2024 Mercer Football Souvenir Game Program by MercerAthletics

Table of contents/Credits

WELCOME TO MERCER

RECORD BOOK

2024 PREVIEW

President

MERCER UNIVERSITY

Mercer

2023 REVIEW

CREDITS

The 2024 Mercer Football Game Program is a production of the Athletic Media Relations Office, published by Mercer Athletics

Editor: Todd C. Anderson

Covers, Page and Graphic Design: Lamar Courmon

Writing, Research and Editing Assistance: Kayla Astin, Matt Badik, Morgan Barber, Rick Cameron, Kaylin Flukey, Connor Garrison, Zach Hiers, Bennett Houston, Makenzie Jones, Brian Magnus, Samantha Nelson, John Peach, Donovan Schultz, Akiliyah “AK” Sumlin, Daniel Tate

Mercer Photographers: Traylor Erickson, Deron Hicks, Jacob Hoffman, Kenny Mitchell, Samantha Nelson, Aaliyah Prim, Josh Smith, Abby Sugg, Akiliyah “AK” Sumlin, Augusta Thramer

Printing: Minuteman Press (Macon, Ga. - minuteman.com)

MERCER QUICK FACTS

Location Macon, Ga.

Affiliation

NCAA Division I (FCS)

Conference Southern Conference

Colors Orange (PMS 716C) & Black

Nickname Bears

President William D. Underwood

Faculty Athletics Representative Dr. Jeffrey Hugdahl

Director of Athletics Jim Cole

Mailing Address 1501 Mercer University Drive Macon, GA 31207

Department Phone (478) 301-2994

Athletics Website MercerBears.com

Athletics Twitter @MercerBears

Athletics Instagram @MercerAthletics

Stadium Five Star Stadium (10,200) Surface FieldTurf

August 31, 2013 Record

43-19 Head

(Years) 0-0 (1st)

Mike Jacobs Record

74-17 (9th)

Mike Jacobs, a 21-year coaching veteran with previous stops as head coach at Notre Dame (Ohio) and Lenoir-Rhyne, was named Mercer’s 21st head coach on Jan. 18, 2024. He

A TO Z GAMEDAY GUIDE

ANIMALS

Five Star Stadium welcomes guests with disabilities and their assistive animals. While it is not necessary, we encourage guests with assistive animals to contact the ticket office at (478) 952-1740 in advance of the event in order to most appropriately accommodate the needs of the guest and their animal.

ATM

Truist Bank has furnished Five Star Stadium with accessible ATMs which are located inside Five Star Stadium beside the East and West stands.

ALCOHOL POLICY

Mercer guests are encouraged to drink responsibly. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to purchase and consume alcohol. Valid government issued picture identification is necessary to purchase any alcoholic beverages. The purchase limit may be reduced and sales may be discontinued at any time at the discretion of stadium management. Guests will not be allowed to enter Five Star Stadium if visibly intoxicated. Intoxicated and/or disorderly behavior may result in ejection from the facility without refund. All guests are required to show valid identification and proof of age when purchasing alcoholic beverages

BEAR WALK

Join the Mercer cheerleaders and dance team, as well as the Mercer University Marching Band, 2-1/2 hours prior to kickoff as they lead the football team from Cruz Plaza past the University Center and the softball field and into Five Star Stadium.

DIRECTIONS

Via I-75 North (from Florida)

Take Exit 163 (Mercer University Drive). Turn right onto Mercer University Drive. Fan parking options are available via left turns on to either Stadium Drive or College Street.

Via I-75 South (from Atlanta)

Take Exit 163 (Mercer University Drive). Turn left onto Mercer University Drive. Fan parking options are available via left turns onto either Stadium Drive or College Street.

Via I-16 West (from Savannah)

Take I-16 West until it merges with I-75 South. Follow Exit 163 (Mercer University Drive). Turn left onto Mercer University Drive. Fan parking options are available via left turns onto either Stadium Drive or College Street.

DRONES

For the safety of our guests and visitors, the operation of drones, unmanned aircraft and remote controlled aircraft at Five Star Stadium is strictly prohibited without the advance written consent of administrators. Violators may be subject to civil and criminal penalties.

FIELD TRESPASSING

Any guest attempting to enter the field or cause objects to enter the field before, during or after a game or event will be subject to criminal prosecution and/or fines.

FIRST AID

First aid is available at the Guest Services window on the West side of the stadium and at the First Aid tent on the East side. Trained nurses are on hand. If a doctor is needed, ask any usher. For emergencies, call 911.

FORD FOOTBALL CONCERT SERIES

The Ford Football Concert Series, which will celebrate its sixth season in the Fall, gives Mercer football faithful the once-in-a-lifetime chance to enjoy live music from a variety of nationally known recording artists, as well as local talent, at Toby Town, the designated tailgating area on Black Field which is located adjacent to Five Star Stadium. The season schedule for the concert series can be accessed at MercerBears.com/Concerts.

GAMEDAY GEAR

Want to make sure you have all the orange and black necessary for gameday? Visit the official online store of Mercer University Athletics at MercerBears.com/Shop.

GATES

All gates are open 90 minutes prior to kickoff. Drake Field House will open 60 minute prior to kickoff for all fans with valid credentials.

GUEST SERVICES

If fans require assistance finding your seat, concession stands, restrooms, or have inquiries on parking, be sure to speak with one of our many friendly Mercer University ushers positioned around the stadium. The ushers are easily identified by their orange-collared shirts. You can also visit the Guest Services Window, located just inside the main stadium entrance, where you will find first aid assistance, lost & found and general stadium information.

HANDICAP-ACCESSIBLE SEATING

Customers who require accessible seating may submit a request for these seats by calling Mercer Ticket Sales at (478) 952-1740.

LOST & FOUND

Lost and found items should be given to a Guest Services staff member. Lost items may be claimed at the Guest Services window in the west concourse, and will remain open for 30 minutes after the game has concluded. After each game the items will be delivered to Mercer Police on Winship Avenue. Please make appropriate arrangements to retrieve all lost items. To contact Mercer Police, call (478) 301-4357.

MASCOT

Toby and Tot are the official mascots of the Mercer Bears. For appearance information, please visit MercerBears.com/ Mascot.

MEDICAL DEVICES

Fans needing to bring medical devices to the game are welcome to enter through any gate. All medical device bags and carriers will be subject to search at the gates.

PARKING

A gameday parking map is available at MercerBears.com/ Parking. Due to limited spaces available to the public near Five Star Stadium, please allow sufficient time to get to the stadium on game days.

PLAYER & SPIRIT GROUP PASS GATE

The player and spirit groups pass gate opens at the same time as the gates (90 minutes prior to kickoff). It is located on the west side of the stadium at Gate 3. A valid picture ID must be shown for each complimentary admission at the Player & Spirit Groups Pass Gate.

RECYCLING

Take pride in Mercer’s campus by taking responsibility for keeping it clean and taking action to help sustain the environment. Please utilize the recycling bins positioned in the tailgating areas and use the Coca Cola recycling barrels located in Mercer Stadium.

REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE

SMOKING & TOBACCO POLICY

In accordance with Mercer University policy, all areas of the stadium have been designated as smoke, tobacco and vape free. Anyone violating this policy will be subject to removal from the stadium.

SOUVENIRS

Souvenirs, novelties and gameday programs are sold inside the stadium at Guest Services as well as at Gates 2 and 5.

STADIUM RE-ENTRY POLICY / MEDICAL PASS

Mercer University football tickets are only valid for one-time stadium entry. Fans who wish to exit the stadium prior to the conclusion of the game will not be allowed to re-enter. Patrons may be allowed re-entrance in the case that a medical condition requires exiting the stadium. To obtain a medical pass for re-entry, please visit the Guest Services window inside the main stadium entrance.

STROLLERS & UMBRELLAS

Strollers and umbrellas are not permitted inside Five Star Stadium, and can be checked at Guest Services which is located on the west concourse until the completion of the game.

TAILGATING

Parking lots will open at 9 a.m. on gameday for tailgating. No overnight occupancy is allowed in tailgating areas. Tailgating sites must be cleared and cleaned by midnight or three hours after the game, whichever is earlier. Information for RV parking is available on MercerGameday.com. Reservations for rented tents and/ or amenities can be made through the Mercer Alumni Association on a first-come, first-served basis. Rented tents will be erected and available for use when guests arrive. Outside vendors such as tent rental companies and caterers, except those contracted by Mercer, will not be allowed on campus. A complete schedule of tailgating events can be found at X.com/MercerFootball.

To purchase tailgate packages, visit the reservations page available on MercerGameday.com, e-mail alumni@ mercer.edu, or call the Alumni Association office at (478) 301-2943 or 800-MERCER-U.

