Monday, April 14, 2008
Gault solid at QB in UTC scrimmage
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga coaches wanted to take a good look at quarterback Jare Gault, so the 6-foot-4 junior college transfer got the majority of the snaps during Sunday's scrimmage at Finley Stadium. And he didn't disappoint - neither, though, did the rest of the offense.
"I thought the offense came and played with some enthusiasm - came out and played with a sense of purpose," offensive coordinator Carmen Felus said. "There are still a lot of things we need to work on, but for the most part the enthusiasm and effort was there."
Mocs coach Rodney Allison said he and Felus wanted to "highlight" Gault in Sunday's scrimmage, but Allison said nobody needs to read too much into Gault's increased repetitions.
"We probably won't even make any dramatic decisions between now and next Friday, but that this point we wanted to see Jare," Allison said. "He had elevated himself slightly above (the other four quarterbacks), in my opinion."
The Mocs looked better offensively during the scrimmage, scoring six touchdowns, than they had during the preceding 10 workouts this spring. Gault's best throw came about a quarter of the way through the 60-plus play scrimmage, when he connected with Joel Bradford for a 52-yard touchdown down the left sideline.
"That felt real good, to get a big play like that," Gault said. "I feel a lot better (after) today and it gives me a real boost. I won't dread going to the film room."
Bradford, a redshirt freshman and a former McCallie standout, wrong-footed cornerback Buster Skrine on the play with a fake and then took off down the sideline. Gault's pass hit Bradford right in the hands but he bobbled it for about 5 yards before securing it as he reached the end zone, looking like Robin Williams' character in the 1986 movie "Best of Times."
Much to his surprise, Bradford was a big part of the offense Sunday because neither Blue Cooper (shoulder) nor Justin Buckhalter (hamstring) participated in the scrimmage. In addition, Clint Woods was sidelined early on with a groin injury, giving backup receivers like Bradford and Garrett Hughes more opportunities.
"It was a lot of fun, but I didn't expect (to be so involved)," he said. "I just ran my routes and the ball came my way."
Bradford caught four passes for 76 yards and Hughes caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from Tony Pastore.
Running back Erroll Wynn and fullback Brent Hayes continued their good springs, routinely rushing for more than 5 yards a carry. Wynn scored on a 45-yard run about midway though the scrimmage and fought his way into the end zone from the 1 near the end.
Hayes scored on a 2-yard run late and is giving the offense a bulky power running to offset the more elusive Wynn. Those two are getting all the carries in the scrimmages because Bryan Fitzgerald is being held out of contact following shoulder surgery.
"I still think the best thing we're doing offensively is running the ball," Allison said.
The defense gave up some touchdowns but overall didn't play poorly, getting several sacks, frequently putting pressure on the quarterbacks and getting their hands up in the passing lanes. On the 41st play, defensive end La'Nard Carr batted a Pastore pass and the ball caromed off another player before linebacker Mitchell Meadows made a diving interception just before the ball hit the ground.
The Mocs are off today and will conduct four workouts this week, including Friday's spring game at Chamberlain Field.

