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NCAA Division
illiDUdd Bears Orange (PMS 716C) & Black SouthernConference
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 ground & unveiled plans for the Tony & Nancy Moye
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)
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
GEORGIA (57)
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.
John McConnell P 6-3 190 R-Jr. Morgantown, W.Va. / Morgantown HS (Marshall)
Ryan McNally S 5-9
Fr. Winder, Ga. / Winder-Barrow HS 21 Victor Pless CB 5-10 175 Gr. Kennesaw, Ga. / Harrison (Minnesota)
Brayden Smith WR 5-10 185 So. Macon, Ga. / Tattnall Square Academy
Carter Kermott S 5-11 180 Fr. Carlsbad, Calif. / La Costa Canyon HS 22 CJ Miller RB 5-11 230 R-So. Gadsden, Ala. / Gadsden City HS 23 Sam Connell CB 6-0 165 Fr. Augusta, Ga. / Augusta Prep
Travion Solomon WR 6-1
Roman Douthit CB 5-10
Jr. Macon, Ga. / Northeast HS
Fr. Atlanta, Ga. / Lakeside HS
Matthew Miller WR 5-10 180 Fr. Lilburn, Ga. / Providence Christian Academy
Mix
5-10
Micah Bell RB 5-10
Charlotte, N.C. / Cox Mill HS
Gray, Ga. / Jones County HS
R-So. McDonough, Ga. / Ola HS (Charlotte)
Lovejoy, Ga. / Lovejoy HS (Reinhardt)
2024 ROSTERS
2024 NUMERICAL ROSTER
(Previous
Carrollton, Ga. / Carrollton HS 57 Tyler Murray OL 6-2
Milton, Ga. / Cambridge HS
Fr. Altavista, Va. / Liberty Christian Academy 58 Elliott Kuykendall DL 6-1
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 6-1 320 R-Sr. Bronx, N.Y. / Archer HS (Alabama A&M)
72 Michael Horton OL 6-4 280 Fr. 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)
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)
Operations
Austin Aldridge (Mercer, 2024)
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.
YER PRO LAY
SOPHOMORE (2022)
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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.
AS A FRESHMAN (2023)
Redshirted … Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Cox Mill High School for coach Deshawn Baker … Earned all-state, all-conference and conference specialist of the year laurels following final prep campaign … Totaled 794 all-purpose yards as a senior, including 332 receiving yards (29 receptions) and three touchdown receptions … Also averaged 28.7 yards on 15 kickoff returns … Logged a 93-yard kickoff return for touchdown … Also lettered in basketball and track & field for the Chargers … Boasted national ranking in both the 800m and 1600m runs.
PERSONAL
The son of Nicolette and Otis Harris … Has a younger brother, Griffin … Maintained a 4.37 cumulative grade point average at Cox Mill High School … A psychology and sociology major at Mercer.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Westlake High School for coach Rico Zackery … Picked up all-region laurels as a senior after turning in 24 tackles (3 solo), while also adding a pair of fumble recoveries and a defensive touchdown … Helped pace Lions to 18 victories across last two prep seasons.
PERSONAL
The son of Ashley Lester and Corey O’Neal … Maintained a 3.5 cumulative grade point average at Westlake High School … A law major at Mercer.
HIGH SCHOOL
A two-time all-conference pick at Cardinal Gibbons High School for coach Steven Wright … Slowed by injury as a senior, but still threw for 1,186 yards and nine touchdowns on 97-of-154 passing with three interceptions in just six games … Also ran for 164 yards and an additional score … Threw for 347 yards and four touchdowns on 29-of-43 passing in season opener against Jordan … Also amassed 377 passing yards and three touchdowns on 22-of-40 passing against Rolesville … Completed 62.3 percent of his passing attempts as a junior for 1,962 yards and 16 touchdowns … Logged multiple touchdown passes in six outings … Also tallied 159 rushing yards amid junior campaign.
PERSONAL
The son of Chrissy and Mike Newbauer … Maintained a 3.65 cumulative grade point average at Cardinal Gibbons High School … A business major at Mercer.
PLAYER PROFILES
HIGH SCHOOL
A two-way player for coach Roosevelt Nelson at Crestwood High School … Logged 38 tackles (22 solo) as a senior, while also registering two tackles for loss and a sack … Also recorded eight pass break-ups and a pair of interceptions … Tallied 878 all-purpose yards, including 452 receiving yards (13 catches) and five touchdowns … Invited to play in North-South All-Star Game at conclusion of campaign ... Raked in all-state laurels following junior campaign.
PERSONAL
AS A JUNIOR (2023)
Started all 13 games at cornerback … Finished seventh on team with 43 tackles (31 solo) … Also forced a fumble, broke up five passes and registered a quarterback hurry … Turned in five or more tackles four times, including a season-best nine stops against No. 1 South Dakota State … Also forced a fumble against the Jackrabbits … Broke up a pass in consecutive games with Furman, VMI and East Tennessee State … Tallied a quarterback hurry against the Bucs as well.
AS A SOPHOMORE (2022)
All-Southern Conference (Media, Phil Steele) … Played in all 11 games at cornerback … Finished seventh on squad with 40 tackles (28 solo), including 1-1/2 tackles for loss (-2 yards) … Also turned in three interceptions, one pass break-up and a forced fumble … Recorded five or more tackles four times, including a season-best seven stops (5 solo) against Gardner-Webb … Tallied five tackles and a 27-yard interception return at Auburn … Also picked off passes in consecutive outings with Wofford and Western Carolina … Registered lone fumble recovery against The Citadel.
AS A FRESHMAN (2021)
Played in all 10 games … Turned in 15 tackles (11 solo), including an assist on a tackle for loss … Also recorded an interception and a pass break-up … Tallied three stops, including a pair of solo tackles, in collegiate debut against Point … Partnered with Marques Thomas for a 1-yard stop behind the line in the third quarter of that contest … Logged a season-high five tackles (4 solo) in season finale against East Tennessee State … Picked off a fourth-quarter pass against Western Carolina to set up Mercer’s go-ahead touchdown.
AS A FRESHMAN (2020-21)
Played in all 11 games ... Totaled 24 tackles (16 solo), while also turning in a fumble recovery and a pass break-up ... Tallied a solo tackle in his collegiate debut against Jacksonville State ... Posted multiple tackles in each of last six games of season, including a season-best six stops (3 solo) against VMI ... Recorded four solo stops an a pass break-up in season finale with Samford.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Riverdale High School for coach Rodney Hackney … Played both quarterback and wide receiver for the Raiders … Caught 21 passes for 477 yards as a senior after recording more than 700 receiving yards during junior campaign … Led Raiders to state playoff appearances in each of his last three prep seasons.
PERSONAL
The son of Tamyra Smith and Tremain Moore Sr. … Has three siblings – Talen, Jay and Jersey.
AS A FRESHMAN (2023)
Redshirted … Did not see game acton.
HIGH SCHOOL
A consensus 3-star recruit out of high school … Prepped at Madera High School for coach Kenny Paolinelli … 4-year starter at quarterback … Earned all-league and offensive player of the year laurels … Named Freshman All-American by Football University … Also named to Fresno Bee Top 100 Players list, while also snagging a spot on Madera Tribune and All-PagMeter squads.
PERSONAL
The son of Melissa and Ryan Green … Has a younger brother, Brady, and a younger sister, Bella … Maintained a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade point average at Madera High School and graduated in the top 12 percent of his 451-member senior class … An education major at Mercer.
The son of Tia and Robert Moody ... Has one brother, Kenyon … Maintained a 4.1 cumulative grade point average at Crestwood High School … A biology major at Mercer.
AS A JUNIOR (2023)
Played in 11 games, including two starts … Accounted for 230 all-purpose yards, including 95 receiving yards (19 receptions) … Also ran for 90 yards (24 carries) and returned three kickoffs for 45 yards … Registered at least one rushing attempt in all 11 games that he played in (multiple rushing attempts in eight games) … Caught at least one pass in seven outings … Logged a season-best five rushing attempts for 21 yards in the season opener with North Alabama … Ran three times for 10 yards against Wofford, while also hauling in two catches for 19 yards … Also tallied a 23-yard kickoff return against the Terriers … Registered a season-high 42 all-purpose yards in the win over Samford, including four catches for 27 yards … Caught a season-best five passes for 26 yards at South Dakota State.
AS A SOPHOMORE (2022)
Played in six games … Amassed 172 all-purpose yards, including 112 receiving yards (10 catches) … Logged at least one rushing attempt and one reception in five outings … Tallied three receptions for a season-high 40 yards at Auburn, while also logging a 6-yard carry … Registered 59 yards of offense against Wofford with three catches for 37 yards and a trio of runs for 22 yards … Caught a season-longest 25-yard pass in the win over Western Carolina.
AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN (2021)
Played in all 10 games … Generated 357 all-purpose yards, including 220 receiving yards (21 catches)
… Also ran for 124 yards on 30 carries, while also hauling in a 13-yard kickoff return … Caught at least one pass and tacked up at least one rushing attempt in nine outings … Accounted for 90 all-purpose yards in season opener with Point, rushing six times for 60 yards and tallying four catches for 30 yards … Logged a season-longest 39-yard catch against Furman that set up a second quarter touchdown … Tacked up first collegiate touchdown on a 5-yard strike from Fred Payton in the first quarter against Western Carolina … Made three catches for a season-high 55 yards against Wofford.
AS A FRESHMAN (2020-21)
Redshirted ... Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Mill Creek High School for coach Josh Lovelady … A two-time all-state and all-region performer … Amassed 835 all-purpose yards as a senior, including 419 receiving yards (35 catches) and four touchdowns … Tallied 1,361 all-purpose yards as a junior, including 663 rushing yards (86 carries) and seven touchdowns … Also hauled in 45 catches for 698 yards and three additional scores … Offensive output earned him the Touchdown Club of Gwinnett’s Athlete of the Year laurel.
PERSONAL
The son of Carroll and Steve Wroble … Has one brother, Cole.
PLAYER PROFILES
AS A SOPHOMORE (2023)
Played in nine games … Logged nine tackles (7 solo), while also turning in three pass break-ups and a quarterback hurry … Tallied a solo stop in Mercer debut at Ole Miss … Turned in a season-high four tackles (3 solo), as well as a quarterback hurry, in the win over Wofford … Also posted a pair of solo stops and a pass break-up at Western Carolina.
AS A FRESHMAN AT MARSHALL (2022)
Played in 10 games, primarily as a part of The Herd’s kickoff coverage unit … Made collegiate debut in season opener against Norfolk State.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Creekside High School for coach Maurice Dixon … Amassed 49 tackles (22 solo) during senior campaign, while also adding an interception, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and a dozen pass break-ups … Also blocked a punt … Made 46 tackles (26 solo) as a junior, including a pair of tackles for loss … Tacked on three interceptions and seven pass break-ups as well … Earned a state championship in track & field as a junior as well.
PERSONAL
Maintained a 3.0 cumulative grade point average at Creekside High School … A communication major at Mercer.
AS A SOPHOMORE (2023)
Saw action in 12 games as the holder on both the field goal and point-after special teams units … Also saw action under center in road games with Ole Miss and Furman … Registered a 4-yard completion against the Rebels, while also tallying a 1-yard rush.
AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN AT MISSOURI STATE (2022) Did not see game action … Named to MSU’s Academic Honor Roll.
AS A FRESHMAN AT MISSOURI STATE (2021)
Redshirted … Did not see game action … Named to MSU’s Academic Honor Roll.
HIGH SCHOOL
A consensus 3-star recruit out of high school … Prepped at Eufaula High School for coach Ed Rigby … Earned all-state laurels for second-straight season as a senior after leading all 6A players with 3,040 passing yards and a school-record 35 touchdown passes, while also registering a .629 completion percentage with just six interceptions … Threw for 2,763 yards and 32 touchdowns during junior campaign … Finished career with 7,325 passing yards and 79 touchdowns in 34 games – both milestones ranking among the top 20 performances in Alabama prep history … Was also a standout shortstop and pitcher on the baseball team for the Tigers.
PERSONAL
The son of Tessa and Matt Horne … Has one brother, Hayes, and two sisters, Harper and Hadley … A communication studies major at Mercer.
AS A JUNIOR AT LENOIR-R
HYNE (2023)
Played in nine games … Caught 32 passes for 452 yards and four touchdowns … Also tallied a 1-yard rush … Recorded three or more receptions in seven contests … Caught four passes for 27 yards and a pair of touchdowns in season opener with Saint Augustine’s … Set season bests for both receptions (6) and yards (103) in win over Benedict … Nearly missed another 100-yard receiving game with five catches for 99 yards against Tusculum … Also logged five tackles as part of Lenoir-Rhyne’s special teams units, including three stops (2 solo) against Saint Augustine’s.
