"We are playing with a swagger and a confidence ... we know what we are capable of and want to win a Southern Conference title."
-- UTC Quarterback Jacob Huesman
"Ninety UTC mission-minded football players hit the ground running earlier today with confidence and a sense of purpose and ready to show the football world they mean business.
It was the first official day of fall practice at the Scrappy Moore Football Complex and All-American David Tull couldn't wait for the first practice.
Quarterback Jacob Huesman conveyed the overall team swagger and confidence.
The long anticipated 2013 Tennessee at Chattanooga football season is finally here.
"With 10 starters on each side of the ball we know what we are capable of and that is to win a Southern Conference championship," said Huesman prior to the first whistle at 3 p.m.
"We are an experienced team who played in several scenarios last year with overtime losses and come-from-behind wins so we will be ready for anything.," Huesman stated.
Tull is part of a dynamic defensive front four and worked hard all summer in preparation for this his senior season.
"We have a lot of experience on this team and I am excited that we are headed in the right direction," said Tull with a smile. "With so many starters back we have a bull's eye on our back and we want to exceed the expectations others have for us."
Even though it is only the first day, head coach Russ Huesman was pleased with what he saw, yet with some nervous moments.
"I lay in bed last night for about 30 minutes thinking of a thousand things about this season and I am sure I'll do that again tonight," Huesman stated.
"But I feel we did look like a veteran team today, which is good. We as a staff wanted to see what recall they have (since spring practice) and also to see what shape the players are in.
"I'll have to look at film and maybe see what the next couple of practices bring."
New Offense: "We threw a lot at them today and we will do the same tomorrow (Thursday), but with totally new plays," said new offensive coordinator Jeff Durden who will present three new running and three new passing plays in various formations on Thursday.
"We want to see how much they can take in and process and then on day three we will review."
H-Backs: Durden has his fullback or H-Back, but needs a running back to step up and also needs to find six wide receivers.
Alcoa High School product Taharin Tyson (5-11, 240) earned the fullback/H-back spot in the spring with Keon Wiliams (6-0, 225, Red Bank) as the number two guy.
"I need the two big guys at H-Back who can be big blockers," Durden stated.
"Concerning receivers, In our system we need to run them in and out so six receivers is key."
Veteran wideouts are Marlon Anthony, Terrell Robinson and Tommy Hudson, while All-American Faysal Shafaat is at tight end.
"Al Thompson (redshirt freshman) did some good things today as did true freshman Xavier Borishade."
Durden also plans to his tight ends as H-Backs on occasion.
"Faysaal is our guy at tight end, but Jarrod Coleman and Troy Dye are battling for the number two spot, Durden stated.
This Week's Practice Schedule at Scrappy Moore Field (open to the public)
Thursday and Friday: 6:45 a.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 7:45 a.m.
First Scrimmage: Sat. Aug. 10 2:30 p.m. at Finley Stadium
contact B.B. Branton at William.branton@comcast.net