New London — Before Justin Moffatt, record-setting Coast Guard Academy wide receiver, graceful yet with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder, there was Eric Gerken, record-setting Coast Guard wide receiver, graceful yet with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder.

A year ago, Moffatt, Class of 2021, broke the program's record for single-season catches with 71, eclipsing the mark of 70 previously held by Gerken, Class of 2013. The two had never met.

Then, this season, Gerken joined the Coast Guard football staff as wide receivers coach. And as if Moffatt's talent wasn't already finely honed — he earned first team All-New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference honors last season — Gerken is helping to shape him, and the rest of the Bears' skillful receiving corps, even further.

"I would probably have to say he's the best route runner. He emphasizes crisp routes for me," Moffatt said this week, asked what Gerken has helped him with the most. "To get to certain yardage points. That allows me to separate myself from the defense. It helps in opening up other receivers.

"We do a lot of catching drills this year. We work on our body control. ... He definitely holds us to a high standard. He knows the potential we can reach. He's been in our shoes. Everyone respects him. He played slot when he was here and I play slot. He taught me so much this year."

Coast Guard, 3-1 overall and 0-1 in the NEWMAC, next plays at 1:30 p.m. Saturday in New London against league opponent Catholic (0-4, 0-1).

Moffatt, a 6-foot-1, 205-pound junior from Odessa, Fla., leads the Bears with 18 catches so far for 126 yards, despite missing the team's Week 2 game against Nichols due to a separated shoulder.

Last season he finished with 853 yards and three touchdowns, leading the league in catches and yards. He had four games with 100 yards or more, including 10 catches for a career-best 178 yards in a victory over Norwich. As a freshman, he had 27 catches for 438 yards and four touchdowns.

Moffatt said he developed a bit of edginess on the field when he was a freshman in high school and was 5-foot-4, 110 pounds. He played on the junior varsity team and never got called up to the varsity at the end of the season.

"Luckily, I hit a growth spurt," said Moffatt, who hit the weight room after that perceived slight. "Being smaller, I always had a chip on my shoulder."

Moffatt had seven catches for 80 yards in last Saturday's 17-7 win over Curry. He's feeling healthier, he said, and it was apparent as he continually tacked on yards after the catch. Five of his seven receptions went for first downs, including those on second-and-14, third-and-16 and third-and-12.

"That's probably my favorite down we're ever in," Moffatt said of third down. "I know in my mind I want to make a play to keep the drive going. I love third downs, the pressure. I want all of it."

Gerken, meanwhile, is now a 30-yard-old Coast Guard lieutenant stationed in New London, with he and his wife Bianca arriving in the area over the summer. He is the commander of the academy's Charlie Company, serving as what he describes as part guidance counselor/part resident assistant to the 130 cadets in his company.

Gerken, 5-foot-8, 170 pounds, played football at Division I-AA Iona for a year before arriving at Coast Guard, giving him only three years of eligibility with the Bears. He finished his career with 137 receptions, 1,442 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Coast Guard coach Bill George watched him grow in talent and maturity while he was with the Bears, the way both coaches are now overseeing Moffatt as he does the same.

George often tells a story about Gerken as a sophomore, when Gerken willed the team to a win over Fitchburg State two days after the death of George's mother Anna.

"He rallied the whole team," George said. "Afterward, my wife (Nancy) said 'That Eric Gerken is the greatest leader I've ever seen.' I said, 'He's the biggest pain in the ass.' ... He stepped up that day. We're always talking about how here guys step up and become a leader."  

"I think it helps that I played in this system," Gerken said of the immediate bond he's formed with the Bears receivers. "The relationships I have with all the coaches is helpful, too. I always knew I wanted to be back here.

"Working with a talented group is always easy. My job is to make sure they don't get complacent in what they're doing. We need to make sure we're working on the details. Leading those that are right behind you (at a certain position). Being involved. Being engaged with those younger guys. That's who the younger guys look up to.

"Go out and have fun and play football."

v.fulkerson@theday.com