AS A SOPHOMORE AT LENOIR-RHYNE (2022)
All-Region (D2CCA) … All-South Atlantic Conference (Coaches) … Played in all 11 games … Led team in receptions (41), receiving yards (668) and touchdown receptions (6) … Also carried the ball five times for 75 yards and two additional scores … Logged three or more receptions in nine outings … Posted a pair of 100+-yard receiving efforts in consecutive games with Barton (6-117) and Newberry (7-100) … Amassed 136 all-purpose yards and three scores in win over Erskine, including four receptions for 91 yards and two touchdowns … Also registered a 45-yard rushing touchdown in the second period … Turned in a 17-yard scoring scamper in the third quarter at Newberry … Made four catches for 92 yards and a touchdown against Wingate, while also tallying a 10-yard rush.
AS A FRESHMAN AT LENOIR-RHYNE (2021)
Played in all 11 games … Recorded 49 receptions for 568 yards and four touchdowns, while also logging three carries for 70 yards from the backfield … Tacked up three or more catches in nine outings … Registered 100+-yard receiving efforts against both Carson-Newman (5-101, TD) and Bowie State (7-109) … Rattled off a 60-yard rush in the win over Wingate.
AS A FRESHMAN AT LENOIR-RHYNE (2021)
Played in four games … Caught seven passes for 92 yards and two scores, while also exploding for 10 yards on his only rushing attempt of the season … Accounted for 49 all-purpose yards (39 receiving) in collegiate debut against Newberry, including a game-winning 8-yard scoring reception in overtime … Followed that performance up with a 2-catch, 26-yard effort against Barton, including a 15-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter reception in overtime … Followed that performance up with a 2-catch, 26-yard effort against Barton, including a 15-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter.
HIGH SCHOO
L
Prepped at West Stokes High School for coach Jimmy Upchurch … Raked in all-region laurels as a senior after accounting for 2,056 all-purpose yards and 22 touchdowns … Caught 51 passes for 1,189 yards and 18 scores, while also tallying 47 carries for 397 yards and four additional touchdowns … Also threw for 90 yards on 8-of-13 passing and averaged 37 yards on 11 kickoff returns … Named West Stokes High School Male Athlete of the Year as a senior.
PERSONAL
The son of Donna Johnson and John Parsons ... Has two sisters, Kristen and Keeona, and three brothers - Keshawn, Kameron and Keyon … Maintained a 3.4 cumulative grade point average at West Stokes High School … A management major at Mercer.
PLAYER PROFILES
AS A SOPHOMORE (2023)
Played in six games, including extensive action as part of five different special teams units … Recorded five tackles (4 solo), as well as a quarterback hurry … Saw 18 plays in the secondary amid MU’s trip to Ole Miss … Logged solo tackles in back-to-back matchups with North Alabama and the Rebels … Tacked up two stops (1 solo) at South Dakota State.
AS A FRESHMAN (2022)
Played in 10 games … Saw extended action in the secondary in consecutive games with Gardner-Webb, Wofford and Mercer … Totaled 13 tackles (9 solo), including an assist on a tackle for loss (-4 yards) … Also logged an interception … Tallied multiple tackles in a pair of outings, including six stops (3 solo) against Western Carolina … Registered a pair of assisted tackles in collegiate debut against Morehead State … Recorded a second-quarter interception at Auburn that set up MU’s first points of the contest.
BEFORE MERCER
Played the 2021 campaign at Myrtle Beach Prep … Saw ample playing time at safety for the Marauders.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Reagan High School for coach Lyndon Hamilton … Earned all-state and all-county laurels for the Raiders … Won state championship as a part of the 4x100m Relay team during final prep season.
PERSONAL
The son of Jennifer and Chris Joines Sr. … Has one brother, Matthew, and two sisters, Julie and Madison.
HIGH SCHOOL
A two-time region player of the year for coach Sean Calhoun at Colquitt County High School … Also picked up first team all-region nods following junior and senior campaigns … Threw for 3,041 yards and 38 touchdowns as a senior on 186-of-304 passing with just seven interceptions … Also ran for 437 yards and an additional score … Registered a pair of 300+-yard passing games, including a 347-yard night (15-of-29 passing) against Lowndes that also included a quartet of touchdown passes … Tallied four or more touchdown passes six times, including a five-TD outing against Tift County … Ran for a season-best 95 yards (5 carries) against Dutch Fork … Threw for more than 2,600 yards and 30 touchdowns as a junior, while also running for 535 yards and six more scores … Also lettered in baseball for the Packers.
PERSONAL
The son of Evade and Pershaun Fann Sr. … Has an older brother, Pershaun Jr. … Maintained a 3.9 cumulative grade point average at Colquitt County High School and ranked in the top 11 percent of his 586-member senior class … A dentistry major at Mercer.
AS A JUNIOR (2023)
All-America selection (FCS Football Central) … FCS ADA Academic All-Star Team … All-Southern Conference (Coaches, Media, Phil Steele) … Preseason All-Southern Conference (Coaches, Phil Steele) … SoCon Student-Athlete Of The Week (Nov. 29) … Started all 13 games at linebacker … Led team with 97 tackles (51 solo), including 15 tackles for loss (-46 yards) … Also turned in four sacks, a pair of interceptions, three pass break-ups nine quarterback hurries and a forced fumble … Turned in seven or more tackles in 11 outings … Registered at least an assist on a tackle for loss nine times … Recorded multiple tackles for loss seven times, including a season-best 2-1/2 stops (1 sack) against VMI … Tallied a season-best nine tackles five times, including back-to-back contests with VMI (5 solo) and East Tennessee State (4 solo) … Earned SoCon Defensive Player of the Week honors by posting nine tackles, including a tackle for loss, at The Citadel, while also returning an interception 27 yards for the first points of the afternoon.
AS A SOPHOMORE (2022)
All-Southern Conference (Phil Steele) … Preseason All-Southern Conference (Phil Steele) … Played in all 11 games … Finished second on team with 85 tackles (37 solo), including seven tackles for loss (-16 yards) … Also posted a pair of sacks, one forced fumble and two pass break-ups … Turned in five or more stops in nine outings, including a season-high 18 tackles (9 solo) in season finale at Samford … Posted nine tackles at Auburn … Registered seven tackles and a forced fumble against The Citadel, including three tackles for loss (2 sacks) … Logged 10 tackles against East Tennessee State … Tallied 1-1/2 tackles for loss against both Chattanooga and Furman … Also broke up a pass against the Paladins.
AS A FRESHMAN (2021)
All-Southern Conference (Phil Steele) … Played in all 10 games … Finished second on team with 70 tackles (32 solo), including 7-1/2 tackles for loss (-19 yards) … Added a sack, three fumble recoveries, three quarterback hurries and a trio of pass break-ups … Logged eight or more tackles in five outings, including a season-best 13 tackles in the season finale against East Tennessee State … Posted nine tackles, including a tackle for loss, against Samford … Followed that performance up with eight tackles against Western Carolina, including 3-1/2 tackles for loss, while also recovering a fumble … Recovered fumbles in consecutive games with The Citadel and Chattanooga.
AS A FRESHMAN (2020-21)
Played in nine games … Amassed 39 tackles (16 solo), including 2-1/2 tackles for loss … Tallied a pair of double-digit tackle outings, including a season-high 12 stops against The Citadel … Also registered a tackle for loss against the Bulldogs … Posted 10 tackles (5 solo) against Army as well.
AS A FRESHMAN (2019)
Redshirted … Played in four games … Logged a solo tackle at North Carolina which resulted in a forced fumble as well.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Ware County High School for coach Jason Strickland … Turned in 80 tackles (48 solo) as a senior, including 11 tackles for loss … Also logged a pair of sacks, two fumble recoveries and five pass break-ups … Recorded 60 tackles during junior campaign.
PERSONAL
The son of Tanya Miller and Kenya Standley … Has one sister, Kendre’ … Maintained a 3.9 cumulative grade point average at Ware County High School … Has already earned his bachelor’s degree from Mercer.
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PLAYER PROFILES
AS A SOPHOMORE AT MARSHALL (2023)
All-Sun Belt Conference (Coaches) … Averaged 42.8 yards on 61 punts, including six kicks of 50 or more yards … Pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line 15 times, while also registering three touchbacks … Averaged 48.9 yards on eight punts against James Madison, including a season-longest 74-yarder in the first quarter … Also registered a 52-yard punt on his second attempt of the afternoon … Averaged 46.8 yards on four punts in season opener with UAlbany, including a 62 yard kick in the opening period … Pinned the Great Danes inside the 20-yard line three times, while one other kick went for a touchback … Averaged 47.3 yards on four punts at Georgia State, pinning the Panthers inside the 20-yard line three times.
AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN AT MARSHALL (2022)
Averaged 39.2 yards on 71 punts, including six kicks of 50 or more yards … Pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line 27 times, while six of his kicks resulted in touchbacks … Averaged 42.3 yards on six punts at Bowling Green, and pinned the Falcons inside the 20-yard line five times … Performance against BGSU also included a 51-yard kick in the fourth quarter ... Punted a season-high 10 times for 405 yards (40.5 yards/punt) at James Madison, including boots of 53 and 64 yards (season-longest) … Pinned Dukes inside the 20-yard line four times, while four other kicks resulted in touchback.
AS A FRESHMAN AT MARSHALL (2021) Redshirted … Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Morgantown High School for coach Sean Biser … Ranked fifth, nationally, coming out of high school by Chris Sailer Kicking … Averaged more than 43 yards per punt as a senior with a hang time in excess of 4-1/2 seconds … Averaged 36.4 yards on 22 punts as a junior, with a season-long 53-yarder … Pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line four times … Also averaged 53.7 yards on 39 kickoffs, including 16 touchbacks.
PERSONAL
The son of Elizabeth and John McConnell Sr. … Has an older brother, Frank … Maintained a 3.2 cumulative grade point average at Morgantown High School … A business major at Mercer.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Winder-Barrow High School for coach Robert Paxia … Earned second consecutive all-region accolades as a senior, while also being named to all-state team … Led team with 77 tackles (43 solo) … Also picked off three passes and registered six pass break-ups … Turned in 51 tackles (23 solo) as a junior … Also lettered in baseball for the Bulldogs.
PERSONAL
The son of Meggan and Dustin McNally … Has an older sister, Lauren … Maintained a 3.8 cumulative grade point average at Winder-Barrow High School … An engineering major at Mercer.
AS A JUNIOR AT MINNESOTA (2023)
Did not see game action.
AS A SOPHOMORE AT MINNESOTA (2022)
Did not see game action.
AS A FRESHMAN AT MINNESOTA (2021)
Did not see game action.
AS A FRESHMAN AT MINNESOTA (2020)
Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
A consensus 3-star recruit coming out of high school … Prepped at Harrison High School for coach Matt Dickman … Earned third consecutive all-region laurels as a senior after logging 44 tackles (19 solo), including a quartet of tackles for loss … Also recorded four interceptions and 13 pass break-ups … Turned in 30 tackles (22 solo) as a junior, while also adding five tackles for loss … Picked off three passes and tallied a pair of pass break-ups.
PERSONAL
The son of Trina and Clinton Pless … Has one sister, Jordan … Pursuing his master’s of business administration (MBA) at Mercer.
AS A FRESHMAN (2023)
Played in 10 games, including a pair of starts … Accounted for 285 all-purpose yards, including 98 kickoff return yards (5 returns) … Also caught 12 passes for 95 yards and logged six carries for 93 yards and a touchdown … Made collegiate debut at Ole Miss and recorded a 19-yard reception in the third quarter … Earned first start of the season at Western Carolina and responded with a season-best five catches for 36 yards, as well as a 16-yard run in the first quarter … Carried the ball twice for 60 yards at The Citadel, including a 50-yard touchdown gallop in the fourth period … Logged a season-longest 35-yard kickoff return against the Bulldogs as well … Also caught four passes for 34 yards in win over Samford..
HIGH SCH
OOL
Prepped at Tattnall Square Academy for coach John Abernathy … Picked up second-straight all-state laurels as a senior after hauling in 51 catches for 1,024 yards … Earned Macon Touchdown Club Special Teams Player of the Year honors as a junior … Also registered 39 catches for 721 yards … Was also a standout track & field performer for the Trojans … Earned a state title as part of Tattnall’s 4x100m Relay squad.
PERSONAL
The son of Jennifer Nash and Nathan Smith … Has two brothers, Taylor and Tyler, and one sister, Evelyn … Maintained a 3.7 cumulative grade point average at Tattnall Square Academy … A business major at Mercer.
