It’s always disturbing to see an upperclassmen suffer a serious injury that results in missing significant playing time. That’s exactly what happened to senior Brad Cottam when he injured his wrist in August and learned he would miss 2-3 months of the season. It was an unfortunate injury since Cottam figured to play a big role in the Vols offense.
Three months later, prospects of obtaining a medical redshirt did not look promising and heading into the Arkansas game it was decided that Cottam would play. He saw action in the Vols final four games and finished with 5 catches for 125 yards and a touchdown.
The touchdown came in the last collegiate game for the Germantown native. It was the second quarter of the Outback Bowl and the play was supposed to be a wheel route to Chris Brown. The Badgers defense had Brown covered but fortunately, quarterback Erik Ainge was able to look to his secondary receivers and find the open Cottam. The touchdown pass covered 31 yards and put the Vols on top 21-7, a lead that would not be relinquished.
It’s nice to see Brad Cottam, after all he’s been through, finish his career at Tennessee on a positive note.
There’s a good discussion in the forum about his potential on the next level.
Defensive coaching vacancy?: I still keep hearing rumblings about a defensive coach on Tennessee’s staff that may not return. Today, Doug Matthews said there would likely be one opening on the defensive side of the ball. Based on the rumors that have been circulating, I have to assume that it would be Larry Slade. If there is an opening, you would have to think an announcement would be forthcoming very soon.