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 seventh of nine positional 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 is the day for tight ends. It's a small unit, five players deep, but its impact comes in the running game, passing arena and special teams. It's got a returning starter, a high-ceiling returnee, a blue-collar reserve and youth.
 
Senior Jay Gibson is the returning starter. Sophomore Camden Overton is the returner with vast potential. Junior Evan Brown is a willing blocker as well with strong experience on various special teams units. True freshman Dalton Restelli is a well thought of local product out of Baylor and redshirt freshman Cameron Huckabey from nearby Meigs County looks for his chances after redshirting a season ago.
 
The room breakdown…
 
Starters Returning (1): Jay Gibson
 
Starters Lost (0): n/a
 
Letter Winners Returning (2): Evan Brown, Camden Overton (1 start)
 
Newcomers (2): Cameron Huckabey (RS Fr.), Dalton Restelli (Fr.)
 
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Quandary: The chicken and the egg…is the glass half-empty or half-full...the tight end position. Great mysteries all. Are tight ends slow wide receivers (Camden Overton is ready to fight about the slow part)? Are tight ends small offensive linemen (this is where Jay Gibson takes offense)? The position has elements of both, even add in some fullback at times. These guys are all over the place. Is it just a case of multiple personalities? The answer in the Scenic City is simply they're an important piece to the offense with big blocks for Ailym Ford and the running backs and big catches as well as safety valve plays for the QBs.
 
Class Breakdown
Seniors (1): Jay Gibson
Juniors (1): Evan Brown
Sophomores (1): Camden Overton
Freshmen (2): Cameron Huckabey (RS), Dalton Restelli
 
Notes to Know…

• New coach in the room…Zeb Speir comes to Chattanooga from Louisville. He's a former App State quarterback and the son of former Western Carolina Head Coach Mark Speir.
• Gibson started all 10 games the Mocs opened with a tight end in 2022. He was fifth on the team in catches with 13; however, his calling card is his physical work in the running game.
• Overton also got a start in a 2-TE set in the win over VMI. He tied for second in TD receptions with three.
• Brown and Restelli have roles ahead too. There're never enough tight ends. Brown is the proven commodity even with a modest two career catches. Restelli was considered a steal on signing day in December choosing the Mocs over FBS attempts to delay signing until February date when maybe an offer would come.
• Huckabey was an all-state wide receiver at Meigs County as well as region MVP. He redshirted 2022 developing into a tight end.
• Former All-America tight end Faysal Shafaat has transitioned from the gridiron to the limelight. "Fessy" has been a contestant on Big Brother, American Ninja Warrior and the Challenge. He also competes as a stopper for Lava in Slam Ball ranking third in the league in, wait for it, stops.

 
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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