PLAYER PROFILES
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at La Costa Canyon High School for coach Sean Sovacool … Also lettered in track & field for the Mavericks.
PERSONAL
The son of Krystal and Travis Kermott … Has a younger sister, Abby … Maintained a 4.3 cumulative grade point average at La Costa Canyon High School … A business major at Mercer.
AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN (2023)
Did not see game action.
AS A FRESHMAN (2022)
Redshirted … Played in two games … Made collegiate debut against Morehead State, rushing for 24 yards on four carries … Ran for 105 yards (12 attempts) and one touchdown in win over VMI … Logged first collegiate touchdown on 4-yard run in third quarter.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Gadsden City High School for coach Ali Smith … Earned a pair of all-county and all-state laurels for the Titans.
PERSONAL
The son of Erin Horton and Christopher Miller Sr. … Has four siblings - Alexis, Jasmine, Tommie and Khyrstonae.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Augusta Prep for coach Todd Booker … Missed senior season due to injury … Earned all-region laurels as a junior … Standout on both sides of the ball for the Cavaliers
… Totaled 1,122 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns, including 31 receptions for 476 yards … Also ran for 96 yards on eight carries, while also logging 550 return yards … Amassed 84 tackles (44 solo) and a pair of interceptions on defense … Also averaged 37.9 yards on 19 punts, including a season-longest 59-yard boot … Also lettered in basketball, soccer and track & field at Augusta Prep … Earned all-state laurels on the soccer field.
PERSONAL
The son of Kristi and Scott Connell … Has an older brother, Charles, and a younger brother, Benji … Maintained a 3.35 cumulative grade point average at Augusta Prep … Undecided on a major at Mercer.
AS A SOPHOMORE (2023)
Played in all 13 games, including one start … Caught 14 passes for 121 yards … Logged at least one catch in 11 outings … Earned the start at Ole Miss … Matched a season-best with two catches against the Rebels for 13 yards … Also caught a pair of passes against Furman and East Tennessee State … Hauled in a season-longest 31-yard pass in the fourth quarter against Samford to set up Mercer’s final touchdown of the contest.
AS A FRESHMAN (2022)
Played in all 11 games … Caught seven passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns … Registered at least one reception against four opponents … Tallied a 15-yard touchdown reception in his collegiate debut against Morehead State … Established season-bests for both receptions (3) and yards (39) in outing with Chattanooga … Caught two passes for 18 yards in home matchup with Furman, including an 11-yard scoring strike in the fourth quarter.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Northeast High School for coach Jeremy Wiggins … Earned region player of the year laurels following last two prep seasons … Was also named as an all-state performer by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution … Named Macon Touchdown Club and Middle Georgia Player of the Year to cap prep career … Threw for 2,091 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior, while also running for 711 yards and 13 additional scores … Amassed 2,336 passing yards and 22 touchdowns as a junior, as well as 349 rushing yards and six touchdowns … Was also a standout basketball, baseball and track & field student-athlete for the Raiders.
PERSONAL
The son of Ashley Wiggins and Kory Solomon … Has two brothers, Jeremy and Jordan, and two sisters, Jaden and Alayiah.
HI
GH SCHOOL
Prepped at Lakeside High School for coach Morris Starr … Earned Viking Award for second-straight season as a senior after making 28 catches for 406 yards and three touchdowns … Also tallied 50 tackles on defense to go along with two interceptions, a pair of forced fumbles and 11 pass break-ups … Logged 33 tackles, two interceptions and 13 pass break-ups during junior campaign, while also recording 100 receiving yards and two scores … Also lettered in track & field at Lakeside High School.
PERSONAL
The son of Senya and Roderick Douthit … Has a younger sister, Logan … Maintained a 3.4 cumulative grade point average at Lakeside High School … A cyber security major at Mercer.
PLAYER PROFILES
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Providence Christian Academy for coach John Russ … Picked up all-region laurels for second-straight season as a senior, while also raking in all-county laurels … Logged 39 catches for 842 yards and 12 touchdowns … Tallied 39 catches for 444 yards and three touchdowns as a junior … Also lettered in basketball and track & field for the Storm.
PERSONAL
The son of Kristi and Eric Miller … Has an older sister, Mallori, and two brothers – Mitchell and Michael … Maintained a 3.4 cumulative grade point average at Providence Christian Academy … A business major at Mercer.
AS A FRESHMAN (2023)
Saw action in 10 games … Ran for 244 yards and two touchdowns on 49 carries … Rushed for 21 yards on five carries in collegiate debut at Ole Miss … Logged 32 rushing yards (2 carries) and a fourth-quarter touchdown in home opener with Morehead State … Also scored a touchdown in home win over VMI (9 carries, 38 yards) … Tallied season bests for both carries (11) and yards (52) in regular season finale against Samford … Posted 51 yards on eight carries in playoff victory over Gardner-Webb.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Cox Mill High School for coach Shawn Baker … Named to North Carolina All-State Academic Team as a senior … Finished prep career with school record 33 rushing touchdowns … Ran for 468 yards and nine touchdowns on 91 carries as a senior, including a pair of 100+-yard rushing outings … Also caught eight passes for 145 yards and two additional scores … Scored three touchdowns on the way to leading Chargers to first playoff victory in eight seasons.
PERSONAL
The son of Jessica Peay and Tyron Coard ... Has two older sisters, Asia and Maya ... Maintained a 3.7 cumulative grade point average at Cox Mill High School … A communication major at Mercer.
AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN (2023)
Did not see game action.
AS A FRESHMAN (2022) Redshirted ... Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Jones County High School for coach Mike Chastain … A scholar-athlete for the Greyhounds … Caught 27 passes for 275 yards and two touchdowns as a senior … Logged 16 catches for 143 yards during junior campaign … Was also a standout on the baseball diamond at Jones County High School.
PERSONAL
The son of Jennifer and Billy Mix … Has one brother, Jackson, and one sister, Ella Kate … Earned academic merit scholarship from Mercer, and was also the recipient of the Ralph & Nancy Voris Scholarship.
AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN (2023)
Played in 11 games … Carried the ball 67 times for 203 yards and one touchdown … Also caught two passes for 16 yards … Made Mercer debut in season opener with North Alabama … Logged a season-high 20 carries for 73 yards and a fourth-quarter touchdown … Rushed six times for 37 yards in the win over VMI … Tallied 41 yards on eight rushing attempts against Chattanooga, while also hauling in a 10-yard pass in the second period.
AS A FRESHMAN AT CHARLOTTE (2022)
Redshirted … Played in one game … Ran for nine yards on a pair of carries against Rice, including a 7-yard gainer.
HIGH SCHOOL
Three-star recruit by both Rivals and 247Sports … Averaged 9.7 yards per carry over his prep career … Two-time team captain … Split time in backfield as a senior, but still managed to rush for 434 yards and five touchdowns on 48 carries … Also caught two passes for 18 yards … Earned all-region nods following final prep campaign … Ran for 1,208 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior, while also recording six catches for 43 yards … Tallied seven 100+-yard rushing games … Named all-region and All-Atlanta Journal-Constitution at season’s end.
PERSONAL
The son of Falinda and Marcus Bell … Has four siblings – Madison, Marley, Kiara and Regina.
AS A SOPHOMORE (2023)
Did not see game action.
AS A FRESHMAN AT REINHARDT (2022)
Played in two games … Tallied four tackles (4 solo) … Registered a pair of stops in consecutive games with Bluefield (Va.) and St. Andrews.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Lovejoy High School for coach Edgar Carson … Amassed 36 tackles as a senior, including five tackles for loss … Also blocked a punt and turned in three pass break-ups … Turned in seven tackles (2 TFL), one forced fumble and a pair of fumble recoveries during junior campaign … Was also a standout in wrestling and track & field for the Wildcats.
PERSONAL
The son of Brandi Jordan and Germain Brown … Has one sister, Ariana, and four brothers – Alijah, Mikale, Josh and Kai … Maintained a 3.9 cumulative grade point average at Lovejoy High School … A communication major at Mercer.
PLAYER PROFILES
AS A SOPHOMORE AT WEST VIRGINIA (2023)
Did not see game action.
AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN AT WEST VIRGINIA (2022)
Played in two games … Made season debut against Towson … Registered an assisted tackle against Oklahoma State.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Cane Bay High School for coach Russell Zehr … Lauded with all-region and all-area accolades, while also earning an invitation to play in North-South All-Star Game … Earned state championship as part of the 4x400m Relay squad for the Cobras.
PERSONAL
The son of Keisha Griffis and Rashan Frost … Has two brothers, Joshua and Charles, and two sisters, Braelyn and Brightlyn … Father played football at Auburn, and mother was a track standout at Washington.
AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN (2023)
Played in all 13 games … Amassed 20 tackles (15 solo) to go along with two interceptions and a pair of pass break-ups … Registered at least one stop in eight outings, including a season-best four tackles (all solo) in win over Wofford … Recorded a solo stop and a pair of interceptions in Mercer’s playoff win over Gardner-Webb … Also logged a pass break-up against the Runnin’ Bulldogs.
AS A FRESHMAN (2022)
Redshirted … Played in two games, including extensive action in the home opener with Morehead State … Tallied a solo stop against the Eagles.
HIGH SCHOOL
A multiple-threat starter for Venice High School and coach John Peacock … Tallied 42 tackles (30 solo), while also adding four interceptions and a quartet of pass break-ups … Also had 41 catches for 728 yards and five touchdowns, as well as seven kickoff returns for 172 yards … Caught 33 passes for 533 yards and four touchdowns as a junior.
PERSONAL
The son of Patrice and Rhondy Weston Sr. … Has two sisters, Katelyn and Jocelynn.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Fletcher High School for coach Ciatrick Fason … Logged 24 tackles (21 solo) as a prep senior, while also registering an interception and six pass break-ups … Tallied 41 tackles (36 solo) and a quartet of pass break-ups during junior campaign.
PERSONAL
The son of Bridget and Orestes Reyes … Has a younger sister, Gigi, and three brothers –Armani, Jr and Tico … Maintains a 3.9 cumulative grade point average at Fletcher High School … A kinesiology major at Mercer.
HIGH SCHOOL
A two-time all-region player … Also picked up region player of the year laurels following senior campaign … Played senior prep campaign at Effingham County High School for coach John Ford … Logged 115 tackles during senior campaign, while also registering seven tackles for loss, six sacks and a pair of quarterback hurries … Also logged 618 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 63 carries … Played first three prep seasons at Calvary Day School for coach Mark Stroud … Compiled 277 tackles across three seasons in the starting lineup for the Cavaliers, including a 132-tackle (72 solo) sophomore season … Also recorded seven career sacks and six career interceptions at Calvary Day School.
PERSONAL
The son of Aisha and Antonio Butts Sr. … Maintained a 3.5 cumulative grade point average at Effingham County High School … A business major at Mercer.
AS A FRESHMAN AT BOWLING GREEN STATE (2023)
Redshirted … Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Buford High School for coach Bryant Appling … Earned all-county nods as a senior after posting a perfect 26-for-26 tally on long snaps … Played an integral role in pacing the Wolves to three state championships over his prep career.
PERSONAL
The son of Tabitha and Donny Wilson … Has a younger sister, Mackenzie, and three older brothers – Tyler, Bailey and Noah … Maintained a 3.4 cumulative grade point average at Buford High School … Undecided on a major at Mercer.
AS A SOPHOMORE (2023)
Played in two games … Played in two games ,,, Ran for 52 yards on 18 carries … Made season debut in win over VMI, rushing for 25 yards on eight carries … Carried the ball 10 times for 21 yards in MU’s victory at East Tennessee State.
AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN (2022)
Played in two games .., Saw action in a season-high 12 snaps in the home opener with Morehead State … Logged a solo tackle against Western Carolina.
HIGH SCHOOL
Rated a 3-star recruit by Rivals and 247Sports … Prepped at Cedar Grove High School for coach Roderick Moore … Played first two prep seasons at Community Christian School … Led CCS to a pair of state championships, including a sophomore season that saw him run for 1,186 yards and 12 touchdowns … Earned all-region and all-state laurels at Cedar Grove High School, while also raking in a pair of invitations to Georgia Elite Classic … Finished prep career with more than 2,600 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns.
PERSONAL
The son of Marva and Frank White … Has two siblings, Carl and Morgan.
PLAYER PROFILES
AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN (2023)
Saw action in each of the last five games of the season as Mercer’s kickoff specialist … Averaged 56.0 yards on 24 kickoffs, two of which resulted in touchbacks … Averaged 58.4 yards on eight kickoffs in the upset win at Western Carolina ... Logged touchbacks in games with The Citadel and Gardner-Webb.
