SCHEDULE | TICKETS

CHATTANOOGA---The 2023 football season is fast approaching. The Chattanooga Mocs kick it off on Sept. 2, at North Alabama. Get in the know with GoMocs.com's annual position-by-position preview for the campaign.
 
The is the fifth of nine installments with a bonus 10th we snuck in at the Southern Conference Media Day festivities. Each Tuesday and Thursday through August 24 provides an in-depth look at a position group.
 
Today, the curtain opens on the wide receivers. This room holds a certain distinction found in the first note below.
 
Starters Returning (3): Jamoi Mayes, Sam Phillips, Javin Whatley
 
Starters Lost (0): n/a
 
Letter Winners Returning (3): Javon Burke, Tyler Smith, Brody Swafford
 
Newcomers (5): Jaden Jude (RS Fr.), A.J. Little (Fr.), Matt Rozier (Fr.), Nas Starkey (Fr.), Zaire Thornton (Jr.-Tennessee State)
 
Descriptive Word
5-alarm Fire: OK, that was multiple words but there are multiple threats in this room.
 
Class Breakdown
Seniors (0): n/a
Juniors (3): Jamoi Mayes, Tyler Smith, Zaire Thornton
Sophomores (4): Javon Burke, Sam Phillips, Brody Swafford, Javin Whatley
Freshmen (4): Jaden Jude, A.J. Little, Matt Rozier, Nas Starkey
 
Notes to Know…

• Experienced…the wide receiver room is the only one on the team returning all of its starters (that had more than one). The group returns 129 receptions for 1,964 yards with 10 scores. That's 83.2 percent of receptions, 84.8 percent of yards and 100 percent scoring that returns.
• Youthful…zero seniors in the room with seven of the 10 ranging from true freshman to redshirt sophomore.
• Phillips set the school freshman record for receptions with 44 including 20 in the final two games a season ago. He also led the squad in yards (661).
• Mayes needs four catches for 70 in his career and just 15 yards to reach 1,000.
• Whatley had the long reception of 2022 with a 72-yard catch-and-run TD in the win over VMI. He also showed a penchant for the big game at rivalry time with a 6-catch, 75-yard performance in the comeback win at ETSU.
• Zaire Thornton was a second team All-Ohio Valley Conference pick at Tennessee State in 2021 collecting 50 catchers for 684 yards and nine touchdowns.
• Three receivers: Mayes (25), Thornton (25) & Tyler Smith (22) have played 20 or more career games.

 
GoMocs.com Position-by-Position
July 25 – Offensive Line
July 27 – SoCon Media Day
August 1 – Defensive Line
August 3 – Defensive Backs
August 8 – Quarterbacks
August 10 – Wide Receivers
August 15 – Linebackers
August 17 – Tight Ends
August 22 – Special Teams
August 24 – Running Backs
 
Watch Lists
Walter Payton Award: Running Back Ailym Ford
Buck Buchanan Award: Kam Brown, Jay Person
Shrine Bowl 1000: Edge Jay Person and Offensive Lineman Griffin McDowell
Allstate AFCA Good Works Team: Defensive Back Reuben Lowery III
 
Preseason All-America Teams
Athlon – Jay Person
Bluebloods – Jay Person, Kam Brown
HERO Sports – Kam Brown
Phil Steele – Jay Person, Kam Brown (3rd), Ailym Ford (3rd)
Stats Perform – Jay Person, Kam Brown (2nd), Ailym Ford (2nd)
 
Season Tickets On Sale
The Mocs 2023 schedule is linked above. Five homes games are included with visits from Kennesaw State, The Citadel, Western Carolina, ETSU and Furman. Season tickets start at just $60 for general admission. Click the link above, go to the Go Mocs app or call (423) 266-MOCS (6627) to purchase.
 
Everything Is Cashless Now On Gamedays
No cash will change hands at Mocs athletics venues in 2023-24. That includes tickets, concessions, merchandising and even parking. Be prepared to pay by credit card when coming to enjoy the hard-working efforts of our student-athletes and coaches.
 
Concession Additions
Finley Stadium has added some new wrinkles along with old standbys in providing premier service to its visitors. One is the Fort Finley Grab+Go Market with snacks and beverages. The lineup just inside the St. Elmo Gates also includes Windy City Eatz, Chestnut Bakes, The Kettlecorn Man, Miller's Original Lemonade, The Max Grilleworks and Reggie's BBQ & Nachos. Go here for more information.
 
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