MERCER PREVIEW | GAME WEEK PRIMER | GAME NOTES
 
CHATTANOOGA---There is a standard for the Chattanooga Mocs football program. It was set more than a decade ago. Over the last 13 seasons, a strong, opportunistic defense sets the tone. From front-to-back, that is something current secondary coach Jordan Tippit helped set as a student-athlete. In typical Mocs fashion, he deflected praise to all three levels but focused on the area that's gotten the most notoriety over the years.

"It helps when you have a really good d-line," Tippit shared. We've always had somebody up front to put pressure on the quarterback. And like now, there's usually been more than one. As a defensive back, that's your best friend, a pass rusher. That front seven contributed to the success we've had at the back end with guys like D.J. Key, Lucas Webb, Brandon Dowdell, Jerrell Lawson; man you can just go on and on.
 
"The expectation was set from above, and we just followed suit. All the guys who have come after that have done a really good job of carrying on that tradition."
 
The school is commonly known as D-Line U. The long succession of great DTs and DEs like Davis Tull, Keionta Davis, Derrick Lott and current Pittsburgh Steeler Isaiah Mack have gone on to spend time in the NFL. It's a path easily seen in the current group, specifically junior Devonnsha Maxwell.
 
But the Mocs have quietly become a "Safety School". Funny way to say it because if anyone knows Brandon Dowdell, he doesn't do anything quietly.
 
"Putting quiet and Brandon Dowdell together can be a very difficult at times," Lawson shared with a big smile. "This guy is very creative, very animated. That's just the way it's been since we've been together. I've just enjoyed working next to a guy like him."
 
The duo has 40+ starts together. They work in perfect unison on the back end of a Mocs defense that's one off the national lead with 14 interceptions. They share the SoCon lead with five apiece which is also among the elite in the country. Ask Brandon the secret to his success, he says Jerrell. Not surprisingly, Jerrell says the same thing about how Brandon makes his job easier.
 
Both Lawson and Dowdell were quick to credit those that came before.
 
"The guys in the room when I got here were Lucas Webb, Kareem Orr and Tae Davis," Dowdell began. "Lucas obviously set that platform…4-time all-conference, tied the school record for interceptions, it helped install the player I am today. He basically gave me all the information that makes me more competitive and bring what I do to the table.
 
"Now it's our turn. Me and 'JLaw' need to install in these future guys that you gotta study the game, practice hard and do the little things. Those little things add up. We compete at a high-level at practice because of the guys coming up behind us.
 
"The guys that passed that down to us and now as we pass it along, it's becoming a cycle, a legacy brought to Chatt."
 
The duo, and that's really how you have to look at them. It's as a pairing. Talking about either one without mentioning the other is a futile endeavor. Pro tip…don't think either is just relaxing or coasting their way along. Both take responsibility not only for 2021, but they want this "safety school" thing to continue.
 
At the end of each practice, you'll find them pushing a tackle sled back-and-forth, yard after yard honing their craft. Right alongside you see freshman Jordan Walker. He's getting a hands-on education as he looks forward to making his own mark.

"It's just learning the small thing from them and what it takes to be as great as they are," Walker shared. "Brandon likes to say the 'devil is in the details'. Just applying those lessons to my own game.
 
"That's going to help in the long run to live up to their legacy and those before them."
 
The next generation includes Walker and Josh Battle and Telly Plummer and Zay Brown and on and on. There's talent now and in the future. It's truly "safe" to bet on this position continuing this excellent run.
 
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