AS A FRESHMAN (2022)
Redshirted … Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
Handled kickoff, field goal and punting duties for four seasons at Menendez High School for coach Matt Potak … Named tea’s special teams player of the year following sophomore and junior campaigns … Raked in a trio of scholar-athlete awards to cap first three prep seasons, and was lauded with Menendez’s Scholar-Athlete of the Year award as a senior … Connected on a school-record 46-yard field goal as a junior … Earned invite to Special Teams All-American Bowl following senior campaign.
PERSONAL
The son of Kathleen and Thomas Addison … Has a sister, Brooke.
AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN (2023)
Did not see game action.
AS A FRESHMAN (2022)
Redshirted … Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Newnan High School for coach Chip Walker … Earned all-state and county co-defensive player of the year laurels as a senior after logging 90 tackles (69 solo), including 10 tackles for loss … Also registered one sack, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and a blocked punt … Turned in 57 tackles (38 solo) as a junior, as well as six sacks, 11 quarterback hurries and a blocked punt … Also played lacrosse for the Cougars.
PERSONAL
The son of Jessica and Donnie Slaton … Has one brother, Owen.
AS A SOPHOMORE (2023)
Played in 12 games … Tallied 13 tackles (10 solo) … Logged at least one stop in nine contests, including a season-best five tackles at Ole Miss … Also registered a pair of stops against VMI and Gardner-Webb.
AS A FRESHMAN (2022)
Played in five games … Turned in three tackles and a pair of interceptions … Tacked up an assist on a tackle against Gardner-Webb, while also hauling in an interception late in the fourth quarter … Followed it up with a solo tackle and another interception the following week against Wofford.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Calvary Day School for coach Mark Stroud … Raked in all-area and all-region laurels as a senior after amassing 36 tackles, including four behind the line, as well as five interceptions and four pass break-ups … Helped lead Calvary Day School to Region 3-A private title and the second round of the state playoffs … Was also a standout in basketball and track & field for the Cavaliers.
PERSONAL
The son of Tamika Wallace and Jurmon Johnson.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at David Emanuel Academy for coach Clint Inman … Earned second-straight all-region and all-state laurels as a senior … Recorded 16 touchdowns during final prep campaign, while also scoring points on a trio of 2-point conversion attempts … Also registered six interceptions on the defensive side of the ball … Turned in five touchdowns and as many interceptions during junior campaign … Excelled in basketball, track & field and baseball for the Eagles as well … Raked in a pair of all-region honors on the basketball court, and was a region placer in multiple events as a part of the track & field squad … Also finished seventh in the Triple Jump at the state championships.
P
ERSONAL
The son of Allison and Will Martin …Has a younger sister, Lyla, and four brothers –John-Nathan, Samuel, Nicholas and Abel … Maintained a 4.0 cumulative grade point average at David Emanuel Academy and was valedictorian of his 17-member senior class … A civil engineering major at Mercer.
AS A SOPHOMORE (2023)
Played in all 13 games, including four starts … Amassed 33 tackles (16 solo), including three tackles for loss (-11 yards) … Also registered an assist on a quarterback drop, while tallying a forced fumble and a pair of quarterback hurries as well … Turned in multiple stops in nine outings, including a season-best nine stops (2 solo) at East Tennessee State … Also turned in a tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry against the Bucs … Logged five tackles (2 solo) at Furman … Tallied a pair of assisted tackles against VMI, including one on a 6-yard quarterback sack in the third quarter.
AS A FRESHMAN (2022)
Saw action in 10 games … Turned in 13 tackles (5 solo), including three tackles for loss (-8 yards) … Registered a forced fumble, four pass break-ups and a quartet of quarterback hurries … Made multiple stops against a pair of opponents, including a season-best six tackles (4 solo) against Western Carolina … Also recorded a forced fumble, two quarterback hurries and two pass break-ups at WCU … Logged two tackles (1 solo), two quarterback hurries and a pass break-up at VMI as well.
BEFORE MERCER
Played one season at Air Force Prep … Redshirted … Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Calvary Christian School for coach Devin Gainer … Tallied 71 tackles (24 solo) during senior campaign, while also adding seven sacks and a forced fumble … Earned all-county laurels as a junior after posting 55 tackles (43 solo), including seven tackles for loss … Turned in a trio of pass break-ups as well … Was also a 4-year letterwinner in basketball for the Warriors.
PERSONAL
The son of Heather Grubb-Smith and Ronnie Washburn.
PLAYER PROFILES
AS A FRESHMAN (2023)
Played in 10 games, mainly as part of Mercer’s kickoff coverage team … Made collegiate debut in home opener with Morehead State, logging a pair of tackles (1 solo) … Saw action in a season-high seven plays against both VMI and Western Carolina … Assisted on a tackle against VMI.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Crisp County High School for coach Lawrence Smith … Earned second consecutive all-state laurels as a senior, while also being crowned region player of the year and county defensive player of the year … Also named defensive player of the game at the 2022 Georgia Elite Classic All-Star Game … Amassed 325 tackles over prep career, while also logging 12-1/2 sacks and four forced fumbles.
PERSONAL
The son of Justina and Harry Fox … Has two older brothers, Shad and Jayren, and one younger brother, Jordan … Maintained a 4.0 cumulative grade point average at Crisp County High School ... An education major at Mercer.
AS A SOPHOMORE (2023)
Played in eight games, including seven starts … Logged a dozen tackles (7 solo), including one tackle for loss (-1 yard) … Also turned in a sack and a pass break-up … Tallied two tackles in season opener with North Alabama, including a 1-yard sack in the first quarter … Turned in four solo tackles against The Citadel … Also tallied four tackles (2 solo) against South Dakota State.
AS A FRESHMAN (2022)
Played in 10 games … Recorded 31 tackles (15 solo), including two tackles for loss (-2 yards) … Also turned in a fumble recovery and two quarterback hurries … Tallied at least one tackle in all 10 games, including eight multiple-tackle performances … Registered five stops (4 solo) against Gardner-Webb, and a season-high six tackles (2 solo) against East Tennessee State … Made four stops against Chattanooga, including one behind the line of scrimmage.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Trinity Christian Academy for coach Kenny Dallas … Picked up second-straight region defensive player of the year laurels as a senior after posting 120 tackles (49 solo), including nine tackles for loss … Also turned in an interception, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery … Made 119 stops (54 solo) during junior campaign, including 13 tackles for loss … Tallied three sacks as well … Raked in all-state and all-region laurels as a sophomore … Also played lacrosse for the Lions.
PERSONAL
The son of Kasey and Chris Hanson … Has two siblings, Kaden and Kylie … Father is an 11-year NFL veteran punter, including extended stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots.
AS A SOPHOMORE (2023)
Played in five games … Tallied six tackles (3 solo) … Also added a quarterback hurry … Turned in multiple stops in two outings … Registered two tackles (1 solo) in season opener with North Alabama … Recorded a pair of assisted tackles, as well as a quarterback hurry, in extended action against Morehead State.
AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN (2022)
Did not see game action.
AS A FRESHMAN (2021)
Redshirted … Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
Concluded prep career at Hough High School for coach David Baker … Played first three prep seasons for Myers Park and coach Scott Chadwick … Played in 62 games across his sophomore and junior campaigns at Myers Park and registered 62 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and 11 sacks … Was also a standout in track & field at both schools.
PERSONAL
The son of Larri Diggs-Jones and Derek Jones … Has two sisters, Myah and Kayla.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Newberry High School for coach Ed Johnson … Picked up all-region honors for second-straight season as a senior … Also raked in all-region and all-state academic team laurels … Played both offense and defense for the Panthers … Registered 90 tackles (58 solo) during final prep campaign, while also turning in 13 tackles for loss, one interception, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries … Also hauled in four catches for 68 yards and three touchdowns … Logged 102 tackles (54 solo) as a junior, as well as 13 tackles for loss … Also lettered in track & field and weightlifting at Newberry High School.
PERSO
NAL
The son of Tiffany Powers … Has two sisters, Nicole and Jamie, and three brothers – Cory, Jordan and Kaiden … Maintained a 4.1 cumulative grade point average at Newberry High School and graduated in the top 15 percent of his 165-member senior class … A business management major at Mercer.
AS A SOPHOMORE (2023)
Played in all 13 games … Recorded 27 tackles (9 solo), including 1-1/2 tackles for loss (-3 yards) … Turned in four or more tackles on three occasions, including season opener with North Alabama (4) … Tallied a season-best seven tackles (3 solo) in home opener with Morehead State, including 1-1/2 tackles for loss … Also posted four tackles (3 solo) at The Citadel.
PLAYER PROFILES
AS A FRESHMAN (2022)
Played in three games … Recorded six tackles (3 solo) … Made collegiate debut in home opener with Morehead State and registered a season-high five tackles (2 solo).
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Richmond Hill High School for coach Matt LeZotte … Earned all-region and team most valuable player laurels following final prep season … Logged 56 tackles as a senior, including four tackles for loss … Also turned in three pass break-ups, three blocked punts and a pair of blocked field goals … Invited to participate in Blitz Border Bowl … Was also an all-region performer in lacrosse for the Wildcats.
PERSONAL
The son of Karen and John Bliss … Has one sister, Jill, and one brother, Nick.
AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN (2023)
Played in 11 games … Collected 13 tackles (8 solo), including 1-1/2 tackles for loss (-7 yards) … Also turned in a sack, a fumble recovery and a quarterback hurry … Recorded multiple tackles in consecutive games with Morehead State, Furman and VMI … Logged four tackles (3 solo) in the home opener with the Eagles … Recovered a fumble on the game’s opening kickoff at Western Carolina … Registered a fourth-quarter sack at South Dakota State.
AS A FRESHMAN (2022)
Redshirted … Played in three games … Saw action in seven plays against Morehead State and logged a trio of tackles (1 solo) … Also played in the fourth quarter at Samford.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Shiloh High School for coach Tino Ierulli … Amassed 290 tackles across prep career … Earned all-county, all-region, and all-state recognition as a senior after posting 97 tackles (60 solo) as a senior, including 11 tackles for loss … Also tallied three sacks, five quarterback hurries, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery … Recorded 107 tackles (63 solo), as well as 13 tackles for loss, as a junior … Also tallied six sacks, five quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
PERSONAL
The son of Peace and Benjamin Prince … Has three brothers - Isaiah, Israel, and Immanuel.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Richmond Hill High School for coach Matt Lezotte … Went 10-for-11 on point-after attempts as a senior, while also averaging 30.8 yards on seven punts … Pinned opponents inside their own 20-yard line on four occasions … Was also a standout in soccer and track & field for the Wildcats.
PERSONAL
The son of Denell Foster and Christopher Styan … Has two younger brothers, Connor and Bennett … Maintained a 3.8 cumulative grade point average at Richmond Hill High School … Undecided on a major at Mercer.
AS A SOPHOMORE (2023)
Played in 12 games, mainly as an integral part of all five special teams units … Logged nine tackles (5 solo), as well as a forced fumble and ensuing fumble recovery … Registered multiple tackles in four different contests, including a season-best three solo stops against VMI … Forced a fumble on a first-quarter kickoff at Western Carolina, and then returned a fumble 24 yards for a touchdown later in the period.
AS A FRESHMAN (2022)
Played in all 11 games … Saw extensive time as one of the leaders on MU’s kickoff coverage, kickoff return and punt return units … Tallied 10 tackles … Made multiple stops in four games … Registered both a solo and an assisted tackle in his collegiate debut against Morehead State.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Pinewood Christian Academy for his father and coach, Keith Wasson … A multiple-threat weapon for Patriots who racked up 1,949 all-purpose yards as a senior on the way to raking in all-region and all-state honors … Threw for 1,016 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also rushing for 1,894 yards and 28 additional scores … Also logged 212 punt return and 107 kickoff return yards … Ran for 1,466 yards and 21 touchdowns during junior campaign.
PERSONAL
The son of Amber and Keith Wasson … Has two brothers, Will and Sam … Earned academic achievement honor roll laurels at Pinewood Christian Academy.
AS A JUNIOR (2023)
Played in 13 games, including one start … Recorded 15 tackles (8 solo), including an assist on a tackle for loss … Also posted two quarterback hurries … Registered at least one tackle in nine contests, including six multi-tackle outings … Tallied a pair of solo stops in consecutive games with Morehead State and Furman … Also turned in a quarterback hurry against the Eagles … Logged an assist on a tackle for loss in season opener with North Alabama.
