SCHEDULE | TICKETS
 
CHATTANOOGA---The Chattanooga Mocs are well underway in preparation for August's fall camp in the Scenic City. A majority of the roster is on campus working out and readying for an exciting 2024 campaign.
 
Last week, we looked at the quarterback position. The major talking point was the first returning starter at the position for Coach Rusty Wright. Shifting deeper in the offensive backfield, we look at a running backs room that doesn't include the room's all-time leading runner – Ailym Ford – for the first time in the Wright Era.
 
That's why this week's glance is called "Uncertain Certainty". Although junior Reggie Davis certainly showed his ability in a reserve role behind Ford and Gino Appleberry, there is the uncertainty of life post-Ford. However, there is certainty in the offensive approach.
 
"You don't replace an Ailym Ford," Coach Rusty Wright began. "That's just a different guy than anybody. Gino Appleberry was really good for us as well so there's two really good ones.
 
"I think we're in good shape still. I liked how Reggie finished the season for us last year, and I just think we have an opportunity to continue to keep getting better in that room."
 
Davis led the Mocs rushing attack in the postseason. He gained 157 yards with 97 at Austin Peay and 60 at Furman. He's the Mocs active rushing leader with 358 career yards at UTC, however, he has competition from a transfer for carries as well.
 
Justus Durant, a junior coming to the Scenic City from DII Shorter, has a 200-yard game to his credit and comes with an apt nickname. "Blaze" showed off his burst during spring practice alongside Davis.
 
Rising senior Lance Jackson has flashed in the past for the Mocs and redshirt freshman Malachi Jefferies shone at Georgia powerhouse Cartersville. Add in freshmen Eagan Lehman and Journey Wyche along with rising junior Solomon Locke and the potential to continue a tradition is high for this room.
 
"There's a track record of us trying to run the football and being successful at it," Wright added. "I think to win football games and win championships, you got to be able to run the football. It's important. We gotta have guys step up, you know, and I think we've got some quality people in that room to figure it out."
 
We sat down with Reggie for a quick Q&A on all things running back:
 
You've overcome a lot to get to this point. What have you learned about yourself during your college career?
Davis: "I'm not a quitter. There's a lot of stuff I have been through that would make a lot of folks quit. I jut keep putting God first. God gave me this battle for a reason. So now is my time to show the world what he gave me."
 
This is your fourth year in the program but first without Ailym Ford. What kind of legacy did Ailym Ford leave for your room and how does that inspire you moving forward?
Davis: "You couldn't outwork him. He's a hard worker. He showed us how high you can push yourself showing up and giving that top effort every day."
 
There are very few teams that can get by with one running back. How deep is this group? What did you see this spring in the room as a whole?
Davis: "(Our room) is kind of scary. We can hit you with speed. We can hit you with power. You just don't know what you'll get. It's like a major league baseball pitcher. You don't know what they gonna throw at you. So, we got the fastball, slider, changeup and curveball."
 
Is it exciting to go to work each day at a place that values the running game like this coaching staff does?
Davis: "Our coaches believe in the running game. You love that as a running back. Know they believe running the ball will win games."
 
2024 Running Back Room
Starters Returning/Lost (0/1): Ailym Ford/Gino Appleberry
Letter Winners Returning/Lost (4/2): Reggie Davis, Chris Houston (likely move to WR), Lance Jackson, Solomon Locke | Ford & Appleberry
Redshirts/Newcomers (4): Justus Durant (Jr.), Malachi Jeffries (RS Fr.), Eagan Lehman (Fr.), Journey Wyche (Fr.)
 
Notes to Know…

• The Mocs have rushed for 8,835 yards in 52 games with Rusty Wright as head coach, a shade under 170 yards per game.
• Davis ran for 60+ yards in four of his last six appearances with a high of 97 in the FCS Playoff win at Austin Peay.
• Jackson has the lone 100-yard game (currently) in the room…he registered 135 yards on 19 carries (7.1 ypc) with two touchdowns in the spring 2021 meeting with Mercer.
• Durant was a 2-year performer at Shorter accumulating 1,369 career rushing yards with 13 touchdowns in 21 games.
• Davis' touchdown runs in 2023 came from 11 (at Furman) and 45 yards (at VMI).
• Durant's career high at Shorter was 202 yards against North Greenville.
• Ford (3,928) and Appleberry (1,567) combined for 5,495 career rushing yards…Ford's career began in 2019 with Appleberry joining the squad from Western Kentucky in 2020.
• Appleberry's 104 rushing yards at Alabama last season was the most by a running back against the Tide defense and second only to LSU QB Jayden Daniels' 163.

 
2024 PREVIEW SERIES
June 5: QB – Y2Chase
 
MEET THE MOCS
Sports Talk on WGOW 102.3 FM is running it back again this year. Their weekly "Meet the Mocs" position segments interviewing key student-athletes over the summer months follow along with GoMocs.com's position previews. Check out Reggie Davis with the Sports Talk gurus Scott McMahen, David Paschall and Joe Varner at 4:35 p.m. Click the listen live link here on WGOW.com.
 
SEASON TICKETS ON SALE
Season tickets are now available to the general public. The deadline to renew last year's seats is May 31. Prices start at $60 for general admission. Mocs Club members have the option for reserved seats beginning at the $250 donation level which includes a season parking pass to go with the season ticket. The purchase of season tickets is the lowest per game price for fans.
 
MOCS TOP 10 IN 1ST PRESEASON POLL
The Mocs are No. 10 in the HERO Sports FCS Preseason Top 25 released Thursday morning. The top 10 is led by South Dakota State followed by North Dakota State, Montana, Montana State, South Dakota, Villanova, Idaho, Sacramento State and Southern Illinois. Furman is 14th and Western Carolina comes in at 16.
 
STUDENT SEASON TICKETS AVAILABLE
Season tickets for students are FREE. However, students do need to register for their ticket here.
 
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