TICKETS

Mercer Athletics has transitioned to a fully-digital ticketing system powered by Tixr’s state-of-the-art technology. Fans will have the freedom to purchase tickets online at MercerBears.com/Tickets. This integration ensures a user-friendly interface, allowing fans to effortlessly browse event schedules, select seats and make secure transactions at their convenience. Furthermore, digital tickets can be easily accessed, stored and displayed on smartphones which eliminates the need for paper tickets.

WILL CALL

Will Call tickets can be claimed at one location only. The Will Call Booth is located in the Butler Family Plaza next to Gate 2. A picture ID must be shown to pick up Will Call tickets.

ZERO TOLERANCE

Mercer University reserves the right to revoke the season tickets of those individuals whose conduct is determined inappropriate or who violate the law. Please be aware that the season ticket member is accountable for the conduct of his or her guest.

FIVE STAR STADIUM

Since opening in 2013, Five Star Stadium has served as the home of Mercer University’s football and lacrosse programs. The current seating capacity at Five Star Stadium is 10,200.

More than 423,000 fans have witnessed the Bears play 42 home football games at Five Star Stadium over the past seven seasons. With an average of 10,085 fans at each home game, Mercer has ranked inside the top 25 of NCAA Division I FCS programs for attendance. The Bears own an impressive 26-16 (.619) all-time record at Five Star Stadium and a 12370-3 (.627) mark in all games played in Macon dating back to 1892.

Mercer’s return to the gridiron on Aug. 31, 2013 vs. Reinhardt University marked the first game played at Five Star Stadium. The Bears rallied in the fourth quarter and 12,172 fans witnessed a game-winning field goal by Josh Shutter with three seconds remaining to give Mercer a 40-37 comeback victory.

The Mercer football team recorded one of its most iconic wins in program history by taking down No. 3 Chattanooga, 17-14, on Nov. 7, 2015 at Five Star Stadium. The Bears handed UTC its first league defeat and picked up the program’s first victory over a Top-25 opponent.

Mercer jumped out to a 7-0 lead to start the game as John Russ’ quarterback keeper capped off a 13play, 75-yard drive that handed the Bears an early lead. Chattanooga responded with a scoring drive of its own on the next possession, thanks to a seven-yard touchdown run that put the two teams on even terms, 7-7. Mercer led 17-14 late in the fourth quarter, but Chattanooga threatened with another drive into Bears’ territory. The Bears’ defense came up with a big play for the fourth time in the game,

however, allowing the offense to take over and run out the clock on the historic victory.

Five Star Stadium also served as the host site for the inaugural Southern Conference Women’s Lacrosse Championships in 2018, which Mercer won to punch a ticket to its first-ever NCAA Tournament.

Mercer clinched the inaugural Southern Conference Women’s Lacrosse title with a dominant 18-8 win over third-seeded Furman on May 5, 2018 at Five Star Stadium. The fourth-seeded Bears (9-10) earned the SoCon’s automatic bid to the 2018 NCAA Tournament with the championship victory. Mercer found the back of the net 14 times in the first half of the title game en route to the convincing 10-goal victory.

After both teams traded two goals apiece to open the contest, the Bears pulled ahead, 7-2, with its first of t--wo five-goal runs in the first half. Mercer showed no signs of slowing down in the second half; Leone, Hagerty, Meghan Segreti and Imbriani scored four goals within a nine-minute span while the Bears’ defense stifled Furman’s attack throughout.

Roughly two years after Mercer University’s Board of Trustees voted to reinstate football, the school broke

STADIUM QUICK FACTS

Groundbreaking November 12, 2011

Construction Cost

$14 million

Architect McMillan-Pazdan-Smith

Capacity 10,200

Surface FieldTurf

First Game

Result

August 31, 2013

Mercer 40, Reinhardt 37

Record Crowd 12,727 (9/9/17 vs. Wofford)

ground & unveiled plans for the Tony & Nancy Moye Football & Lacrosse Complex during a Homecoming weekend ceremony on Nov. 11, 2012. Held adjacent to the construction site, the ceremony was attended by several hundred faculty, staff, students, trustees & Middle Georgia community members.

Included in the complex are the Homer & Ruth Drake Field House, the William H. Anderson II Family Field, the Marshall & the Jane Butler Family Plaza. The Drake Field House is home to football & lacrosse coaches’ offices, team meeting rooms, a player lounge, game day suites, a weight room, a training room & the Mercer School of Medicine’s sports medicine clinic, which provides physical therapy services to student-athletes & the general public.

The stadium complex was designed by McMillan-Pazdan-Smith Architecture of Spartanburg, S.C., and the general contractor was Chris R. Sheridan & Co. of Macon.

STADIUM RECORDS

Individual

Rushing Yards 276, Fred Davis vs. Samford, 2021

Passing Yards 406, Carter Peevy vs. Furman, 2021

Receiving Yards 192, Ty James vs. Morehead St., 2022 192, Devron Harper vs. Furman, 2022

Tackles 21, Sidney Otiwu vs. Samford, 2019

Interceptions 2, by five players (most recent: 2023)

Sacks 2.0, by eight players (most recent: 2023)

STADIUM/PARKING MAP

SPIRIT SQUADS

MERCER CHEERLEADERS

(front row L-R): Kylla Justice, Maci McDermott, Amiria Smiley, Maleigh Wooten, Lucelie Castillo, McKinley Ivester, Kathy Thai, Mekenzie Cobb, Faith Stewart, Emoni Jones, Sydney Mouton. (middle row L-R): Madison Butler, Alexis Maryland, Aniya Mercier, Alyssa Sinopoli, Kaetlin Bunner, Annalise Milam, Taylor Wilson, Abbey Brannen, Makayla Gilstrap, Clarissa McNeil. (back row L-R): Makenna Kitchens, Kayin Walker, Rachel Everett, Dan’Aja Wright, Kinleigh King, Elizabeth Bowden, Zara Kelly, Annabelle Witt, Emma Williams, Tyra Cooper-Williams

MERCER DANCE TEAM

(front row L-R): Zoe Jones, Natalie King, Delia Mayville, Aniston Royer, Head Coach Caroline Cole, Jana Richardson, Caelynn Stark, Ashley Boone, Alyssa Green. (back row L-R): Victoria McRee, Emma Claire Coons, Ezre Dunbar, Lily Gardiner, Alex Jones, Vivian Vo, Kayla Cotter, Julia McKeown, Georgia Taylor.

MARCHING BAND

The Mercer University Marching Band is one of the most visible student organizations on MU’s campus. The ensemble is one of many housed within the Townsend School of Music. The marching band appears at all MU home football games, selected away games, and invited exhibition performances. Consisting of woodwind, brass, color guard, and twirlers, the MUMB strives for musical excellence coupled with an exciting visual presentation. Membership is open to all students regardless of academic major. The 2024-25 Mercer University Marching Band is led on the ﬁeld by conducting drum majors Jenna Utt and Michael Bloom, and band captain Evie Hufstetler. The MUMB is under the direction of Director of Athletic Bands Dr. Nathan Gay, and he is assisted by Shawn Smith (color guard), S. Reid Grifﬁn (visual arts), Tyler Clevenger (percussion), Dr. Marcus Reddick (percussion), Jon Grizzle (marching technique) and Christopher Yearian (percussion).

GEORGIA (57)

2024 TEAM INFORMATION

TEAM BREAKDOWN

STARTERS RETURNING (12)

Offense (4)

TE Sawyer Burt

TE Samuel Albee

LG Israel Mukwiza

C Riley Adcock

(6)

DT Jordan Swain

KAT Christian Hanson

LB Marques Thomas

LB Ken Standley

CB TJ Moore

FS Myles Redding

Special Teams (2)

K Reice Griffith

P Reice Griffith

RETURNING STATISTICAL LEADERS

Alpharetta: Drew Clare, Lake Thoman. Atlanta: Ryan Douthit, Ian Hover, Carmelo O’neal. Auburn: Sully Croker. Augusta: Sam Connell, Kaleb Hutchinson. Blackshear: Ty Everson. Brunswick: Kody Arnold, Jordan Swain. Buford: Brayden Dudley, Aiden Wilson. Canton: Pierson Sears.

Carrollton: Jaiden Hamilton.

Cordele: Julian Fox. Cumming: Eli Edwards. Dacula: Riley Adcock. Dallas: Jay Culbreth, Javarius George, Justin Gilbert.

Decatur: Langston White. Douglasville: Amarii Atchison. Duluth: Lonnie Ratliff IV.

Dunwoody: Samuel Albee.

Fairburn: Dainsus Miller.

Glennville: Mic Wasson. Gray: Tucker Mix. Hoschton: Parker Wroble.

Kennesaw: Victor Pless. Kite: Billy Martin. Lilburn: Matthew Miller.

Lovejoy: Amari Brown.

Mableton: Myles Redding.