AS A SOPHOMORE (2022)
Played in 10 games … Recorded nine tackles (4 solo), including 3-1/2 tackles for loss (-9 yards) … Also posted an assist on a quarterback sack … Tallied at least one stop in seven contests, including a season-best two tackles against Wofford … Registered a solo tackle for loss in games with East Tennessee State and Furman.
AS A FRESHMAN (2021)
Played in nine games … Tallied three tackles (2 solo) … Also logged a quarterback hurry … Logged an assisted tackle in collegiate debut against Point … Recorded solo tackles in consecutive games with Alabama and Furman.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Calhoun High School for coach Clay Stephenson … Also lettered in basketball and track & field for the Yellow Jackets … Won baseball team’s Triple Crown Award.
PERSONAL
The son of Melissa Griffin … Has one brother, Cole.
PLAYER PROFILES
\AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN (2023)
Played in all 13 games with a majority of action coming as an integral part of four special teams units … Saw extended action at linebacker against both Ole Miss and The Citadel … Logged a dozen tackles (9 solo), including 1-1/2 tackles for loss … Logged multiple stops in a pair of outings, including a season-best five tackles (4 solo) against Wofford … Tallied an unassisted tackle for loss against Furman … Also posted a trio of stops at Ole Miss, including an assist on a tackle for loss.
AS A FRESHMAN (2022)
Redshirted … Played in three games … Registered three assisted tackles in collegiate debut against Morehead State.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Denmark High School for coach Neal Burkhart … Recorded 39 tackles as a senior, including nine tackles for loss … Also turned in two sacks, one fumble recovery and a trio of pass break-ups … Was also a standout on the baseball diamond for the Danes.
PERSONAL
The son of Teresa and Brian Clare … Has one sister, Madelyn.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Newberry High School for coach Edward Johnson … Logged 90 tackles (40 solo) as a senior, including 20 tackles for loss … Added one sack, a pair of quarterback hurries, one interception and a pair of pass break-ups … Raked in all-area laurels following junior campaign … Turned in 87 tackles (37 solo) in junior campaign, including 13 tackles for loss … Also tallied a pair of sacks, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and a pass break-up.
PERSONAL
The son of Summer and Eric Hester … Has two older brothers, Bubba and Riley … Maintained a 4.3 cumulative grade point average at Newberry High School and graduated in the top 20 percent of his 125-member senior class … A business major at Mercer.
AS A SOPHOMORE AT SAVANNAH STATE (2023)
Played in nine games … Totaled 12 tackles (7 solo), including 1-1/2 sacks (-9 yards)
… Also tallied a pair of quarterback hurries … Logged multiple tackles against four opponents, including a season-high four stops (all solo) against Central State … Performance against Marauders also included a quarterback hurry and a 6-yard sack in the third quarter.
AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN AT SAVANNAH STATE (2022)
Played in seven games … Recorded eight tackles (6 solo), including 3-1/2 tackles for loss (-22 yards) … Also posted a sack and a quarterback hurry … Tallied multiple stops against both Morehouse and Lane … Turned in 1-1/2 tackles for loss against Morehouse as well … Registered both a quarterback hurry and a 6-yard sack in second quarter against Fort Valley State.
AS A FRESHMAN AT SAVANNAH STATE (2021)
Redshirted … Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at High School for coach Gary Varner … Named to all-region team following a senior campaign that saw him turn in 35 tackles (16 solo), as well as two tackles for loss … Also posted a sack and a pair of quarterback hurries … Forced and recovered a fumble as well … A standout on the track & field squad for the Buccaneers as well … Was a place-winner in Shot Put at state championships, and also shattered the school record in the Discus Throw.
PERSONAL
The son of Drs. Dana and Ed Gilbert … Has an older brother, Ed … Maintained a 3.87 cumulative grade point average at Allatoona High School … A computer science major at Mercer.
AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN (2022)
Played in one game … Made collegiate debut at center in fourth quarter of home opener with Morehead State.
AS A FRESHMAN (
2022)
Redshirted … Did not see game action.
HI
GH SCHOOL
Prepped at Washington County High School for coach Joel Ingram … An all-state standout on both the offensive and defensive lines … Served as captain in Georgia/South Carolina Border Bowl game, and earned a start in the Georgia Elite Classic … Amassed 62 tackles, including 12 tackles for loss and 11 sacks as a senior …. Logged a 95 percent blocking rate on the offensive line and yielded just one sack … Raked in all-region and all-state laurels as a junior on the offensive line as well … Also picked up a pair of all-region honors as a baseball player for the Golden Hawks.
PERSONAL
The son of Rose and Jeremy Brett … Has an older brother, Clay … Maintained a 3.98 cumulative grade point average at Washington County High School and ranked No. 4 in his 225-member senior class … A sports marketing and analytics major at Mercer.
Played in all 14 games as a member of field goal/extra point special teams unit … Saw extended action at either left or right tackle in matchups with Youngstown State and Robert Morris … Graded out above 75 percent in limited action at Ohio State. A
Played in four games … Did not allow a sack in 30 snaps … Made collegiate debut in fourth quarter against Duquesne … Played a season-high 10 snaps at Missouri State.
A
Redshirted … Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
TATE (2021)
Prepped at St. Francis DeSales High School for coach Dan Chipka … Earned all-state, all-district and all-conference laurels as a senior … Pivotal part of offensive line that paved the way for an explosive offense that put up nearly 31 points a game during final prep season.
PERSONAL
The son of Barbara Smith and Edward Johnson … Has one brother, Eliyon … Maintained a 3.0 cumulative grade point average at St. Francis DeSales High School … Undecided on a major at Mercer.
PLAYER PROFILES
AS A FRESHMAN (2023)
Saw action at long snapper in final six games … Made collegiate debut against Wofford with six snaps on field goal and extra point attempts, as well as three as part of the punt coverage team.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Carrollton High School for coach Joey King … Integral part of offensive unit that averaged more than 461 yards and 44 points per game on the way to 14 victories, a state championship game berth and a top-20 national ranking … Also served as a captain on the lacrosse team for the Trojans … Picked up all-region laurels as a senior.
PERSONAL
The son of Katie and Shane Hamilton … Maintained a 4.0 cumulative grade point average at Carrollton High School and graduated in the top-5 percent of his 420-member senior class … An electrical engineering major at Mercer.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Liberty Christian Academy for coach Frank Rocco … Earned second consecutive all-state, all-region, all-district and all-conference accolades as a senior, while also picking up offensive player of the year honors … Integral part of a unit that opened holes for an offensive attack that averaged 44.5 points and nearly 375 yards (285.6 rushing) per game on the way to a perfect 14-0 season … Was also a standout in baseball and track & field for the Bulldogs … Won a pair of region championships in the Shot Put, and qualified for Nike Indoor Nationals in New York City.
PERSONAL
The son of Kristi and Jon Murray … Has an older sister, Katelyn … Maintained a 4.2 cumulative grade point average at Liberty Christian Academy and graduated in the top 9 percent of his 167-member senior class … A sports marketing & analytics major at Mercer.
AS A FRESHMAN (2023)
Prepped at Liberty Christian Academy for coach Frank Rocco … Earned second consecutive all-state, all-region, all-district and all-conference accolades as a senior, while also picking up offensive player of the year honors … Integral part of a unit that opened holes for an offensive attack that averaged 44.5 points and nearly 375 yards (285.6 rushing) per game on the way to a perfect 14-0 season … Was also a standout in baseball and track & field for the Bulldogs … Won a pair of region championships in the Shot Put, and qualified for Nike Indoor Nationals in New York City.
HIGH SCHOOL
Lettered three times for head coach Craig Bennett at Cambridge High School … Earned all-state, all-region and defensive most valuable player laurels as a junior … Tallied 52 total tackles and 14-1/2 sacks during junior campaign … Was also an all-region first baseman for the Bears.
PERSONAL
The son of Kim and Les Kuykendall … Has two older brothers, Erik and Evan … Maintained a 3.7 cumulative grade point average at Cambridge High School … A business major at Mercer.
AS A SOPHOMORE (2023)
Played in four games, mainly as a part of three special teams units … Saw action on the defensive line in fourth quarter against Wofford.
AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN (2022)
Played in one game … Saw action on the defensive line in MU’s home opener with Morehead State.
AS A FRESHMAN AT EAST CAROLINA (2021)
Redshirted … Did not see game action.
AS A FRESHMAN AT EAST CAROLINA (2020)
Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Bandys High School for coach Tom Eanes … Picked up county defensive player of the year laurels following junior and senior campaigns … Also named to all-state team following final prep season … Amassed 180 tackles (95 solo) as a senior, including a pair of tackles for loss … Also added a forced fumble and a fumble recovery … Tallied 102 tackles (55 solo) as a junior, including 11 tackles for loss … Raked in a pair of interceptions, three forced fumbles and a pass break-up.
PERSONAL
The son of Tonya and Jeffery Williams … Has nine brothers and sisters.
AS A FRESHMAN (2023) Redshirted … Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Auburn High School for coach Keith Etheredge … Paved the way for an offensive attack that averaged more than 36 points per game on the way to a 12-2 record … Served as offensive captain amid a 10-win junior campaign.
PERSONAL
The son of Jessica and Jeremy Ferris … Has a younger brother, Owen … Maintained a 3.86 cumulative grade point average at Auburn High School … A finance major at Mercer.
YER PRO LAY
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PLAYER PROFILES
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Chapel Hill High School for coach Isaac Marsh … Picked up all-conference laurels as a senior after paving the way for an offensive attack that registered 42.7 points and 439.0 yards per game (321.8 rushing) … Backfield for the Bulldogs featured a pair of 1,500-yard rushers, including one that ran for 2,855 yards … Was also an all-conference selection in lacrosse at Chapel Hill High School.
PERSONAL
The son of Annelies Dedecker and Dries Mermuys … Has a younger brother, Leon, and a younger sister, Louise … Maintained a 3.7 cumulative grade point average at Chapel Hill High School … An international business major at Mercer.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Creekview High School for coach Trevor Williams … Earned second consecutive all-state, all-region and all-county laurels as a senior after grading out at 96 percent for the season, while also tallying 130 pancake blocks … Paved the way for an offensive attack that averaged more than 365 total yards per game, including nearly 205 rushing yards an outing … Graded out at 91 percent during his junior campaign with 142 pancake blocks … Also lettered in track & field for the Grizzlies … Holds school record in Shot Put.
PERSONAL
The son of Jodi and Spence Sears … Has an older brother, Jackson, and a younger sister, Julia Hope … Maintained a 3.8 cumulative grade point average at Creekview High School … A business major at Mercer.
AS A FRESHMAN (2023) Redshirted … Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at East Paulding High School for coach Chris Hirschfield … Named defensive lineman of the year following junior campaign.
PERSONAL
The son of Octavia Culbreth … Maintained a 3.9 cumulative grade point average at East Paulding High School … An industrial management major at Mercer.
AS A JUNIOR (2023)
Preseason All-South Atlantic Conference (coaches) … All-South Atlantic Conference … Started in all 15 games, including nine starts at left guard (six at left tackle) … Integral part of a steamroller unit that opened holes for NCAA Division II’s 21st-ranked rushing offense (202.9 yards/game) and allowed just 1.33 sacks per game (36th NCAA) … Bears amassed 200 or more rushing yards eight times, including a pair of 300+-yard rushing performances.
AS A SOPHOMORE (2022)
All-American (Don Hansen) … Preseason All-South Atlantic Conference (coaches) … AllSouth Atlantic Conference (coaches) … Started all 11 games at left tackle … Led a unit that paved the way for an offense that put up more than 35 points and 150 rushing yards an outing … Unit also surrendered less than two sacks per game … Bears turned in four 200+-yard performances, including 260 rushing yards in the win over Barton.
AS A FRE
SHMAN (2021)
Started all 11 games at left tackle … Spearheaded an offensive attack that ranked 9th among NCAA Division II schools in rushing offense (237.9 yards/game), while also yielding just 1.45 sacks/game … L-R amassed 200-plus rushing yards seven times, including five performances of 283 or more rushing yards.
AS A FRESHMAN (2020-21)
Started all four games at left tackle … Lenoir-Rhyne boasted NCAA Division II’s 27th-ranked rushing offense (150.8 yards/game), while also carrying the nation’s 16th-best pass-blocking squad (1.45 sacks/game allowed).
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Burns High School for coach David Devine … Led a unit that paved the way for a offensive attack that put up more than 38 points and 254 rushing yards per game.
PERSONAL
The son of Nicole Briscoe and William Jennings … Maintained a 3.5 cumulative grade point average at Burns High School … Pursuing his master’s degree in business administration (MBA) at Mercer.
