Since then, the Chattanooga native has thrown for 5,344 yards and is second all-time at UTC with 43 career touchdown passes.  His play on the field, and leadership off of it, has led to the Mocs posting back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in nearly 20 years. 

After going 6-5 in each of his first two seasons as a starter, Coleman is now challenged with the task of getting UTC into the playoffs for the first time since 1984.  That goal, along with capturing a Southern Conference Championship, has driven the 6-5 senior rifleman during the offseason. 

"This is a very important camp for us," stated Coleman.  "I think there are three legs to the offseason, your winter workouts, summer preparation and camp, to get ready for the season.  I felt like we were great on the other two, so it has all been going very well."

Selected as one of four team captains for the second year in a row, Coleman might be comfortable resting on his accomplishments.  He is on the Walter Payton Award Watch List for the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) National Player of the Year.  He is also climbing the boards of many NFL Draft prognosticators.  Regardless of the recognition, Coleman is still looking for ways to hone his craft. 

"There is always stuff you can get better at," Coleman added.  "No. 1, making sure that your feet and your reads are correct.  Your feet ... take you to your reads.  Your film study can always be better, making sure that you are a student of the game.  This year I also think my challenge is going to be with a lot of these young guys, making sure that they are in the right places; making sure they are lining up correctly; making sure they know what they are doing and why they are doing it."

Offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield is also pushing Coleman to sharpen his skills during camp.  "I am watching his leadership, huddle organization and administrative stuff at the line of scrimmage. Getting us in out of plays, playing faster, being accurate with the football, and moving the chains are all areas I am watching.  Not as much during the play, but before and after the play."

There is a trio of Mocs battling for Coleman's back-up position.  Sophomore Graham Nichols (Franklin, Tenn.) leads that group based on his experience.  He is in his third year in the program and is the only one with game experience. 

Nichols saw action in three games last season, completing 4-8 passes for 44 yards.  He is also the MVP of the last two Blue & Gold Spring Games.  No longer the young gun of the group, Nichols will need to rely on his experience to solidify himself as the No. 2 option. 

"It is a little different this year," explained Nichols.  "I am a little bit more experienced now.  I know the offense better and I can teach the younger guys something.  We are all out here competing but I know the offense so I can help a little bit more." 

"Graham Nichols is solid," stated head coach Russ Huesman following Monday's practice.  "He threw a bad ball today, but he is solid.  He knows the offense.  He is taking control of things.  I like Graham a lot."

Freshman Terrell Robinson sat out last season as a redshirt, but is pushing Nichols for the job.  He missed spring practice due to surgery on his wrist, but he is fully recovered and trying to make his case for time on the field. 

Robinson, a former Tennessee Mr. Football Award winner from South Pittsburg (Tenn.) High School, can give the Mocs more ground attack at the QB position than Nichols and Coleman.  His running threat gives him an added dimension that could be called upon during the season.    

"Terrell Robinson is coming along," added Huesman.  "Missing spring set him back a little bit.  He is a talented player who is going to do good things here.  He has to learn the offense a little more.  With him it is a lot about technique.  I think he handles the offense pretty decent, now we just have to refine the technique and run something he can do best when he is in there."

Freshman Jacob Huesman rounds out the Mocs stable of QBs.  A former Tennessee Mr. Football Award winner himself, he led Chattanooga's Baylor School to the DII-AA state title game last season.  Like Robinson, Huesman is a dual-threat quarterback who gives UTC anther option in the ground game.    

"Jacob looks fine," stated Huesman, who also happens to be his father.  "He looks like a freshman.  He is worrying about making mistakes and I think that holds him back a little bit.  He needs to just play ... he and Terrell both ... be the football players that we know they are."

The day Coleman announced his intention to transfer to UTC was a single-day season ticket sales record.  Since then, he has added to his legend by helping Chattanooga football "Restore the Glory" that was present when Coach Huesman played here in the late 1970's.  There are just five more home games left in the Coleman era, but looking at the talent waiting, the quarterback position will be set for some time to come. 

2011 Chattanooga Mocs Football Practice Schedule
Tuesday - Aug. 9 - 6:30 a.m. - Scrappy Moore Field
Wednesday - Aug. 10 - 7:45 a.m. - Scrappy Moore Field
Thursday - Aug. 11 (TWO) - 7:45 a.m. - Scrappy Moore Field & 6:30 p.m. - Scrappy Moore Field
Friday - Aug. 12 - 2:30 p.m. - Finley Stadium (Scrimmage)
Saturday - Aug. 13 - 2:30 p.m. - Scrappy Moore Field
Sunday - Aug. 14 - 2:00 p.m. - Scrappy Moore Field

Monday - Aug. 15 - 7:45 a.m. - Scrappy Moore Field
Tuesday - Aug. 16 - 7:45 a.m. - Scrappy Moore Field
Wednesday - Aug. 17 - 7:45 a.m. - Scrappy Moore Field
Thursday - Aug. 18 - 2:45 p.m. - Scrappy Moore Field
Friday - Aug. 19 - 7:45 a.m. - Scrappy Moore Field
Saturday - Aug. 20 - 2:30 p.m. - Finley Stadium (Scrimmage)
Sunday - Aug. 21 - 2:00 p.m. - Scrappy Moore Field

Monday - Aug. 22 - OFF - First Day of Classes
Tuesday - Aug. 23 - 3:30 p.m. - Scrappy Moore Field

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