PLAYERS BY STATE/HOMETOWN

Macon: Michael Horton, Scooter Risper, Brayden Smith, Travion Solomon. McDonough: Micah Bell.

Milton: Elliott Kuykendall.

Moultrie: Neko Fann. Newnan: Tripp

Slaton. Richmond Hill: Tommy Bliss, Aidan Styan. Riverdale: TJ Moore. Sandersville: Justin Brett.

Savannah: Antonio Butts Jr., Jep

Hudspeth, Juwan Johnson. Senoia: Christian Hanson.

Snellville: Isaac Dowling, Isaac Prince. Springfield: Tucker Wilson. Statesboro: Chris Hill. Thomasville: Cole Shaw. Waycross: Ken Standley. Winder: Ryan McNally.

FLORIDA (13)

Baker: Kurt Armstrong. Citra: Andrew Zock. Clearwater: Isaiah Washburn. Jacksonville: Kai Reyes. Kissimmee: Dwayne McGee. Miami: Claumy Jean Francois Jr. Newberry: Wyatt Hester, Jonathan Powers. Ocala: William Cotney.

STARTERS LOST (13)

Offense (7)

QB Carter Peevy

RB Al Wooten II

WR Devron Harper

WR Ty James

LT John Thomas

RG Demetri Robinson

RT Nate Howard

Defense (5)

DE Solomon Zubairu

NG Savio Frazier

BAN RIchie Coffey

SS Lance Wise

CB Tavion McCarthy

Special Teams (1)

Joe Miller

Pace: Reice Griffith. Port Charlotte: Myles Weston. Saint Augustine: Bryce Addison. Windermere: Ian Garcia. NORTH CAROLINA (13)

Apex: Zachary Lowe. Chapel Hill: Simon Mermuys. Charlotte: Tyrell Coard, Myles Jones, Arias Nash. Concord: Kendall Harris. High Point: RJ Evans. Raleigh: Whitt Newbauer. Shelby: Xavier Jennings. Sherrills Ford: Joshua Williams. Vanceboro: Brayden Manley. Winston-Salem: Chris Joines, Kelin Parsons.

ALABAMA (8)

Auburn: Avery Ferris.

Bessemer: Marques Thomas. Birmingham: Luke Schultz. Eufaula: Hess Horne. Fort Payne: Sawyer Burt. Gadsden: CJ Miller.

Marbury: Matthew Johnson. Tuscaloosa: Christian Davis.

SOUTH CAROLINA (4)

Hardeeville: Camauri Simmons. Lexington: Apollos Cook. Sumter: Khalil Moody.

Winnsboro: Donovan Watkins. CALIFORNIA (2)

Carlsbad: Carter Kermott; Madera: Beau Green

LOUISIANA (1)

Covington: Knox Hollis

MISSISSIPPI (1)

Greenwood: DJ Smith

NEBRASKA (1)

Bellevue: Caden Camese

NEW YORK (1)

Bronx: Israel Mukwiza

OHIO (1)

Toledo: EJ Johnson

TENNESSEE (1)

Greeneville: Adjatay Dabbs

VIRGINIA (1)

Altavista: Tyler Murray

WEST VIRGINIA (1)

Morgantown: John McConnell

2024 OPPONENT INFORMATION

PRESBYTERIAN

Game 1 I Aug. 29 I Macon, Ga.

GENERAL INFORMATION

School...........................................Presbyterian College

Location .....................................................Clinton, S.C.

Founded ................................................................1880

Enrollment ............................................................1,200

Nickname ......................................................Blue Hose

Colors ......................................................Blue & Garnet

Conference .............................Pioneer Football League Series ...............................................Mercer leads, 10-5

President...............................................Anita Gustafson

Athletics Director ........................................Dee Nichols

Head Coach..........................................Steve Englehart

2023 Record .............................................................4-7

PFL Record ...............................................................2-6

Stadium (Surface)........Bailey Memorial Stadium (Grass) Ticket Office Phone ...............................(864) 833-8240

COMMUNICATIONS

Football Contact....................................Brandon Burke Office .....................................................(864) 833-7096

E-mail............................................btburke@presby.edu

2024 SCHEDULE

8/29 at Mercer 10/12 at Morehead St. 9/7 at Erskine 10/19 DRAKE 9/14 VA.-LYNCHBURG 10/26 at Stetson

9/21 GARDNER-WEBB 11/2 DAYTON

9/28 DAVIDSON 11/16 at Marist 10/5 at San Diego 11/23 BUTLER

THE CITADEL

Game 4 I Sept. 21 I Macon, Ga.

GENERAL INFORMATION

School..........................................................The Citadel

Location ...............................................Charleston, S.C.

Founded ................................................................1842

Enrollment ............................................................3,578

Nickname ........................................................Bulldogs

Colors .......................Citadel Blue, Navy & Dress White Conference ..................................Southern Conference Series .....................................The Citadel leads, 11-9-1

President...............................General Glenn M. Walters

Athletics Director ....................................Mike Capaccio

Head Coach.........................................Maurice Drayton

2023 Record ...........................................................0-11

PFL Record ...............................................................0-8

Stadium (Surface).........Johnson Hagood Stadium (Turf) Ticket Office Phone ...............................(843) 953-3647

COMMUNICATIONS

Football Contact..........................................Jay Sullivan Office .....................................................(843) 953-6795

E-mail..................................james.sullivan@citadel.edu

2024 SCHEDULE

8/31 at Charleston Southern 10/12 at Western Carolina

9/7 SC STATE 10/19 at VMI

9/14 NORTH GREENVILLE 10/26 SAMFORD

9/21 at Mercer 11/9 CHATTANOOGA

9/28 EAST TENNESSEE ST. 11/16 at Wofford

10/5 FURMAN 11/23 at Clemson

BETHUNE-COOKMAN

Game 2 I Sept. 7 I Daytona Beach, Fla.

GENERAL INFORMATION

School..............................Bethune-Cookman University

Location .........................................Daytona Beach, Fla.

Founded ................................................................1904

Enrollment ............................................................2,591

Nickname .........................................................Wildcats

Colors ...................................................Maroon & Gold

Conference ..............Southwestern Athletic Conference

Series ........................................................First meeting

Acting President ..................................Dr. William Berry

Athletics Director .....................................Reggie Theus

Head Coach..................................Raymond Woodie Jr. 2023 Record .............................................................3-8

SWAC Record ...........................................................2-6

Stadium (Surface).......................Daytona Stadium (Turf) Ticket Office Phone ...............................(386) 481-2215

COMMUNICATIONS

Football Contact....................................Bryce Hoynoski Office .....................................................(386) 481-2278

E-mail....................................hoynoskib@cookman.edu

2024 SCHEDULE

8/31 at South Florida 10/19 at Miss. Valley St. 9/7 MERCER 10/26 JACKSON ST. 9/14 at Western Michigan 11/2 GRAMBLING ST. 9/21 CLARK ATLANTA 11/9 at Southern 9/28 ALABAMA ST. 11/16 at Texas Southern 10/12 at Alabama A&M 11/23 vs. Florida A&M

WOFFORD

Game 5 I Sept. 28 I Spartanburg, S.C.

GENERAL INFORMATION

School..................................................Wofford College

Location .............................................Spartanburg, S.C.

Founded ................................................................1854

Enrollment ............................................................1,873

Nickname ...........................................................Terriers

Colors ................................................Old Gold & Black

Conference ..................................Southern Conference Series .................................................Mercer leads, 9-7

President........................................Dr. Nayef H. Samhat

Athletics Director ............................................Scott Kull

Head Coach............................................Shawn Watson 2023 Record .............................................................3-8

SWAC Record ...........................................................3-5

Stadium (Surface)........................Gibbs Stadium (Grass) Ticket Office Phone .............................. (864) 597-4487

COMMUNICATIONS

Football Contact.................................Brent Williamson Office .................................................... (864) 597-4093

E-mail..................................williamsondb@wofford.edu

2024 SCHEDULE

8/29 at Gardner-Webb 10/19 at Chattanooga

9/7 at Richmond 10/26 EAST TENNESSEE ST.

9/14 WILLIAM & MARY 11/2 at Samford

9/28 MERCER 11/9 at Furman

10/5 at Western Carolina 11/16 THE CITADEL

10/12 VMI 11/23 at South Carolina

CHATTANOOGA

Game 3 I Sept. 14 I Chattanooga, Tenn.