AS A JUNIOR (2023)
All-Southern Conference (Phil Steele) … Started all 13 games at left guard … Yielded just one sack and one quarterback hit in 390 snaps … Saw action in 80 plays against Samford … Also played in 70 or more snaps against Gardner-Webb and Western Carolina … Graded out above 75 percent in home contest with Chattanooga.
AS A SOPHOMORE (2022)
Played in three games at both guard and center … Made Mercer debut in home opener with Morehead State and graded out above 75 percent … Allowed just one sack in 390 snaps … Graded out above 80 percent against Morehead State and VMI … Saw action in a season-high 88 snaps in season finale at Samford.
AS A FRESHMAN AT ALABAMA A&M (2021)
Played in three games … Made collegiate debut against Tuskegee … Also saw action against Mississippi Valley State and Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
AS A FRESHMAN AT ALABAMA A&M (2020)
Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Archer High School for coach Andy Dyer … Two-year starter for the Tigers … Paved the way for an offensive attack that averaged nearly 370 yards (218 rushing) and more than 34 points per game on the way to nine wins and a deep run in the state playoffs.
PERSONAL
The son of Nathalie and Moses Mukwiza … Has three siblings – Abraham, Joseph and Jenovic … A management major at Mercer.
PLAYER PROFILES
A two-time first team all-region selection for coach Sheddrick Risper at Westside High School … Also named to Bibb County All-Star Team following each of last two prep seasons … Anchored an offensive line that paved the way for an offense that averaged more than 305 yards and 23 points per game … Seminoles offense featured a pair of 1,000-yard running backs … Named a WGXA Game Changer as a junior … Also lettered in basketball, track & field and wrestling at Westside High School … Finished fourth in the shot put at the GHSA state championships.
PERSONAL
The son of Shondonette and Michael Horton Jr. … Has two younger brothers, Anthony and Aaron … Maintained a perfect 4.0 cumulative grade point average at Westside High School and ranked fourth among his 196-member senior class … A business management major at Mercer.
HIGH SCHOOL
A two-time all-state selection for coach Barry Gardner at Baker (Fla.) High School … Also picked up district player of the year laurels following senior campaign … Earned all-area recognition following each of last two prep seasons … A two-way player for the Gators … Logged 46 tackles and five sacks amid senior season … Paved the way for an offense that established a new school record for rushing yards during junior campaign … Also lettered in basketball at Baker High School.
PERSONAL
The son of Amber and Rob Armstrong … Has a younger brother, Kase … Maintained a 3.9 cumulative grade point average at Baker High School … A social studies major at Mercer.
AS A FRESHMAN (2023)
Redshirted … Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Alexander High School for coach Oldwick Downs … Paved the way for an offensive attack that averaged nearly 350 yards per game … Was also a standout basketball player for the Cougars.
PERSONAL
The son of Juanita and Steven Atchison … Has two younger sisters, Aubrey and Ava … Maintained a 3.4 cumulative grade point average at Alexander High School … A cyber security major at Mercer.
AS A SOPHOMORE AT SOUTHERN (2023)
Played in 11 games, including five starts at right tackle … Did not allow a sack in seven outings, and did not yield a quarterback hit in 408 total snaps … Saw action in 75 offensive plays against Jackson State … Also played in 64 offensive snaps in season opener with Alabama State.
AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN AT SOUTHERN (2022)
Played in nine games, including three starts at left tackle … Did not yield a sack in six contests … Allowed just one quarterback hit in 315 total snaps … Graded out above 75 percent in contest with Arkansas Pine Bluff … Saw action in a season-high 75 snaps in win over Virginia Lynchburg … Also saw action in 60 or more offensive plays against both Texas Southern and Mississippi Valley State.
AS A FRESHMAN AT OHIO (2021)
Redshirted … Played in one game … Made collegiate debut in fourth quarter of game at Northwestern.
AS A FRESHMAN AT OHIO (2020)
Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Deerfield Beach High School for coach Jevon Glenn … Earned first team all-state and all-county laurels as a senior after spearheading an offensive attack that put up nearly 330 yards and more than 38 points per game.
PERSONAL
The son of Sheena Showers ... Has two younger sisters, Laila and Madison … Maintained a 3.8 cumulative grade point average at Deerfield Beach High School … Pursuing his master’s degree in business administration (MBA) at Mercer.
AS A FRESHMAN (2023)
Redshirted … Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at West Port High School for coach Greg Harper … Decorated with Burlsworth Award following final prep campaign … Captained the Wolf Pack as a senior … Picked up Alpha Wolf Award following junior campaign
PERSONAL
The son of Beth and Alan Cotney … Has three sisters – Emma, Katelyn and Isabela … Maintained a 4.72 cumulative grade point average at West Port High School … A finance major at Mercer.
HIGH SCHOOL
PLAYER PROFILES
A two-time all-conference offensive tackle for coach Matthew Forester at Briarwood Christian High School … Also picked up all-county, all-metro and all-region laurels as a senior … Helped lead Lions to an appearance in the second round of the state playoffs … Also lettered in basketball at Briarwood Christian.
PERSONAL
The son of Linda and David Schultz … Has two older sisters, Allowyn and Ainsley … Maintained a 4.42 cumulative grade point average at Briarwood Christian High School … A business major at Mercer.
AS A JUNIOR AT TEXAS STATE (2023)
Played in five games, primarily as a part of TSU’s punt coverage unit … Played seven snaps at left guard against Jackson State.
AS A SOPHOMORE AT TEXAS STATE (2022)
Played in all 12 games, nearly all of which was on TSU’s field goal and extra point special teams unit.
AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN AT CAMPBELL (2021) Did not see game action.
AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN AT CAMPBELL (2020) Did not see game action.
AS A FRESHMAN AT CAMPBELL (2019) Redshirted ... Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Westlake High School for coach Maurico Zackery … Played both ways for the Lions … Paved the way for an offense that tacked up more than 30 points per game across last two prep seasons.
PERSONAL
Maintained a 3.4 cumulative grade point average at Westlake High School … Pursuing his MBA at Mercer.
AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN (2023)
Played in 10 games, including one start … Allowed just one sack in 204 snaps, but did not yield a quarterback pressure … Made his Mercer debut in season opener against North Alabama … Earned the start at left tackle against Chattanooga … Graded out near 80 percent amid action at Furman … Played a season-best 45 snaps at East Tennessee State … Also saw action in 30 or more plays in four other outings.
AS A FRESHMAN AT TROY (2022)
Redshirted … Did not see game action.
HI
GH SCHOOL
Prepped at Marbury High School for coach Hayden Stockton … Named one of the top 10 offensive linemen to watch entering the 2021 season by the Montgomery Advertiser … Graded out at 81 percent with 38 pancake blocks as a junior to earn all-metro and all-county honors … Helped lead the Bulldogs to the Alabama 5A Playoffs three times during his career … Played the gunner position on Marbury’s punt coverage teams ... Also played basketball and competed in track & field for Marbury … Won gold at the Wetumpka Regional in shot put.
P
ERSONAL
The son of Marcia and Donny Johnson.
AS A FRESHMAN (2023)
Redshirted ... Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
A two-time all-region and all-county selection for coach Mike Palmieri at Denmark High School … Caught 36 passes for 750 yards as a junior … Was also an all-state lacrosse player for the Danes.
PERSONAL
The son of Peggy and Jeff Thoman … Maintained a 4.1 cumulative grade point average at Denmark High School … A finance major at Mercer
AS A JUNIOR (2023)
Played in 12 games, including starts against Wofford and Western Carolina … Caught six passes for 29 yards … Recorded first catch as a Mercer Bear against Ole Miss –a 5-yard reception in the first quarter … Tallied a pair of catches against Wofford (8 yards), as well as lone receptions against both Gardner-Webb and South Dakota State.
AS A SOPHOMORE AT WEST GEORGIA (2022)
Played in six games … Caught a 6-yard pass in season opener with Carson-Newman … Logged a 3-yard reception against Morehouse … Also logged a pair of solo tackles against the Tigers, including a 1-yard stop behind the line in the third period.
AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN AT WEST GEORGIA (2021)
Saw action in three games … Made collegiate debut against Morehouse … Hauled in first collegiate reception in second quarter of regular season matchup with Delta State.
AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN AT WEST GEORGIA (2020)
West Georgia did not compete due to COVID-19 pandemic.
AS A FRESHMAN AT WEST GEORGIA (2019)
Redshirted ... Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Westside High School for coach (and father) Sheddrick Risper … Earned all-region laurels as a senior after logging 40 catches … Led Seminoles to a runner-up finish inside the region.
PERSONAL
The son of Demetria and Sheddrick Risper … Has two younger brothers, Silas and Paul, and a younger sister, Peachy … Maintained a 3.8 cumulative grade point average at Westside High School … A higher education major at Mercer.
HIGH SCHOOL
PL YER PRO LAY OFILES
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PLAYER PROFILES
AS A FRESHMAN (2023)
Played in 13 games, including seven starts … Earned first collegiate start in home opener with Morehead State … Caught six passes for 40 yards … Recorded first collegiate catch on a 9-yard toss from Carter Peevy in opener with North Alabama … Tallied a pair of receptions against both Wofford (10 yards) and The Citadel (19 yards) … Performance against the Bulldogs included a season-longest 12-yard catch in second period.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Fellowship Christian School for coach Tim Mcfarlin … Amassed 60 tackles as a senior, including 38-1/2 tackles for loss (21 sacks) … Also posted a pair of fumble recoveries … Named 2A defensive player of the year … A two-way player, also logged 214 receiving yards and five scores … Logged 44 tackles as a junior, including eight sacks … Tallied 142 receiving yards and four touchdowns as well … Was also a standout pitcher on the baseball diamond for the Paladins.
PERSONAL
The son of Kristine and Todd Albee … Has two older brothers, Jackson and Charlie, and a younger brother, Joseph … Maintained a 4.5 cumulative grade point average at Fellowship Christian School … A bio-medical energy major at Mercer.
AS A FRESHMAN (2023)
Redshirted … Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Northlake Christian High School for coach James Willis … Earned third consecutive all-district accolades following final prep campaign … Also lettered in baseball for the Wolverines.
PERSONAL
The son of Mercer graduates Amy Wall and Lance Hollis … Has a younger brother, Kort, and a younger sister, Maddie … Maintained a 3.97 cumulative grade point average at Northlake Christian High School … An industrial management major at Mercer.
AS A FRESHMAN (2023)
Played in 11 games … Made collegiate debut in season opener against North Alabama … Played a season-high 27 snaps in home outing with VMI.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Pierce County High School for coach Ryan Herring … Caught two passes for 67 yards and a touchdown as a senior as part of a run-heavy offense … Logged a receiving touchdown as a junior as well.
PERSONAL
The son of Courtney and Jarrod Everson … Has an older brother, Wyatt, and a younger sister, Ellie … Maintained a 3.5 cumulative grade point average at Pierce County High School … A communication major at Mercer.
AS A FRESHMAN (2023)
Handled the punting duties in three games … Averaged 36.1 yards on 10 punts … Pinned opponent inside 20-yard line on one occasion, while two of his punts resulted in fair catches … Made collegiate debut in season opener with North Alabama, punting four times for 149 yards (37.5 yards/punt) … Averaged 37.0 yards on four punts at Ole Miss.
AS A FRESHMAN (2022)
Redshirted … Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Foundation Academy for coach Andre Walker … Handled the kicking and punting duties for the Lions, while also playing defensive back … Averaged 37.7 yards on 25 punts, while also pinning opponents inside their own 20-yard line on seven occasions … Also logged 59 kickoffs, with 25 of those resulting in touchbacks … Recorded 57 tackles (14 solo), including six tackles for loss … Also tallied a pair of forced fumbles and eight pass break-ups … Was also a standout in soccer and track & field at Foundation Academy.
PERSONAL
The son of Kelly Marcal and Sergio Garcia … Has one brother, Dylan.
AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN (2023)
Did not see game action.
AS A FRESHMAN (2022)
Redshirted … Did not see game action.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Effingham County High School for coach John Ford … A two-time all-region and all-state performer for the Rebels … Was also a standout on the baseball diamond at Effingham County High School.
PERSONAL
The son of Kimberly and Trevor Wilson … Has one brother, Zachary, and two sisters, Martina and Ashley.
