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CHATTANOOGA---The 2022 football season is fast approaching for the 12th-ranked Chattanooga Mocs. Kickoff is just SEVEN days away at the time of this publication. Tickets are available at the link above with more information later to see the preseason Southern Conference favorites.
 
The seventh installment in our position-by-position preview is here for the upcoming campaign.
 
Vol. 1: Defensive Line
Vol. 2: Offensive Line
Vol. 3: Linebackers
Vol. 4: Quarterbacks
Vol. 5: Secondary
Vol. 6: Running Backs
 
No. 7 in this journey peers into two rooms – wide receivers & tight ends. Both positions have loads of potential impact for this Mocs offensive edition.
 
We'll start with the easy side, the tight ends. The Mocs have five on the roster with two bringing a veteran presence as well as solid upside to the room following the graduation of Chris James. Junior Jay Gibson and sophomore Keshawn Toney will compete for a majority of the snaps.
 
Toney played in all 11 games a year ago as Gibson sat out with an injury. He also proved more than capable blocking in the running game. Similarly, Gibson is also a dual threat at the position as well. Both have looked good throughout fall camp.
 
They lead a room that includes Evan Brown, Camden Overton and Cameron Huckabey. Brown, a sophomore, moved to tight end last season from the defensive line. He's a big-bodied mover upfront, while true freshmen Overton is opening eyes in camp and may avoid a redshirt season. Huckabey enters as more of a receiver at this point coming from Meigs County over the summer.
 
The wide receiver room is 14 players deep. It has youth, experience and potential impact on the outside. There are speed guys, possession guys…lots of guys. Throughout camp, the competition for playing time has been, well competitive.
 
Returners include guys who have made starts in Tyron Arnett, Jamoi Mayes, Tyler Walker, Tyler Smith and Andrew Manning along with Jahmar Quandt. A trio of redshirts are pushing the vets hard in Javin Whatley, Sam Phillips and Javon Burke.
 
A quintet of newcomers includes four transfers and a high school standout. Spring signee Jaden Jude adds impressive size (6-4, 186) and skills if he doesn't redshirt. Transfers are Shatarius Williams (Alabama), Javin Burke (Virginia), Tyree O'Neil (Buffalo) and Brody Swafford (Austin Peay). Burke is the twin brother of Javon.
 
Quick Take with Tight Ends Coach Jacob Huesman
"I have grown to appreciate the versatility of it (speaking as a former QB about the TE position). You know, we got to do more than just block, we do more than just catch footballs, and I've got a good group of guys that are willing in the run game. I know it's not the most fun part of it, but they're willing, they work at it and, you know, it's fun too."
 
The TE Breakdown
Starters Returning/Lost: 0/1
Letter Winners Returning/Lost: 3/2
Redshirts Returning: 0
Newcomers (Yr.): 2 – Camden Overton (Fr.), Cameron Huckabey (Fr.)
 
The WR Breakdown
Starters Returning/Lost: 1/2
Letter Winners Returning/Lost: 6/3
Redshirts Returning: 3 – Javon Burke, Javin Whatley, Sam Phillips
Newcomers (Yr.): 5 – Shatarius Williams (Fr.-Alabama), Javin Burke (Fr.-Virginia), Jaden Jude (Fr.), Tyree O'Neil (Sr.-Buffalo), Brody Swafford (Fr.-Austin Peay)
 
A View from the Other Side
Defensive back Reuben Lowery III on the challenge presented by this group of WR/TEs:
"They come very focused, very driven each practice. They're very, very, very athletic. I feel like we have a very athletic guys, and they're very smart. They know when to pick their spots, when to use their moves and when to get to their spot in the route."
 
Are Tight Ends Allowed in the O-Line Room
Junior tackle Colin Truett shares the o-line thoughts of their tight ends up front in the running game:
"All of our guys do a really good job of getting in there putting their head down and are really just another offensive lineman. You know, especially as a tackle, you know they're right there on your hip and there's nothing to worry about. They get in there and get the job done. Those receivers aren't afraid to get in there either. One guy in particular can come into the o-line room, Javin Whatley, he'll get in there and block down on linebackers."
 
The Final Word with Wide Receivers Coach Ricky Spradling
"There's not a lot of selfishness or anything like that. It's a group that are all willing to help each other. They all play hard, so it is easier to bring together. It's a good mixture of guys from all backgrounds from all ages. We have seen the buy-in of what we're trying to do. We relied on coming some of the old heads to catch up the new guys, you know, just because they've got game reps of those other young guys haven't gotten before, and they've done a good job."
 
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