GENERAL INFORMATION

School.............University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Location ..........................................Chattanooga, Tenn. Founded ................................................................1886

Enrollment ..........................................................11,380 Nickname ..............................................................Mocs Colors ......................................Navy, Old Gold & Silver Conference ..................................Southern Conference Series ................................Chattanooga leads, 22-11-1 Chancellor ..................................................Steve Angle Athletics Director .....................................Mark Wharton Head Coach...............................................Rusty Wright 2023 Record .............................................................8-5 SoCon Record ..........................................................6-2

Stadium (Surface)...........................Finley Stadium (Turf) Ticket Office Phone ...............................(423) 266-6627

COMMUNICATIONS

Football Contact...........................................Jim Horten Office .....................................................(423) 425-2350

E-mail.........................................james-horten@utc.edu

2024 SCHEDULE

8/31 at Tennessee 10/19 WOFFORD 9/7 at Georgia St. 10/26 VMI 9/14 MERCER 11/2 at Western Carolina 9/28 PORTLAND ST. 11/9 at The Citadel 10/5 at East Tennessee St. 11/16 SAMFORD 10/12 at Furman 11/23 at Austin Peay

PRINCETON

Game 6 I Oct. 12 I Macon, Ga.

GENERAL INFORMATION

School.............................................Princeton University

Location ..................................................Princeton, N.J.

Founded ................................................................1746

Enrollment ............................................................8,973 Nickname ............................................................Tigers Colors ...................................Princeton Orange & Black Conference ...................................................Ivy League

Series ........................................................First meeting

President.........................Christopher Ludwig Eisgruber

Athletics Director ..........................................John Mack

Head Coach.................................................Bob Surace 2023 Record .............................................................5-5 Ivy League Record ....................................................4-3

Stadium (Surface).....................Princeton Stadium (Turf) Ticket Office Phone ...............................(609) 258-4849

COMMUNICATIONS

Football Contact...................................Warren Croxton Office .....................................................(609) 258-2630

E-mail.....................................wcroxton@princeton.edu

2024 SCHEDULE

9/21 at Lehigh 11/2 CORNELL 9/28 HOWARD 11/8 DARTMOUTH 10/5 at Columbia 11/16 at Yale 10/12 at Mercer 11/23 PENN

10/18 BROWN 10/26 at Harvard

2024 OPPONENT INFORMATION

SAMFORD

Game 7 I Oct. 19 I Birmingham, Ala.

GENERAL INFORMATION

School..............................................Samford University

Location ..............................................Birmingham, Ala.

Founded ................................................................1841

Enrollment ............................................................5,791

Nickname ........................................................Bulldogs

Colors ..........................................................Red & Blue

Conference ..................................Southern Conference Series ........................................Samford leads, 15-14-1

President......................................................Beck Taylor

Athletics Director ...................................Martin Newton

Head Coach..............................................Chris Hatcher

2023 Record .............................................................4-7

SoCon Record ..........................................................2-6

Stadium (Surface).........................Seibert Stadium (Turf)

Ticket Office Phone ...............................(205) 726-2966

COMMUNICATIONS

Football Contact............................................Tyler Brain Office .....................................................(205) 726-4350

E-mail.............................................tbrain@samford.edu

2024 SCHEDULE

8/31 at West Georgia 10/19 MERCER

9/7 at Florida 10/26 at The Citadel 9/14 ALABAMA ST. 11/2 WOFFORD

9/28 at Furman 11/9 TENNESSEE TECH 10/5 VMI 11/16 at Chattanooga 10/12 at East Tennessee St. 11/23 at Western Carolina

VMI

Game 10 I Nov. 9 I Lexington, Va.

GENERAL INFORMATION

School......................................Virginia Military Institute

Location ...................................................Lexington, Va.

Founded ................................................................1839

Enrollment ............................................................1,512

Nickname .........................................................Keydets

Colors .............................................Red, Yellow & Black Conference ..................................Southern Conference Series .................................................Mercer leads, 7-3

President.........................Major General Cedric T. Wins

Athletics Director ....................................Jamaal Walton

Head Coach..............................................Danny Rocco 2023 Record .............................................................5-6

SoCon Record ..........................................................4-4

Stadium (Surface)...........Alumni Memorial Field (Grass) Ticket Office Phone ...............................(540) 464-7035

COMMUNICATIONS

Football Contact........................................Phil Marcello Office .....................................................(540) 464-7515

E-mail.............................................marcellopr@vmi.edu

2024 SCHEDULE

8/29 at William & Mary 10/19 THE CITADEL 9/7 BUCKNELL 10/26 at Chattanooga

9/14 at Georgia Tech 11/2 FURMAN

9/21 NORFOLK STATE 11/9 MERCER

10/5 at Samford 11/16 at Western Carolina 10/12 at Wofford 11/23 EAST TENNESSEE ST.

WESTERN CAROLINA

Game 8 I Oct. 26 I Macon, Ga.

GENERAL INFORMATION

School................................Western Carolina University

Location ...............................................Cullowhee, N.C.

Founded ................................................................1889

Enrollment ..........................................................11,628

Nickname ...................................................Catamounts

Colors .....................................................Purple & Gold

Conference ..................................Southern Conference

Series .................................................Mercer leads, 8-2

Chancellor ..........................................Dr. Kelli R. Brown

Athletics Director ............................................Alex Gary

Head Coach.................................................Kerwin Bell

2023 Record .............................................................7-4

SoCon Record ..........................................................5-3

Stadium (Surface)...............E.J. Whitmire Stadium (Turf)

Ticket Office Phone ...............................(828) 227-2401

COMMUNICATIONS

Football Contact.....................................Daniel Hooker Office .....................................................(828) 227-2339

E-mail......................................dhooker@email.wcu.edu

2024 SCHEDULE

8/29 at NC State 10/19 at Furman

9/7 CAMPBELL 10/26 at Mercer

9/14 at Elon 11/2 CHATTANOOGA

9/21 at Montana 11/9 at East Tennessee St. 10/5 WOFFORD 11/16 VMI 10/12 THE CITADEL 11/23 at Samford

ALABAMA

Game 11 I Nov. 16 I Tuscaloosa, Ala.

GENERAL INFORMATION

School.........................................University of Alabama

Location ................................................Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Founded ................................................................1831

Enrollment ..........................................................39,623

Nickname .................................................Crimson Tide

Colors .................................................Crimson & White Conference ............................Southeastern Conference Series ..............................................Alabama leads, 4-0

President..................................................Dr. Stuart Bell

Athletics Director .........................................Greg Byrne

Head Coach.............................................Kalen DeBoer 2023 Record ...........................................................12-2

SEC Record...............................................................8-0

Stadium (Surface)...........Bryant-Denny Stadium (Grass)

Ticket Office Phone ...............................(205) 348-2262

COMMUNICATIONS

Football Contact.......................................Josh Maxson Office .....................................................(205) 348-3631

E-mail..............................................jmaxson@ia.ua.edu

2024 SCHEDULE

8/31 WESTERN KENTUCKY 10/19 at Tennessee

9/7 SOUTH FLORIDA 10/26 MISSOURI

9/14 at Wisconsin 11/9 at LSU

9/28 GEORGIA 11/16 MERCER

10/5 at Vanderbilt 11/23 at Oklahoma

10/12 SOUTH CAROLINA 11/30 AUBURN

EAST TENNESSEE STATE

Game 9 I Nov. 2 I Macon, Ga.

GENERAL INFORMATION

School..........................East Tennessee State University Location ..........................................Johnson City, Tenn. Founded ................................................................1911

Enrollment ..........................................................13,827

Nickname ....................................................Buccaneers Colors ........................................................Navy & Gold Conference ..................................Southern Conference Series ...........................East Tennessee State leads, 5-4

President..............................................Dr. Brian Noland Athletics Director ..............................Dr. Richard Sander

Head Coach.....................................................Tre Lamb 2023 Record .............................................................3-8

SoCon Record ..........................................................2-6

Stadium (Surface)...William B. Greene Jr. Stadium (Turf) Ticket Office Phone ...............................(423) 439-3878

COMMUNICATIONS

Football Contact........................................Kevin Brown Office .....................................................(423) 439-4220

E-mail.................................................brownk@etsu.edu

2024 SCHEDULE

8/31 at Appalachian St. 10/12 SAMFORD 9/7 UVA.-WISE 10/26 at Wofford 9/14 NORTH DAKOTA ST. 11/2 at Mercer 9/21 at Elon 11/9 WESTERN CAROLINA 9/28 at The Citadel 11/16 FURMAN 10/5 CHATTANOOGA 11/23 at VMI

FURMAN

Game 12 I Nov. 23 I Macon, Ga.

