SCHEDULE | TICKETS
 
CHATTANOOGA---The Chattanooga Mocs are off and running towards the 2024 campaign. Practice began one week ago today on Wednesday, July 31. The group is six practices in as this is published with a solid foundation being laid.
 
"It's been an okay start," Coach Rusty Wright said. "We gotta find some more guys to step up and do some things a little better. But we've been working hard and pushing through it."
 
Some news and notes through six practices…
 
Top 10 in First Official Poll
The Mocs are No. 9 in the initial Stats Perform FCS Top 25 poll. That's the best among Southern Conference representatives with Furman at No. 12 and Western Carolina coming in at No. 20. Mercer and Samford are receiving votes as is Austin Peay which is the site of Chattanooga's regular season finale. Old friend Russ Huesman's Richmond squad is 13th.
 
Good First Impression
The freshman Class of 2024 signees are off to a good start. Guys like Amanuel Dickson, Devn Lively, Isaiah Harvey and Gabe Flores came in early in January and already have a spring under their belts. Others like running back Journey Wyche, offensive lineman Nick Paul and linebacker Landon Feggins are seeing early rotational opportunities along with several others. It's a good first impression for the entire class including walk-ons.
 
"They all got chances to be pretty good players, really do," Wright continued. "Some of them might have a chance this year, some of them may be a year or so away."
 
Hot in the City
Breaking News…it's hot. Temperatures have been steamy at the opening of Chattanooga Mocs fall camp. Even with practices in the morning hours, it isn't exactly cooler other than the oven not being preheated.
 
There is a concerted effort across the board to look out for the student-athletes. From coaches to sports medicine to athletics performance, everyone is mindful of what it takes to keep guys on the field as well as look out for signs that someone needs a break. There are regular hydration breaks, and the post-practice plan is every bit as important as what's on it.
 
"I think they do a great job," Wright noted. "From Jordan (Yseth, nutrition) to Pacitti (Gerry, athletics performance) and Evan (Wilson, sports medicine) and all their all their staffs doing what we need them to do to get these guys ready to play. I think they've done a good job with that leading up to now and continuing through the start of fall camp. Hopefully, we're in good enough shape and bodies are gonna hold up well enough to make it through camp and then figure out the rest of the year."
 
More Accolades
The Phil Steele Preseason All-America team is out and the likely trio of Mocs made the list. DT Marlon Taylor is a first team pick with second team honors for OL Reid Willams and WR Javin Whatley. The publication also released their All-SoCon squads with 14 mentions.

• 1st team (7): WR Javin Whatley, WR Sam Phillips, TE Jay Gibson, OL Reid Williams, DT Marlon Taylor, DB Jordan Walker, AP Whatley
• 2nd (4): QB Chase Artopoeus, OL Dave Monnot III, DB Reuben Lowery III, LS Ethan Myers
• 3rd (3): DT Quay Wiggles, DB Josh Battle, K Jude Kelley

 
2024 PREVIEW SERIES
June 5: QB – Y2Chase | Meet The Mocs Radio Interview
June 12: RB – Uncertain Certainty | Meet The Mocs Radio Interview
June 19: WR – All Growns Up
June 26: TE – One More Year | Meet The Mocs Radio Interview
July 3: OL – Who's Next | Meet The Mocs Radio Interview
July 10: DB – Let's Stay Together | Meet The Mocs Radio Interview
July 17: LB – Stocked Up | Meet The Mocs Radio Interview
July 24: DL – Emerging | Meet The Mocs Radio Interview
July 31: ST – Reset | Meet the Mocs Radio Interview
 
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.
 
STUDENT SEASON TICKETS AVAILABLE
Season tickets for students are FREE. However, students do need to register for their ticket here.
 
MOCS PICKED TO WIN SOCON TITLE
The Mocs claimed five first-place votes for a total of 61 points in a preseason poll of Southern Conference head coaches. A maximum of 80 was available as the Mocs were either one or two on every ballot. Furman was second including three top votes with Western Carolina in third with the other. Mercer was next followed by Samford, ETSU, VMI, Wofford and The Citadel. Ten student-athletes made the preseason all-league squad with four on the first team: DT Marlon Taylor (Preseason DPOTY), OL Reid Williams, DB Jordan Walker and WR Javin Whatley.
 
PRESEASON ALL-AMERICA TEAMS
Stats Perform: DT Marlon Taylor (2nd), WR Javin Whatley (2nd)
FCS Football Central: DT Marlon Taylor (1st), WR Javin Whatley (1st), OL Reid Williams (2nd)
Phil Steele: DT Marlon Taylor (1st), WR Javin Whatley (2nd), OL Reid Williams (2nd)
 
WATCH LISTS
Walter Payton Award: QB Chase Artopoeus, WR Javin Whatley
Shrine Bowl 1000: DT Marlon Taylor, WR Javin Whatley
 
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