By KY-SHON HEPBURN

Special to GoUSFBulls.com

TAMPA - After suffering a concussion that cut his 2011 season short, USF's Terrence Mitchell had a strong season debut for the Bulls on Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium.

The 5-foot-10 receiver shined in USF's 34-13 win over Chattanooga, finishing with five catches for 78 yards and a touchdown.  He led the team in both receptions and receiving yards.

"It felt great to be back out there," Mitchell said. "It was a long wait for the next season. I feel that everything that happened today was great."

A healthy Mitchell returned for his first game after playing in only four games last season because of an injury he sustained during a play on special teams.

The junior grabbed the first receiving touchdown of his career on a 38-yard strike from quarterback B.J. Daniels that gave the Bulls a 21-3 lead over Chattanooga in the second quarter.

"I just remember finding the ball in the air and telling myself I've got to go get it," Mitchell said.  "It felt great to score in my first game back."

Daniels was happy to have one of his primary targets back on the field Saturday night.

"I trust Terrence's speed," Daniels said. "He's one of those guys who can shift into three or four different gears."

Mitchell, a Tampa native, also had a productive night on special teams.  He returned four punts for 69 yards including a 22-yard return in the first quarter and a 39 yarder in the fourth quarter.

"He had a couple good punt returns tonight," said head coach Skip Holtz said.  "I think he's got a chance to be an impact player."