GENERAL INFORMATION

School................................................Furman University Location .................................................Greenville, S.C. Founded ................................................................1826

Enrollment ............................................................2,500 Nickname .........................................................Paladins Colors ....................................................Purple & White Conference ..................................Southern Conference Series ...........................................Furman leads, 12-8-2 President................................................Elizabeth Davis

Athletics Director ...................................Jason Donnelly

Head Coach...............................................Clay Hendrix 2023 Record ...........................................................10-3

SoCon Record ..........................................................7-1

Stadium (Surface).........................Paladin Stadium (Turf) Ticket Office Phone ...............................(864) 294-3099

COMMUNICATIONS

Football Contact.........................................Hunter Reid Office .....................................................(864) 567-1663

E-mail....................................Hunter.Reid@Furman.edu

2024 SCHEDULE

8/31 at Ole Miss 10/12 CHATTANOOGA

9/7 CHARLESTON SO. 10/19 WESTERN CAROLINA 9/14 STETSON 11/2 at VMI

9/21 at William & Mary 11/9 WOFFORD 9/28 SAMFORD 11/16 at East Tennessee St. 10/5 at The Citadel 11/23 at Mercer

PRESBYTERIAN (10-5)

10/15/1927 W 27-6 H

9/28/1928 W 7-6 A

10/4/1929 L 0-6 A

9/27/1930 L 7-9 H

10/9/1930 W 21-7 A

10/8/1932 W 51-0 H

9/29/1934 L 6-7 H

10/19/1935 W 14-7 H

11/23/1936 W 20-6 H

11/5/1937 W 28-0 A

11/5/1938 W 28-0 H

9/29/1939 L 0-7 H

11/2/1940 L 2-3 N

11/1/1941 W 19-12 H

9/7/2019 W 45-7 A

Presbyterian Series Notes in Macon: 6-3 at Clinton, S.C.: 4-1

Neutral sites: 0-1

Decided By 3 Points Or Less: 1-3

Decided By 7 Points Or Less: 1-5

Biggest Win: 51-0 (1932)

Biggest Loss: 7-0 (1939)

Current Streak: W2

Last 10 Games: 7-3

BETHUNE-COOKMAN (0-0)

First meeting CHATTANOOGA (11-22-1)

W 10-2

5-17-1 Decided By 3 Points Or Less: 0-4-1 Decided By 7 Points Or Less: 3-11-1

Biggest Win: 51-0 (1932)

Biggest Loss: 7-0 (1939) Current Streak: L2

10 Games: 5-5

MERCER VS. 2024 OPPONENTS

THE CITADEL (9-11-1)

1906 L 0-10

0-10

W 21-0

W 6-0

W 7-0

W 26-0

23-24

W 24-14

L 24-35

W 42-28

W 34-7

W 17-0

W 38-16

The Citadel Series Notes in Macon: 2-4 at Charleston, S.C.: 5-5

Neutral sites: 2-2-1

Decided By 3 Points Or Less: 0-3-1

Decided By 7 Points Or Less: 2-6-1

Biggest Win: 34-7 (2021)

Biggest Loss: 16-0 (1925)

Current Streak: W4

Last 10 Games: 5-5

WOFFORD

(9-7) 1915 W 13-6 H

W 16-0

W 25-7

W 15-0

W 12-0

W 20-14 H

L 6-34 A

L 33-34 H

L 21-31 A

L 27-28 H

L 21-42 A

L 7-41 H

L 14-31 A

W 45-14 H

W 42-7 A 2023 W 31-17 H

Wofford Series Notes in Macon: 6-3 at Spartanburg, S.C.: 3-4

Decided By 3 Points Or Less: 0-2

Decided By 7 Points Or Less: 2-2

Biggest Win: 42-7 (2022)

Biggest Loss: 41-7 (2019)

Current Streak: W3 Last 10 Games: 3-7

PRINCETON (0-0)

First meeting

SAMFORD (14-15-1)

11/2/1907 W 11-6 H

11/26/1908 W 45-0 H

10/23/1909 L 5-6 H

11/24/1910 W 28-0 H

11/30/1911 W 29-0 H

10/12/1912 W 36-0 A

10/30/1915 W 14-7 H

10/21/1916 L 7-26 H

10/16/1920 L 13-33 H

10/25/1924 W 14-5 H

10/23/1926 W 3-0 H

10/22/1927 L 0-14 H

10/13/1928 L 7-15 H

10/19/1929 W 7-2 H

10/1/1932 W 21-6 H

10/16/1936 T 0-0 H

10/9/1937 L 0-7 A

11/16/1939 L 3-7 N

11/15/1940 L 6-14 H

11/20/1941 L 6-27 A

10/4/2014 L 18-21 A

11/21/2015 L 21-47 H 11/12/2016 L 19-24 A 11/4/2017 L 3-20 H

9/15/2018 W 30-24 A 11/2/2019 W 36-33 (3OT) H

4/17/2021 L 20-44 A

10/2/2021 W 45-42 H

11/19/2022 L 44-50 (2OT) A 11/11/2023 W 28-21 H

Samford Series Notes in Macon: 12-8-1 at Birmingham, Ala.: 2-6

Neutral sites: 0-1

Decided By 3 Points Or Less: 3-2-1

Decided By 7 Points Or Less: 8-6-1

Biggest Win: 45-0 (1908)

Biggest Loss: 47-21 (2015)

Current Streak: W1

Last 10 Games: 4-6

WESTERN CAROLINA (8-2)

2014 L 21-35 H

2015 L 21-24 A

2016 W 38-24 H

2017 W 35-33 A

2018 W 59-46 H 2019 W 49-27 A 2020-21 W 45-28 H 2021 W 34-24 A 2022 W 49-6 H 2023 W 45-38 A

Western Carolina Series Notes in Macon: 4-1 at Cullowhee, N.C.: 4-1

Decided By 3 Points Or Less: 1-1

Decided By 7 Points Or Less: 2-1

Biggest Win: 49-6 (2022)

Biggest Loss: 35-21 (2014)

Current Streak: W8

Last 10 Games: 8-2

EAST TENNESSEE STATE (5-4)

2015 W 52-0 H 2016 W 21-13 H 2017 L 23-26 (OT) A 2018 L 18-21 H 2019 L 33-38 A 2020-21 W 21-13 H 2021 L 35-38 A 2022 W 55-33 H 2023 W 24-6 A

East Tennessee State Series Notes in Macon: 12-8-1 at Johnson City, Tenn.: 2-6

Decided By 3 Points Or Less: 0-3

Decided By 7 Points Or Less: 0-4

Biggest Win: 52-0 (2015)

Biggest Loss: 38-33 (2019)

Current Streak: W2

Last 10 Games: 5-4

VMI (7-3)

2014 W

VMI Series Notes in Macon: 3-2 at Lexington, Va.: 4-1

Decided By 3 Points Or Less: 2-0

Decided By 7 Points Or Less: 3-1

Biggest Win: 55-14 (2022)

Biggest Loss: 45-7 (2021)

Current Streak: W2 Last 10 Games: 7-3

ALABAMA (0-4)

Alabama Series Notes in Macon: 0-0 at Tuscaloosa, Ala.: 0-4

Decided By 3 Points Or Less: 0-0

Decided By 7 Points Or Less: 0-0

Biggest Win: n/a

Biggest Loss: 47-21 (2015) Current Streak: W1

Last 10 Games: 4-6

Current Streak: W2 Last 10 Games: 7-3

FURMAN (8-12-2)

Furman Series Notes in Macon: 5-5 at Greenville, S.C.: 3-7-2

Decided By 3 Points Or Less: 2-1-2

Decided By 7 Points Or Less: 3-5-2

Biggest Win: 39-0 (1914)

Biggest Loss: 37-0 (1921)