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PLAYER PROFILES
HIGH SCHOOL
A 3-star recruit per On3 recruiting ... Prepped at Hawthorne High School for coach Cornelius Ingram … Picked up a slew of awards following senior campaign, including all-state, all-region, region defensive player of the year, Gainesville Sun Small School Defensive Player of the Year and Gainesville Quarterback Club Scholar-Athlete of the Year … Logged 143 tackles (97 solo), including 20 tackles for loss … Also turned in 5-1/2 sacks, seven forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and one interception … Picked up all-state, all-county and district player of the year honors as a junior at North Marion High School under coach Greg Carr … Recorded 69 tackles, including 33-1/2 tackles for loss … Also turned in 20 sacks, one interception, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery … Also lettered in basketball, track & field and weightlifting as a prep student-athlete … Earned a trip to weightlifting state championships, while also qualifying for the region championships in the Shot Put.
PERSONAL
The son of Sarah Albright and Warren Zock … Has one younger sister, Abby, and seven brothers – Clayton, Logan, Ryan, Jacob, Thomas, Leland and Sebastian … Maintained a 4.04 cumulative grade point average at Hawthorne High School … A sports marketing & agency major at Mercer.
AS A FRESHMAN (2023)
Handled punting duties for the Bears in nine games … Averaged 38.3 yards on 31 punts, including a trio of 50+-yard kicks … Pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line on a trio of occasions, while four of his kicks resulted in touchbacks … Made collegiate debut at Ole Miss, punting three times for 108 yards (36.0 average) … Averaged 41.0 yards on three punts in home opener with Morehead State … Tacked up season bests for both punts (7) and punting average (44.7) in MU’s mid-October home matchup against Chattanooga … Tallied three punts of at least 50 yards against the Mocs, including a 53-yard boot in the third quarter.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at Glynn Academy for coach Rocky Hidalgo … Named region punter of the year as a senior, while also raking in preseason and postseason all-area accolades for the second-straight season … Averaged 42.3 yards on 38 punts during final prep campaign, while 39 of his 46 (.848) kickoff attempts resulted in touchbacks … Averaged 41.0 yards on 47 punts during junior season.
PERSONAL
The son of Tammy and Jimmy Arnold … Has an older sister, Madison … Maintained a 4.3 cumulative grade point average at Glynn Academy and graduated in the top 15 percent of his 410-member senior class … A kinesiology major at Mercer.
AS A JUNIOR AT TOWSON (2023)
Granted a medical redshirt ... Missed season due to injury.
AS A SOPHOMORE AT ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF (2022)
Played in all 11 games … Recorded 32 tackles (9 solo), while also turning in a trio of quarterback hurries … Turned in three or more stops in six outings, including a season-best seven tackles against North American … Registered an unassisted tackle in his UAPB debut against Lane … Posted five tackles against Texas Southern, including a season-best three solo stops.
BEFORE ARKANSAS PINE BLUFF
Played two seasons (2020-21) at Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas … Started in all 10 games as a freshman, recording 27 tackles (18 solo), including 3-1/2 tackles for loss … Also tallied one sack ... Started in all seven games in pandemic-shortened sophomore campaign and turned in seven tackles, including an assist on a tackle for loss.
HIGH SCHOOL
Prepped at High Point Christian Academy for coach Scott Bell … Raked in all-state, all-area and second consecutive all-conference nods as a senior after recording 53 tackles (13 solo), including 12 tackles for loss … Also turned in eight sacks, nine quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and a blocked field goal … Tallied 58 tackles (9 solo) during junior campaign, including 20 tackles for loss … Performance also included 11 sacks, five quarterback hurries and a forced fumble.
PERSONAL
The son of Robin Brooks and Ronny Evans Sr. … Has an older sister, Crystal ... Pursuing his master’s of business administration (MBA) at Mercer.
AS A JUNIOR (2023)
Played in all 13 games, including five starts … Amassed 17 tackles (8 solo), while also turning in a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a quarterback hurry … Registered at least one stop in nine outings, including seven multiple-tackle performances … Tallied a pair of stops (1 solo) at Ole Miss, while also recovering a first-quarter fumble … Turned in a season-high three tackles (1 solo) at Furman … Registered a solo stop at East Tennessee State that resulted in a forced fumble … Tallied a 24-yard run on a fake punt attempt in the second quarter at South Dakota State.
AS A SOPHOMORE (2022)
Played and started in 10 games … Amassed 22 tackles (11 solo), including five tackles for loss (-19 yards) … Also registered an assist on a quarterback sack … Added a forced fumble, one quarterback hurry and a pair of pass break-ups … Turned in at least one stop in nine contests, including a quintet of multi-tackle outings … Logged a season-best five tackles against both The Citadel (2 solo) and Furman (2 solo) … Also tallied 1-1/2 tackles for loss against the Paladins … Forced a fumble right before the halftime break in MU’s rout of VMI … Ran for five yards on a key 4th-and-4 situation in the third quarter against Furman.
AS A REDSHIRT FRESHMAN (2021)
Played in 10 games … Recorded 20 tackles (13 solo), including 4-1/2 tackles for loss (-19 yards) … Also turned in three sacks, a fumble recovery and a quarterback hurry … Tallied six multiple-tackle outings, including a season-best 5-tackle (4 solo) performance against VMI … Also logged a tackle for loss against the Keydets … Registered 1-1/2 tackles for loss at Western Carolina, including a 3-yard sack in the fourth quarter … Made two solo tackles at The Citadel, both of which came behind the line of scrimmage … Recovered a third-quarter fumble against Chattanooga.
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HEAD COACH
MIKE JACOBS
Head Coach
Ohio State, 2001
A 21-year collegiate coaching veteran with footprints of success throughout each stop of his storied career, Mike Jacobs was announced as the 21st head coach in the history of the Mercer football program on Jan. 18, 2024.
Jacobs, who has compiled a 74-17 (.813) record across head coaching stops at both Notre Dame (Ohio) and Lenoir-Rhyne, boasts the nation’s sixthbest winning percentage among active coaches at the NCAA Divisions I and II levels. He is fresh off of a 2023 campaign that saw him lead Lenoir-Rhyne to a 13-2 clip that was accentuated with an appearance in the semifinal round of the NCAA Division II Playoffs.
In just eight campaigns as an NCAA Division II coach, Jacobs has mentored 17 student-athletes to all-region laurels, with seven of those standouts collecting all-America nods as well. His programs have also boasted 86 all-conference awards, including 62 in four seasons at Notre Dame, and six Academic All-America crowns. Former Notre Dame running back Jaleel McLaughlin was a two-time finalist for the Harlon Hill Award, including a runner-up finish in 2019, while former L-R wide receiver Dareke Young was selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks.
A three-time conference coach of the year recipient, he was also tabbed as the National Coach of the Year in 2018 by Don Hansen’s Football Gazette.
Jacobs, who succeeded former head coach Drew Cronic as the leader of the program in Hickory, N.C., prior to the 2020 campaign, skippered the Bears to a 32-9 record from 2019-23, as well as the 2023 South Atlantic Conference championship and
a trio of league divisional titles. L-R capped its most recent campaign, one which included the school’s first NCAA postseason road victory, with a No. 4 national ranking as well.
Tenacious defensive units proved to be the calling card for Lenoir-Rhyne’s success under the leadership of Jacobs as the Bears limited opponents to just 288.5 yards per game across his 41-game tenure in Hickory, including just 105.7 yards per game on the ground. L-R boasted the nation’s 9th-ranked total defense (258.5 yards allowed/game) during its run to the 2023 NCAA Division II Semifinals, as well as NCAA Division II’s 7th-best scoring defense (14.7 points allowed/game).
The Bears were equally as impressive on the offensive side of the ball under Jacobs’s direction, averaging 433.8 yards an outing across his time in western North Carolina, including an impressive 348.8 passing yards per game across that span. Lenoir-Rhyne showcased the nation’s 5th-best total offense (488.7 yards/game) during its run to eight victories and an NCAA postseason berth in 2021. The Bears tacked up 38.5 points per game (13th NCAA) during that campaign as well.
Jacobs led Notre Dame to a dominant run of success from 2016-19 as evidenced by a cumulative 42-8 (.840) record and a pair of Mountain East Conference championships. The Falcons racked up a 13-1 record and advanced all the way through to the semifinal round to cap the program’s first-ever berth into the NCAA postseason in 2018, and returned to the sport’s biggest stage the following season on the way to a 12-2 record and a berth into the NCAA quarterfinals.
Jacobs’s Notre Dame squads exhibited a similar level of dominance in South Euclid, Ohio, but relied more on an unrelenting ground attack. The Falcons registered 431.2 yards and of total offense and 34.4 points per game across a 50-game stretch for Jacobs in northeast Ohio, including nearly 235 yards per outing from its infantry. Notre Dame carried NCAA Division II’s 12th-best rushing offense during both the 2017 (264.6 rushing yards/game) and 2018 (232.5) seasons, and then boasted the nation’s 17thbest ground game (239.4) en route to an appearance in the NCAA quarterfinals in 2019.
In Coaching: 22nd
9th Year At Mercer: 1st
Hometown: Maumee, Ohio
Spouse: Lacey
Children: Luke, Knox
EDUCATION
Ohio State (2001)
Bachelor’s Degree in Education
Purdue (2008)
Master’s Degree in Education
Defensively, the Falcons were just as stout, especially when it came to the front line. Opponents mustered just 103.5 rushing yards per game against Notre Dame from 2016-19, and the Falcons toted a pair of top-10 rushing defenses across the latter two campaigns. NDC limited opponents to just 82.9 rushing yards per game (5th NCAA) during its run to the NCAA semifinals in 2018, and then allowed just 90.0 rushing yards an outing on the way to the quarterfinal round of the 2019 NCAA Division II Playoffs.
ASSISTANT COACHES
SHAWN CHAFFEE
ASSOCIATE HEAD COACH LINEBACKERS
Coach_Chaffee
An 11-year coaching veteran with previous stops at six other collegiate institutions, Shawn Chaffee begins his first year at Mercer in 2024-25, as well as his seventh season alongside head coach Mike Jacobs, as the associate head coach and linebackers coach for the Bears. Chaffee joined the coaching staff in Macon in January 2024 after spending the previous four seasons as the defensive coordinator and defensive line coach at Lenoir-Rhyne.
Chaffee trekked to Middle Georgia from Hickory, N.C., where he held the reins of a dominating defense at Lenoir-Rhyne for the previous four seasons. The Bears ranked among NCAA Division II’s top total defenses with Chaffee at the helm, including an impressive 2023 campaign that saw Lenoir-Rhyne limit opponents to just 258.5 yards (9th NCAA) and 14.7 points (7th) NCAA per game. L-R also ranked fifth among NCAA Division II in tackles for loss (8.3/game) and eighth in forced turnovers (28).
Lenoir-Rhyne’s stop unit raked in 14 all-conference and five all-region honors under Chaffee’s watch, while two student-athletes – defensive lineman Andre Jefferson and linebacker Jon Ross Maye – combined to earn a quartet of all-American laurels. Former defensive tackle Amari Houston also picked up South Atlantic Conference Defensive Player of the Year accolades following a dominant senior campaign in 2021.
Prior to his move to western North Carolina, Chaffee served as the defensive line coach at Notre Dame (Ohio) for two seasons (2018-19), and was an integral part of a coaching staff that paced the Falcons to a 25-3 clip, two Mountain East Conference championships and a pair of NCAA postseason appearances, including an appearance in the NCAA semifinals in 2018. Notre Dame limited opponents to just 86.4 rushing yards per game with Chaffee roaming the sidelines, and accumulated 90 sacks (3.2/game) across the 2018 and 2019 seasons as well.
Chaffee developed four all-conference standouts while in South Euclid, Ohio, including Sha’haun Williams who was named to three all-America teams following both his junior and senior campaigns. Williams recorded an NCAA-best 20 sacks (3rd all-time NCAA) during the 2018 campaign, while also finishing second, nationally, with 24-1/2 tackles for loss.
Chaffee served graduate assistant roles at three different colleges, including a two-year stint as a defensive line and linebackers coach at Ball State during the 2018 and 2019 seasons, before attaining his first full-time gi5 defensive line and linebackers coach for Methodist. The Monarchs tacked up 2.9 sacks per game (28th NCAA) and 7.2 tackles for loss an outing during his lone season in Fayetteville, N.C.
A three-year mainstay on the offensive and defensive lines at The College of Wooster from 2009-12 under head coach Mike Schmitz, Chaffee was a starter at both center and nose guard for the Fighting Scots during his junior and senior seasons. He logged 38 tackles during his senior season, while also forcing a fumble and breaking up four passes.
Chaffee earned his bachelor’s degree in history from The College of Wooster in 2013. He completed his graduate work in education at Carthage College in 2015. Shawn and his wife, Erin, have one daughter, Adalyn.
