If there ever was a "Breakout Season," University of Tennessee at Chattanooga receiver Joel Bradford had one last year. The 6-0, 165-pound Chattanooga native went from a second-string defensive back to an All-American and school record holder in just one season.
Bradford came to UTC from the Scenic City's McCallie High School and redshirted in 2007. He saw action in four games in 2008 and was switched to defensive back in 2009. After his sophomore campaign, he went to the coaching staff and asked to be moved back to the offensive side of the ball to reunite with his former high school signal-caller B.J. Coleman.
That move proved to be huge for the Mocs as Bradford set a UTC record with 1,284 yards in 2010. He twice broke the school's single-game mark with 254 yards against Eastern Kentucky and 274 yards at Furman. Those were the two highest single-game totals in the NCAA FCS last season.
He is back as a consensus preseason All-American and looks to have an outstanding senior campaign. "He has done a great job this camp," stated receivers coach Will Healy. "He runs great routes and has a great understanding of what we are trying to do offensively. I am just excited to see him continue to progress."
With all of the accolades Bradford has pulled in over the last year, defenses are certain to start keying on him. That means another Moc will have to step up and help shoulder the load in the passing game.
"Joel had a great year last year and we expect him to have another great one this year," stated head coach Russ Huesman. "They will be looking for him a little bit more this year. When that happens, another guy will have to step up. That's what we have been trying to figure out in camp. Who is going to be the guy who can step up?
One guy who could become a reliable second option is sophomore Marlon Anthony (Acworth, Ga.). At 6-5 and 205 pounds, Anthony is a big target with a ton of skill. He caught 14 passes last season and three of those were for touchdowns. Everyone is looking for Anthony to step his game up and become a big-time player at the FCS level.
"Marlon is coming along," added Huesman. "He has had some really good days in camp and he has had some average days. He needs to know that it is his time...(14) catches for him this year is not enough. He is going to have to catch it in the 40's, he is going to have to be productive with the football and he knows that. He is working hard to become that kind of guy."
Chattanooga will also be looking for a deep threat to replace the speedy Brian Sutherland. Bradford has that capability, but two freshmen have been impressive in camp. Ron Moore (6-0, 165 - Sanford, Fla.) and Tommy Hudson (5-10, 160 - Moultrie, Ga.) both run well and are expected to play this season.
Moore was a two-star recruit as a prep player while Hudson set the Georgia single-season record with 102 catches as a senior. Junior Jeff Veres (5-11, 195 - Thompson's Station, Tenn.) could also fit this role. He returns to receiver after injuries forced him to kicker in 2010.
"Joel runs really well," said Huesman. "I don't think there is any question about that. He can get deep. The next guy would be Ron Moore, a true freshman with really good speed. We are trying to get him ready but he had a hand injury that set him back a little bit. The rest are solid guys who run good enough. You only need one of them."
The Mocs also have a pair of juniors who bring size to the position. Sloan Allison (6-3, 215 - Ooltewah, Tenn.) has played a number of positions in his career, including quarterback, fullback, tight end, receiver and the holder on special teams. All three of his catches last season were for touchdowns and he is looking for more of the same in his fifth year in the program.
Jarrett Burns (6-2, 200 - Huntsville, Ala.) could also be an x-factor among the receivers. He had four catches for 48 yards, all at Auburn, in 2010. A transfer from South Carolina, Burns is a big-time athlete who is working to add to those numbers with a strong camp.
Freshmen Bryant Belew (6-3, 198 - Columbia, Tenn.) and Max Zinchini (5-11, 190 - Hendersonville, Tenn.) have also looked good in camp. Competition is still wide open, so any of these Mocs could see playing time this season.
"We have a great group," stated Healy. "We have seniors in Sloan and Joel and a lot of depth at that position. I am really excited about what I have seen from them thus far."