Current Streak: L2

Last 10 Games: 4-6

MERCER VS. all OPPONENTS

OPPONENT W L T PF PA STK LAST GAME

10th District A&M (Ga.) 1 0 0 44 0 W1 1913: W, 44-0

Abilene Christian 0 1 0 17 20 L1 2020: L, 20-17

Alabama 0 4 0 14 144 L4 2021: L, 48-14

Alabama Presbyterian 1 0 0 33 0 W1 1913: W, 33-0

Army 0 2 0 9 68 L2 2020: L, 49-3

Auburn 0 13 0 37 572 L13 2022: L, 42-16

Austin Peay 3 1 0 152 110 L1 2019: L, 48-34

Ave Maria 1 0 0 42 21 W1 2014: W, 42-21

Berry (Ga.) 1 0 0 43 0 W1 2013: W, 43-0

Birmingham-Southern 6 6 2 132 149 W1 1939: W, 10-0

Campbell 1 1 0 65 65 L1 2019: L, 34-27

Carnegie Mellon 1 0 0 54 21 W1 2013: W, 54-21

Carson-Newman 2 2 0 47 24 W2 1939: W, 7-0

Centre 1 2 0 21 19 L1 1934: L, 16-13

Chattanooga 11 22 1 441 567 L2 2023: L, 22-10

Clemson 3 4 0 49 124 L2 1935: L, 13-0

Columbia (Fla.) 2 2 1 114 19 L1 1916: L, 7-0

Davidson 1 0 0 51 26 W1 2013: W, 51-26

Drake 1 0 0 31 17 W1 2013: W, 31-17

Duke 0 2 0 24 57 L2 1929: L, 19-6

East Tennessee State 5 4 0 282 188 W2 2023: W, 24-6

Erskine 3 1 0 113 26 W3 1940: W, 45-0

Florida 6 10 1 92 305 L2 1928: L, 73-0

Florida Southern 1 0 0 33 0 W1 1930: W, 33-0

Fort Benning 1 3 0 40 72 L1 1926: L, 21-13

Furman 8 12 2 341 404 L2 2023: L, 38-14

Gardner-Webb 2 0 0 62 21 W2 2023: W, 17-7

Georgia 0 22 0 71 \688 L22 1941: L, 81-0

Georgia Medical College 1 0 0 22 0 W1 1910: W, 22-0

Georgia Military College 2 0 0 33 0 W2 1916: W, 7-0

Georgia Southern 4 0 0 82 0 W4 1941: W, 25-0

Georgia Tech 1 16 1 56 595 L14 2016: L, 35-10

Gordon State 7 0 0 143 17 W7 1920: W, 19-6

Jacksonville 3 0 0 138 52 W3 2018: W, 45-3

Jacksonville State 0 1 0 28 34 L1 2020: L, 34-28

John Carroll 0 0 1 0 0 T1 1930: T, 0-0

King (Tenn.) 1 0 0 27 7 W1 1914: W, 27-7

Lanier 1 0 0 59 0 W1 1920: W, 59-0

Locust Grove Institute 3 0 0 113 0 W3 1911: W, 25-0

Loyola (La.) 0 1 1 0 21 L1 1934: L, 21-0

LSU 0 1 0 0 20 L1 1940: L, 20-0

Marist 0 1 0 7 33 L1 2013: L, 33-7

Marquette 0 1 0 0 30 L1 1925: L, 30-0

North Alabama

Mercer has faced SoCon rival Chattanooga 34 times since the series began in 1909 - more than any other opponent in program history.

The Bears will visit Bryant-Denny Stadium for the third time in eight seasons when Mercer heads to Tuscaloosa, Ala., in late November.

There is a familiar growl rumbling from Five Star Stadium.

It’s a sound that strikes fear in the heart of Mercer opponents...

The Mercer Bears are hungry for victory!

Burger King is a proud to support the strong Mercer University athletic program and their tradition of excellence in education.

We look forward to a winning football season and a winning partnership!

It’s time to feed the bears!

2024 ROSTERS

2024 NUMERICAL ROSTER

HS (Coastal Carolina)

/ Winder-Barrow HS

Kennesaw, Ga. / Harrison (Minnesota)

Augusta, Ga. / Augusta Prep

Macon, Ga. / Northeast HS

/ Lakeside HS

McDonough, Ga. / Ola HS (Charlotte)

Lovejoy, Ga. / Lovejoy HS (Reinhardt)

2024 ROSTERS

2024 NUMERICAL ROSTER

(Previous

Carrollton, Ga. / Carrollton HS

Altavista, Va. / Liberty Christian Academy

Milton, Ga. / Cambridge HS

Sherrills Ford, N.C. / Bandys HS (East Carolina)

Auburn, Ala. / Auburn HS

Savannah, Ga. / Savannah Christian HS

Cumming, Ga. / North Forsyth HS

Dacula, Ga. / Dacula HS

Chapel Hill, N.C. / Chapel Hill HS

Canton, Ga. / Creekview HS

Dallas, Ga. / East Paulding HS

Shelby, N.C. / Burns HS (Lenoir-Rhyne) 71 Israel Mukwiza OL 6-1

Bronx, N.Y. / Archer HS (Alabama A&M) 72 Michael Horton OL 6-4

Macon, Ga. / Westside HS 73 Kurt Armstrong OL 6-4 325 Fr. Baker, Fla. / Baker HS

74 Amarii Atchison OL 6-8 300 R-Fr. Douglasville, Ga. / Alexander HS

76 William Cotney OL 6-1 260 R-Fr. Ocala, Fla. / West Port HS

77 Luke Schultz OL 6-7 295 Fr. Birmingham, Ala. / Briarwood Christian HS

78 Ian Hover OL 6-2 310 Gr. Atlanta, Ga. / Westlake HS (Texas State)

79 Matthew Johnson OL 6-3 300 R-So. Marbury, Ala. / Marbury HS (Troy)

80 Lake Thoman WR 5-10 180 R-Fr. Alpharetta, Ga. / Denmark HS

81 Scooter Risper WR 5-10 175 Gr. West Macon, Ga. / Westside HS (West Georgia)

82 Cole Shaw WR 6-2 195 Fr. Thomasville, Ga. / Thomasville HS

83 Camauri Simmons WR 5-10 160 Fr. Hardeeville, S.C. / Bluffton HS (Navy Prep) 84 Zachary Lowe WR 5-8 170 Fr. Apex, N.C. / Apex HS

85 Sawyer Burt TE 6-5 250 R-So. Fort Payne, Ala. / Fort Payne HS 86 Samuel Albee TE 6-5 235 So. Dunwoody, Ga. / Fellowship Christian School

87 Knox Hollis TE 6-1 240 R-Fr. Covington, La. / Northlake Christian HS

88 Ty Everson TE 6-3 235 So. Blackshear, Ga. / Pierce County HS (Navy Prep)

89 Ian Garcia P 6-0 210 R-So. Windermere, Fla. / Foundation Academy 90 Tucker Wilson DL 5-11 230 R-So. Springfield, Ga. / Effingham County HS

91 Jordan Swain DL 6-3 290 Gr. Brunswick, Ga. / Glynn Academy

92 Sully Croker K 6-0 180 R-Fr. Auburn, Ga. / Providence Christian Academy 93 Reice Griffith K 5-11 170 So. Pace, Fla. / Pace HS 94 Andrew Zock DL 6-2

Gr. High Point, N.C. / High Point Christian Academy (Towson)

Fr. Citra, Fla. / Hawthorne HS 95 RJ Evans DL 6-1

Kody Arnold P 5-10 175 So. Brunswick, Ga. / Glynn Academy

Statesboro, Ga. / Statesboro HS

Camese DL 6-1

R-So. Bellevue, Neb. / Bellevue West HS Claumy Jean-Francois Jr.

Head Coach: Mike Jacobs, 1st Season (Ohio State, 2001)

Fla. / Immaculata La Salle HS (Florida International)

Associate Head Coach/Linebackers: Shawn Chaffee (College of Wooster, 2013)

Defensive Coordinator/Safeties: Jahmal Brown (Bowling Green State, 2010)

Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks: Anthony Soto (UC Davis, 2012)

Recruiting Coordinator/Running Backs: Fred Jones (Tusculum, 2013)

Special Teams Coordinator: Matt Ulrich (Winona State, 2012)

Wide Receivers: Devin Figaro (Louisiana Lafayette, 2014)

Defensive Line: Jimmy Long (Lenoir-Rhyne, 2014)

Tight Ends: Shaedon Meadors (Appalachian State, 2017)

Offensive Line: Tyler Orlosky (West Virginia, 2016)

Defensive Backs: Christopher Vega (Delaware Valley, 2014) Offensive

Defensive

Justin Joyce (Iowa, 2017)

Chad Stalnaker (John Carroll, 2020)

Director of Football Operations: Bennett Houston (North Greenville, 2015)

Director of Football Equipment: Sam Scobie (West Florida, 2024)

(Mercer, 2024)

NCAA COMPLIANCE

PLAYER PROFILES

AS A FRESHMAN (2023)

Played in 12 games … Totaled 12 tackles (9 solo), including 5-1/2 tackles for loss (-17 yards) … Also contributed 4-1/2 sacks (-15 yards) and a pair of forced fumbles … Registered a pair of multi-tackle outings … Tallied a season-best four tackles, including one tackle for loss, against Chattanooga, while also turning in a quarterback hurry … Made collegiate debut in season opener against North Alabama … Forced a fumble against both VMI and South Dakota State … Turned in at least one stop behind the line in six-straight games beginning with outing at Furman.

HIGH SCHOOL

Prepped at West Craven High School for coach Michael Twichell … Multiple-threat weapon on both offense and defense for the Eagles … Named conference defensive player of the year as a senior.

PERSONAL

The son of Rosalia and David Simpson … Has five siblings – Davianna, Isaiah, Dmari, Trinity and Kahlik.

AS A SOPHOMORE (2023)

Played in 12 games, including a pair of starts … Tallied 15 tackles (4 solo), including 1-1/2 tackles for loss (-4 yards) … Also turned in a quarterback hurry and a pass breakup … Recorded at least one stop in eight contests, including a trio of multi-tackle outings … Registered a career-best five stops (2 solo) at South Dakota State … Earned starts in both playoff games against Gardner-Webb and South Dakota State … Logged a solo tackle for loss in third quarter at East Tennessee State.

AS A FRESHMAN (2022)

Played in seven games … Logged a pair of tackles … Registered an unassisted tackle in his collegiate debut against Morehead State … Also posted an unassisted tackle at Gardner-Webb.

