches, trusting my teammates, and my dad told me I’d be good if I just did that.”
The coaches noticed, and they knew they wanted to find a place for someone like that on the field.
As the Mocs prepare for their home opener against Kennesaw State (1-0) at 6 p.m. Saturday at Finley Stadium — the last test before a run of eight straight Southern Conference games before an open date — Houston will continue looking for more opportunities on the field.
“Chris has worked his butt off,” offensive coordinator Joe Pizzo said. “This kid didn’t play a lot of high school football. We got him when he was playing wide receiver and a little bit of running back, and he never had a chance to settle in and play.
“What we’re trying to do now, because of the depth we have at running back, we’re finding a role for him, and I think we can package them up and use his athletic ability. I’m ecstatic for the kid.”
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com.