Denton makes strong impact

Chris Denton, wide receiver for the Norwich Cadets football team, has had a positive impact on the football program, according to teammates.

Denton of Plantation, Fla., is a 19-year-old sophomore communications major. He is also a radio disc jockey for Norwich's radio station, 88.3 WNUB, and has worked on many documentaries for Norwich's television production program.

Many of Norwich's football fans notice Denton right away because of his flashy attire on game day and his long dreadlocked hair sticking out of his helmet. He wears team-colored socks with a multiple number of wristbands. He stands out from the rest of his teammates.

"I learned if you look good you play good, so I try my best to look the part of a star football player; you have to have the swagger of a champion," said Denton, who wears the jersey number one.

Denton is helpful on and off the field. "If I need some help in the TV studio I know I can count on Chris to know what he's doing and guide me through anything I need to do, and he's the same way on the football field," said Andrew Fulford, a 21-year-old junior communications major from Gloucester, Mass.

In the 2009 football season Denton recorded eight receptions for 180 yards and three touchdowns and was named to the All ECFC (Eastern Colligate Football Conference) second team.

"I was very proud of myself for being able to receive that accomplishment, not many freshmen can come in and have that type of impact on a team, and I thank our entire coaching staff for giving me that opportunity," Denton said.

In the 2010 season Denton's stats have only gotten better with 34 receptions, 583 receiving yards and eight touchdowns; and 865 all purpose yards, with one punt return touchdown.

Jason Hill, a junior business management major from Canajoharie, N.Y., said, "Chris has been the go-to guy in our passing game and he has done nothing but help us win games; everyone one knows that Denton is our playmaker."

Fulford, who also plays football, is the Cadet's starting running back. "Chris is an excellent athlete and we are lucky to have him at Norwich with us; usually big time athletes don't come to smaller schools like Norwich but we are lucky to have him," he said.

"He definitely is a game changer, we try to use him in multiple ways, whether it's handing him off the ball, special teams, or him just lining up at wide out, he's is our impact player," Hill said.

"I try my hardest to do whatever it takes to help the team, our other receivers Martinez and Dantzler help me out; also they make things easier for me, not to mention our great quarterback Kris Sabourin, it's a team thing," Denton said.

Denton is also a very hard worker; he dedicated his off-season to being the best receiver in the conference.

"Me and Kris worked together this off-season, I … ran routes, lifted hard, and ran. I wanted to be in the best possible shape ever. Oh, and I can't forget about playing 7 on 7 in the spring. I live for that," Denton said.

"He's clearly improved, as a freshman he was already good but when he reported for football training camp he was in tip-top shape. Chris was bigger, stronger, and faster," Fulford said.

"He has inspired the other receivers on our team to be better, he's our unspoken leader, he leads by example and he has a wonderful personality so you have no choice but to respect him," Hill said.

"I love helping my teammates and friends out. It's just a part of who I am as a person, and I look to do even bigger and better things here at Norwich. We have to work harder," Denton said