HIGH SCHOOL

Prepped at Stuart Cramer High School for coach Ben McMillan … Finished prep career with 371 tackles (208 solo), 15-1/2 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns … Named region defensive player of the year following final prep campaign, while also picking up all-state laurels and his third consecutive first team all-conference honor … Tallied 144 tackles (66 solo) as a senior, including 29 tackles for loss … Also turned in six sacks, five forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and 22 quarterback hurries … Made 41 tackles (23 solo) in a pandemic-shortened junior campaign … Also registered a pair of sacks and seven quarterback hurries.

PERSONAL

The son of Altagracia Camilo and Charles Nash … Has one brother, CJ, and one sister, Tiffany.

AS A SOPHOMORE AT JONES COUNTY JC (2023)

Threw for 1,062 yards and seven touchdowns on 84-of-133 passing with five interceptions … Also ran for 331 yards (72 carries) and four touchdowns … Logged 331 passing yards on 20-of-30 passing and three touchdowns against Mississippi Delta … Also registered a pair of touchdown passes against both East Mississippi and Copiah-Lincoln.

AS A FRESHMAN AT JONES COUNTY JC (2022)

Logged 732 passing yards and nine touchdowns as a first-year player … Completed 55 of his 98 passing attempts … Ran for 352 yards and one score on 50 carries.

HIGH SCHOOL

Earned a 3-star rating by 247sports.com and named Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year following standout senior campaign … Concluded his prep football career with 12,323 yards of total offense and 159 touchdowns … Played for Greenville Christian School and coach Jon Reed McLendon as a senior … Threw for 2,642 yards and 37 touchdowns during final prep campaign, while also picking up 935 yards and 14 scores on the ground … Threw for 329 yards and five touchdowns against Madison-Ridgeland Academy, while also logging 214 rushing yards and two additional scores against the two-time defending state champions.

PERSONAL

The son of Lillian Ramsey and Deandrea Smith Sr. ... Has one brother, Donald, and 12 sistersEmile, Dania, Dawn, Dasia, Destiny, D’Andria, Andreya, Timmyia, London, Kennedy, Paris and Pasleigh ... Maintained a 3.6 cumulative grade point average at Greenville Christian High School ... A communication major at Mercer.

AS A FRESHMAN AT DUKE (2023)

Redshirted … Played in four games, primarily as a part of Duke’s kickoff return special teams unit … Saw action at wide receiver in fourth quarter of Duke’s win over Lafayette.

HIGH SCHOOL

A consensus 3-star recruit coming out of high school … Prepped at Airport High School for coach and father Andre Cook … Listed as the No. 188 wide receiver in the country by 247Sports. com … charted as the No. 23, No. 26, and No. 27 prospect from the state of South Carolina according to Rivals.com, ESPN.com and 247Sports.com, respectively … Recorded 93 career receptions for 1,412 yards and 15 touchdowns … Compiled 1,991 total yards and 18 touchdowns across final two prep seasons … Two-time all-state, first team all-region and Airport’s offensive player of the year … Garnered second team all-region honors during sophomore season … Also lettered two seasons in track & field, earning a regional title in the 4x100 and 4x400 meter relays.

PERSONAL

The son of Angela and Andre Cook … Has three younger sisters - Aquilah, Chloe and Camryn ... Father lettered three seasons (1995-96, 98) at Youngstown State and was leading punt returner during 1998 campaign ... A marketing major at Mercer.

PLAYER PROFILES

AS A JUNIOR (2023)

All-Southern Conference (Phil Steele) … Preseason All-Southern Conference (Coaches, Phil Steele) … Started all 13 games at free safety … Finished fourth on squad with 55 tackles (36 solo), including one tackle for loss … Also turned in a pair of interceptions and four pass breakups … Tallied five or more tackles on a trio of occasions, including a season-best nine stops (five solo) in season opener with North Alabama … Also tallied a pass break-up against the Lions … Logged both a tackle for loss and a 15-yard interception return against Morehead State … Tallied a big fourth-quarter interception in Mercer’s upset win at Western Carolina.

AS A SOPHOMORE (2022)

Saw action in all 11 games … Finished third on team with 60 tackles (32 solo), including a pair of tackles for loss … Registered an interception and four pass break-ups as well … Turned in double-digit tackle performances against both Auburn (10) and East Tennessee State (14) … Also logged an assist on a tackle for loss against the Bucs, as well as an interception … Made seven stops against Furman … Tallied a lone pass break-up against four different opponents.

AS A FRESHMAN (2021)

Played in all 10 games for the Bears … Amassed 20 tackles (14 solo), as well as a pass break-up … Recorded multiple tackles against six opponents, including a season-high five stops (5 solo) against The Citadel … Made a pair of tackles (1 solo) in his collegiate debut against Point … Tallied two tackles and a pass break-up against Furman.

HIGH SCHOOL

Prepped at Whitfield Academy … Starred on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball for the WolfPack … Recorded 35 tackles as a senior, while also adding three interceptions, seven pass break-ups and a forced fumble … Also caught 72 passes for 1,157 yards and seven touchdowns, while also carrying the ball 19 times for 232 yards and two additional scores.

PERSONAL

The son of Fred and Cornelius Redding … Has one sister, China.

AS A JUNIOR (2023)

Named to preseason watch list for Buck Buchanan Award … All-Southern Conference (Coaches, Media, Phil Steele) … Preseason All-Southern Conference (Coaches, Phil Steele) … Started first five games at linebacker before suffering season-ending injury against VMI … Recorded 32 tackles (14 solo) including four tackles for loss (-9) yards … Also registered an assist on a sack (-2 yards), as well as a quarterback hurry … Tallied five or more tackles in four of his starts, including a season-high 10 stops (4 solo) against North Alabama that resulted in FCS Kickoff Classic Most Valuable Player nods … Also logged 1-1/2 tackles for loss (1/2 sack) against the Lions … Turned in nine tackles (2 solo) in road matchup with Furman … Amassed five tackles before suffering injury against Keydets.

AS A SOPHOMORE (2022)

All-Southern Conference (Coaches, Media, Phil Steele) … Preseason All-Southern Conference (Coaches, Phil Steele) … Named to CSC Academic All-District Team … Played in all 11 games at linebacker … Logged a team-high 99 tackles (46 solo), including nine tackles for loss (-27 yards) … Also finished season with one sack (-5 yards), two interceptions, a forced fumble and a pass break-up … Turned in a quartet of double-digit tackle outings, including a season-best 17 stops (6 solo) against The Citadel … Also posted 2-1/2 tackles for loss (1.0 sack) against the Bulldogs … Recorded 12 solo stops (14 total tackles) against Chattanooga … Made 15 tackles, including a season-best three tackles for loss, against East Tennessee State … Tallied eight tackles (1-1/2 for loss) and a pair of interceptions against Western Carolina … Performance against the Catamounts resulted in SoCon Defensive Player of the Week honor.

AS A FRESHMAN (2021)

HERO Sports Sophomore All-America … All-Southern Conference (Phil Steele) … Preseason All-Southern Conference (Coaches, Phil Steele) … Led team with 73 tackles (25 solo), including 7-1/2 tackles for loss (-10 yards) … Also recorded two quarterback hurries, while also recovering a fumble and a pass break-up … Tallied double-digit tackle outings three times, including a season-high 13 stops (2 solo) in season finale with East Tennessee State … Also broke up a pass against the Bucs … Turned in a pair of tackles for loss against both Samford and VMI … Tallied 1-1/2 tackles for loss in back-to-back outings with The Citadel and Chattanooga … Registered lone fumble recovery of campaign against Wofford.

AS A FRESHMAN (2020-21)

Finished fourth in voting for Jerry Rice Award … HERO Sports Freshman All-America … All-Southern Conference (Coaches, Media) … SoCon All-Freshman Team … Played in 10 games at linebacker … Led team with 90 tackles (41 solo), including 7-1/2 tackles for loss (-48 yards) … Produced 6-1/2 sacks (-54 yards), as as well as a pair of forced fumbles, three pass break-ups and two quarterback hurries … Tallied 10 or more tackles in four outings, including a season-best 17 stops (11 solo) in season finale with Samford … Also forced a fumble and broke up a pass against the Bulldogs … Registered at least one tackle for loss against seven opponents, including two sacks against Army … Finished the game against the Black Knights with 16 total tackles (7 solo) … Tallied nine tackles, one forced fumble and a pass break-up against Abilene Christian … Turned in 16 tackles (6 solo) in his collegiate debut against Jacksonville State.

HIGH SCHOOL

Prepped at Shiloh High School for coach Tino Ierulli … Logged 240 tackles (158 solo) across prep career, including 82 as a junior … Also amassed 31 career tackles for loss … Earned all-region laurels as a senior, as well as Touchdown Club of Gwinnett’s Cecil Morris Award … Also led Shiloh’s track & field squad to state championship as a junior.

PERSONAL

The son of Willie and Clyde Dowling … Has two brothers, Immanuel and Isaiah, and two sisters, Sarai and Naomi.

Isaac DOWLING

PLAYER PROFILES

AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN AT HOLMES CC (2023)

AS A JUNIOR AT LENOIR-RHYNE (2023)

D2Football.com Elite 100 list … All-Super Region 2 (D2CCA) … All-South Atlantic Conference (Coaches) … South Atlantic Conference Offensive Player of the Week (Oct. 2) … Played in all 14 games … Ran for 1,533 yards and 12 touchdowns on 226 carries … Also caught eight passes for 57 yards and an additional score … Logged 100 or more rushing yards in eight games, including a pair of 200+-yard performances … Scored multiple touchdowns in a trio of outings, including a 3-touchdown day against UVa. Wise … Also ran for 201 yards on 17 carries against the Cavaliers … Recorded 100 or more rushing yards in each of the first five games of the campaign, including a 22-carry, 100yard, 2-touchdown showing in the season opener with Fayetteville State … Logged a season-high 24 carries against Limestone … Ran for a season-best 216 yards (21 carries) and one score against Benedict.

AS A SOPHOMORE AT LENOIR-RHYNE (2022)

Played in all 11 games … Ran for 861 yards and 11 touchdown on 183 carries … Also registered seven catches for 60 yards … Turned in four 100+-yard rushing performances, including a 20-carry, 118-yard, 2-touchdown day against Erskine … Also scored a pair of touchdowns against both UVa. Wise and Catawba … Tallied a season-high 22 carries (90 yards) and one score in season finale with Tusculum … Recorded a season-longest 49-yard reception in first quarter against Limestone.

AS A FRESHMAN AT LENOIR-RHYNE (2021)

All-America (Associated Press, D2CCA, Don Hansen) … Don Hansen D II Freshman of the Year … All-Super Region 2 (D2CCA) … South Atlantic Conference Offensive Player of the Year (coaches) … South Atlantic Conference Freshman of the Year (coaches) … All-Southern Conference (coaches) … Played in all 11 games … Led South Atlantic Conference and ranked third nationally with 1,669 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns on 248 carries … Also caught 14 passes for 69 yards and two additional scores … Recorded 100 or more rushing yards in nine games (school record), including a pair of 200+-yard performances … Logged multiple rushing touchdowns six times, including a 5-touchdown day against Carson-Newman … Also ran for 200 yards on 19 carries against the Eagles … Scored at least one touchdown in nine outings … Registered season highs for both carries (26) and rushing yards (206) in a win over Catawba, while also logging a pair of rushing touchdowns … Tallied a touchdown reception against both Virginia State and Barton.

AS A FRESHMAN AT LENOIR-RHYNE (2020)

Played in all four games … Ran for 511 yards and four touchdowns on 114 carries … Also hauled in six receptions for 34 yards and one touchdown … Tacked up a pair of 100+-yard rushing performances, including a 29-carry, 192-yard, 3-touchdown day against Barton … Also caught four passes against the Bulldogs … Matched a season high with 30 carries for 160 yards in his collegiate debut against Newberry … Caught two passes for 21 yards and a one touchdown against Tusculum, while also running for 65 yards (25 carries) against the Pioneers.

HIGH SCHOOL

Prepped at Osceola High School for coach Eric Pinellas … Raked in all-state laurels as a senior after rushing for 949 yards and 10 touchdowns on 100 carries, while also catching 26 passes for 495 yards and seven additional scores … Tallied 1,075 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on 107 carries … Also caught four passes for 82 yards and one touchdown.

PERSONAL

The son of Tshwanda Baker and Dwayne McGee ... Has one sister, Mekhia ... Maintained a 3.0 cumulative grade point average at Osceola High School ... A business major at Mercer.

Earned all-conference recognition ... Threw for 1,605 yards on 123-for-186 (.661) passing with eight touchdowns and two interceptions … Also carried the ball 50 times for 74 yards and four additional scores … Threw for 331 yards and two touchdowns on 22-of-34 passing in season opener against Pearl River … Also ran for 49 yards and one score … Tallied 313 passing yards the following week against East Central … Passed for two touchdowns against both East Mississippi and Coahoma … Ran for two scores at Northeast Mississippi, while finishing that outing with 30 completions on 47 attempts.

AS A FRESHMAN AT LOUISIANA TECH (2022)

Redshirted … Did not see game action.

HIGH SCHOOL

A two-time all-region selection at Duluth High School for coach Cam Jones ... Also picked up a pair of all-county crowns ... Finished prep career with 8,137 passing yards and 73 total touchdowns (66 passing) … Named Gwinnett County Offensive Player of the Week amid both his junior and senior seasons ... Threw for 3,168 yards and 29 touchdowns as a senior on 181-of-312 passing with just six interceptions … Also ran for 248 yards and two additional scores … Recorded five games with 300 or more passing yards, including a trio of 400+-passing yard performances … Completed 66.3 percent (165-of-249) of his passing attempts for 2,505 yards and 22 touchdowns during junior campaign … Threw for 2,396 yards and 14 touchdowns on 181-of-294 passing as a sophomore ... Received offer from Army coming out of high school, while also receiving interest from Virginia, Northwestern, Harvard and Morehouse.

PERSONAL

The son of Regina Deloatch-Ratliff and Lonnie Ratliff ... Maintained a 3.5 cumulative grade point average at Duluth High School ... A business major at Mercer.

AS A

FRESHMAN (2023)

Redshirted ... Did not see game action.

HIGH SCHOOL

Prepped at Fairfield Central High School for coach Demetrius Davis … Recorded 55 tackles (45 solo) as a senior, while also recording two interceptions and a pass break-up.

PERSONAL

The son of Dawn and Jamie Watkins … Has two older brothers, Jamas and Nick … Maintained a 3.9 cumulative grade point average at Fairfield Central High School … A communication major at Mercer.

PLAYER PROFILES

HIGH SCHOOL

Prepped at North Paulding High School for coach Don Stark … Earned all-state laurels a wide receiver as a senior, as well as region player of the year honors … Amassed a school record 1,587 all-purpose yards during final prep season, including 1,202 receiving yards (49 catches) and 10 touchdown receptions … Also returned a kickoff for a score … Logged 1,118 all-purpose yards as a junior, including 529 receiving yards and five scores … Was also an all-region performer in both the 100m and 200m Dash for the Wolfpack.

PERSONAL

The son of Jokisha and Graylen George … Has three older brothers – Jameel, James and Gregory – and two older sisters, Janiya and Jaelin … Maintained a 3.6 cumulative grade point average at North Paulding High School … A computer science (cybersecurity) major at Mercer.

AS A JUNIOR (2023)

All-Southern Conference (Phil Steele) … Played in all 13 games, including eight starts at linebacker … Finished third on squad with 77 tackles (44 solo), including 10 tackles for loss (-41 yards) … Also turned in two forced fumbles and a pair of quarterback hurries … Posted a tackle for loss, or an assist on a stop behind the line, in nine outings … Recorded five or more stops 10 times, including a season-best nine tackles in both postseason contests with Gardner-Webb (8 solo) and South Dakota State (6 solo) … Also registered 2-1/2 tackles for loss against the Runnin’ Bulldogs, including a quarterback sack in the third period … Recorded seven tackles and a forced fumble at Ole Miss … Also forced a turnover against Wofford … Turned in five stops and two quarterback hurries in MU’s upset win at Western Carolina.

AS A SOPHOMORE (2022)

Played in all 11 games … Logged 32 tackles (16 solo), including 1-1/2 tackles for loss (-8 yards) … Also turned in a sack and a quarterback hurry … Posted a pair of solo stops at Auburn … Also tallied a pair of solo tackles against Gardner-Webb, including a 7-yard quarterback sack in the fourth period … Logged 13 tackles (7 solo), as well as a quarterback hurry, in season finale against Samford.

AS A FRESHMAN (2021)

Played in nine games … Turned in 11 tackles (7 solo), including an assist on a tackle for loss … Added a forced fumble and a quarterback hurry as well … Made collegiate debut in season opener with Point, logging a pair of assisted tackles, including one on a stop behind the line … Posted a pair of solo stops in consecutive games with Alabama and Samford … Tallied one tackle and a forced fumble against The Citadel.

HIGH SCHOOL

Prepped at McAdory High School for coach Bart Sessions … Amassed 171 tackles across his last two prep seasons, including 10 tackles for loss, eight sacks and a trio of interceptions … Turned in 90 tackles (70 solo) as a senior to go along with 10 tackles for loss, five sacks two forced fumbles and an interception.

PERSONAL

The son of Andrea and Marques Thomas … Has a sister, Marquesha, and a brother, DeAndre.