A 13-year coaching veteran with previous stops at five other collegiate institutions, Jahmal Brown begins his first year at Mercer in 2024-25, as well as his sixth season alongside head coach Mike Jacobs, as the defensive coordinator and safeties coach for the Bears. Brown joined the coaching staff in Macon in January 2024 after spending the previous two seasons in a similar role at Youngstown State.
Youngstown State boasted one of the nation’s stingiest rushing defenses with Brown at the reins, including a 2023 campaign that watched the Penguins limit opponents to just 120.2 rushing yards per game (10th NCAA). YSU also ranked among the nation’s elite pass rushing squads during both seasons, amassing 63 sacks (2.6/game) across the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The Penguins turned in five or more sacks five times across that span, including seven quarterback drops in a rout of Southern Illinois on Oct. 7, 2023.
Youngstown State compiled a 15-9 clip with Brown roaming the sidelines, including an 8-win performance in 2023 that culminated in the second round of the NCAA FCS Playoffs. Seven student-athletes picked up prestigious All-Missouri Valley Football Conference accolades under his watch.
Prior to trekking to Ohaio, Brown put together a dominant defensive unit at Lenoir-Rhyne during the Spring and Fall 2021 campaigns as the Bears amassed a cumulative 11-4 clip, including an 8-3 record during a fall season that concluded in the opening round of the NCAA Division II Playoffs. L-R boasted the nation’s 5th-best passing efficiency defense (95.32) that seasoQn, while also holding opponents to just 16.4 points per game.
Brown dove into a role as the defensive coordinator at Notre Dame (Ohio) under head coach Mike Jacobs in time for the 2018 campaign and helped lead the Falcons to a 25-3 record across two seasons (2018-19), two Mountain East Conference championships and a pair of deep runs in the NCAA Division II Playoffs, including an appearance in the semifinals that capped his first year in South Euclid, Ohio. Brown mentored four different student-athletes to a pair of all-region honors at NDC, including defensive lineman Sha’haun Williams who went on to pick up all-America accolades following both his junior and senior seasons.
Brown transitioned into the coaching world as a graduate assistant coach at Bowling Green (2011-13) where he helped pace the Falcons to the 2013 Mid-American Conference Championship, as well as berths in both the 2012 Northrup and Gruman Military Bowl and the 2013 Little Cesars Pizza Bowl. He coached the defensive backs and linebackers at Saginaw Valley State during the 2014 and 2015 seasons before making the move to Notre Dame.
A four-year starter for Bowling Green as a safety, Brown played in 50 consecutive games (48-straight starts) from 2006-09 and captained the Falcons during a senior season that produced an award as the team’s most valuable defensive back. He was invited to participate in the Detroit Lions Rookie Mini-camp prior to the start of the 2009 National Football League season as well.
A product of Cleveland, Ohio, Brown earned his bachelor’s degree in education from Bowling Green in 2010, and completed his graduate work in sports administration at BGSU in 2014. Jahmal and his wife, Janelle, have two daughters, Ayanna and Amara.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
2011-13 Bowling Green State (Graduate Assistant/Defensive Backs) 2014-15 Saginaw Valley State (Assistant Coach/Defensive Backs
An 11-year coaching veteran with previous stops at four other collegiate institutions, Anthony Soto begins his first year at Mercer in 2024-25 as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Bears. Soto joined the coaching staff in Macon in January 2024 after spending the previous four years in a similar role at Lenoir-Rhyne.
Soto created offensive fireworks across four seasons at Lenoir-Rhyne as the Bears averaged 433.9 yards of total offense per game with him at the reins, including 240.5 yards an outing through the air. The Bears showcased NCAA Division II’s 5th-best total offense (488.7 yards/game) in his first full season (non-pandemic) on the sidelines, as well as the nation’s 9th-best rushing offense. L-R exhibited impeccable ball protection under his watch as well, turning the ball over just 50 times in four seasons, including just 10 turnovers (two fumbles) across the 15-game 2023 campaign.
Soto played an integral role in leading the Bears to a 32-9 record from 2020-23, as well as the 2023 South Atlantic Conference championship and a trio of league divisional titles. L-R capped the latter campaign, one which included the school’s first NCAA postseason road victory and a run to the NCAA quarterfinals, with a No. 4 national ranking as well. Soto’s offensive players raked in 17 all-conference accolades during his time in Hickory, N.C., including one who was eventually decorated with all-America laurels.
Prior to his move to North Carolina, Soto skippered the offensive line at Notre Dame (Ohio) for four seasons and was a part of a dominant run for the Falcons. From 2016-19, Notre Dame amassed a cumulative 42-8 (.840) record and a pair of Mountain East Conference championships. The Falcons racked up a 13-1 record and advanced all the way through to the semifinal round to cap the program’s first-ever berth into the NCAA postseason in 2018, and returned to the sport’s biggest stage the following season on the way to a 12-2 record and a berth into the NCAA quarterfinals.
Soto’s offensive line played a big part of the success for NDC. The Falcons registered 234.7 yards per game on the ground (5.2 yards/attempt), including a 2018 campaign that saw NDC average 5.8 yards per rush on the way to a 3,700-yard season on the ground (264.6 yards/game). The Falcons also yielded just 29 sacks (1.03/game) across Soto’s last two seasons in South Euclid, Ohio, as well.
A product of Fresno, Calif., Soto transitioned into the coaching world in 2013 as the wide receivers coach at Hoover High School in Fresno, Calif., then made his way onto the college sidelines as the offensive quality control coach at UC Davis for the 2014 and 2015 seasons.
Soto played four seasons (2009-12) in the wide receiver rotation at UC Davis, logging 107 career receptions for 1,269 yards. He earned his bachelor’s degree in community & regional development from UC Davis in 2012.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
2013 Hoover (Calif.) High School (Assistant Coach/Wide Receivers)
A 12-year coaching veteran with previous stops at three other collegiate institutions, Fred Jones begins his third year at Mercer in 2024-25, as well as his first season alongside head coach Mike Jacobs, as the running backs coach and recruiting coordinator for the Bears. Jones originally joined the coaching staff in Macon prior to the start of the 2022 campaign as a member of former MU head coach Drew Cronic’s staff.
Jones joined the Mercer staff in January 2022 and has been an integral part of the success of the program for the last two seasons. The Bears boasted the nation’s 28th-best rushing attack (187.8 yards/game) amid his first season in Macon in 2022, and ranked third among Southern Conference schools in rushing offense on the way to securing the program’s first NCAA postseason berth in 2023. The 2022 version of MU’s ground game also registered the most rushing yards per attempt (5.1) in the modern day history of the program (since 2013).
Prior to making the move to Middle Georgia, Jones enjoyed a stellar career as both the running backs coach (2015-16) and offensive coordinator (2017-21) at Reinhardt. The Eagles amassed 71 victories with Jones on the sidelines in Waleska, Ga., and raked in 40 offensive all-conference accolades, including 14 all-league running backs, and six all-Americans. Reinhardt captured seven-straight conference titles from 2015-21, while also making an appearance in the 2017 national championship game.
With Jones leading the running back corps for the Eagles, Reinhardt averaged 278.0 yards per game on the ground across the 2013 and 2014 campaigns, including a 2014 season that watched RU tack up nearly 3,000 rushing yards while showcasing the nation’s 4th-best ground attack (292.8 yards/game). Jones was promoted to offensive coordinator in time for the 2017 season, and the Eagles’ offense became electric.
Reinhardt compiled a cumulative 49-9 record From 2017-21 behind a relentless offensive attack that averaged 415.9 yards, including more than 342 yards on the ground, and 39.1 points per game. The Eagles boasted a top-10 scoring offense four times across Jones’s tenure as offensive coordinator, while also displaying one of NAIA’s top-4 rushing attacks five times. Reinhardt, twice, led the nation in rushing yards per game, including 456.2 rushing yards an outing in 2017.
Jones transitioned into the coaching world as a student assistant running backs coach at Tusculum for the 2012 season, and spent the next 2-1/2 seasons in various roles on the staff at Clark Atlanta, including one as the wide receivers coach for the Panthers in 2013. He was promoted to a fulltime role at CAU as the running backs coach in 2014, and served as the interim offensive coordinator the following spring.
A native of Appling, Ga., Jones played four seasons (2007-11) in the running backs rotation at Tusculum, and earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from the prestigious institution in 2013. Fred and his wife, Shannin, have two children, Lee and Naomi.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
2012 Tusculum (Student Assistant Coach)
2013 Clark Atlanta (Graduate Assistant Coach/Wide Receivers)
2014 Clark Atlanta (Assistant Coach/Running Backs)
2015-16
2017-21
Reinhardt (Assistant Coach/Running Backs)
Reinhardt (Associate Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator)
An 11-year coaching veteran with previous stops at three other collegiate institutions, Matt Ulrich begins his first year at Mercer in 2024-25, as well as his third season alongside head coach Mike Jacobs, as the special teams coordinator for the Bears. Ulrich joined the coaching staff in Macon in February 2024 after spending the previous two seasons as the defensive line coach at Eastern Washington.
Eastern Washington’s defensive linemen thrived under Ulrich’s tutelage during the 2022 and 2023 campaigns as his unit raked in a pair of all-conference accolades in just his first season in Cheney, Wash. EWU limited five opponents to 156 rushing yards or fewer during the 2023 season which played a key role in back-to-back wins over nationally-ranked opponents in mid-September, but the finest performance on the defensive front for the Eagles came two weeks later when their stop unit held Idaho State to just 49 yards on the ground.
Prior to trekking to the west coast, Ulrich served four years (three seasons) as the co-defensive coordinator at NCAA Division II power Winona State. While in Minnesota, he helped engineer one of the nation’s most unforgiving rush defenses, including a 2021 campaign that watched the Warriors yield just 97.4 yards per game (17th NCAA) to opposing ground attacks. Winona State held opponents to 100 rushing yards or less 16 times from 2018-21, including six occasions across Ulrich’s final season on the WSU sidelines.
Ulrich mentored 16 all-conference selections while at Winona State, including linebacker Carter Duxbury who went on to capture conference defensive player of the year laurels in 2021, while also grabbing a spot on both the Associated Press and National Football Coaches Association All-America teams.
Ulrich transitioned into the coaching world as the defensive line coach for Winona State in 2012, before joining the staff at Notre Dame (Ohio) as a graduate assistant defensive line coach for both the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Following a one-season stint as a defensive quality control assistant at UC Davis, he returned to South Euclid, Ohio, as special teams coordinator during the 2016 season, before being promoted to co-defensive coordinator for the Falcons in time for the 2017 campaign.
Ulrich turned in an illustrious playing career at Winona State as well, logging time in 44 games from 2007-11, while amassing 112 career tackles (49 solo), including 19-1/2 tackles for loss (6-1/2 sacks). A 4-year starter, he was a threetime all-conference performer and was named an all-American after his senior campaign. He also earned an invitation to participate in the Minnesota Vikings Rookie Camp prior to the 2012 NFL season.
Ulrich earned his bachelor’s degree in marketing at Winona State in 2011, and completed his graduate work in education at Notre Dame (Ohio) in 2015. Matt and his wife, Megan, have one son, Ty.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
2012 Winona State (Assistant Coach/Defensive Line)
An eight-year coaching veteran with previous stops at four other collegiate institutions, Devin Figaro begins his first year at Mercer in 2024-25 as the wide receivers coach for the Bears. Figaro joined the coaching staff in Macon in January 2024 after spending the previous four years in a similar role at Lenoir-Rhyne.
The wide receiver corps at Lenoir-Rhyne thrived under Figaro’s leadership. From 2020-23, the Bears averaged more than 237 receiving yards per game to key one of the nation’s most explosive offenses, including nearly 12-1/2 yards per completion. Lenoir-Rhyne showcased NCAA Division II’s 11th-best passing offense in just his first season in Hickory, N.C., while three of his pass catchers ranked among the nation’s top-50 in receiving yards.
As co-special teams coordinator for the Bears, Figaro assembled a dangerous kickoff return unit that routinely ranked among the nation’s best. Lenoir-Rhyne was listed among NCAA Division II’s top-20 kickoff return squads through his first three seasons on the sidelines, and led the country with a 36.8 yard return average in 2020. L-R averaged 23 yards per kickoff return or better during both the 2021 and 2022 campaigns as well.
Figaro mentored six all-conference players in western North Carolina, including wide receiver Dareke Young who was taken in the 7th round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. The list of postseason honorees also included DeAree Rogers who claimed a spot on the all-region squad to culminate his final season at L-R. Figaro’s recruiting radar was impeccable in Hickory as well, as he raked in a pair of eventual Harlon Hill Award (D2 Heisman) finalists in all-American running backs Dwayne McGee and Jaleel McLaughlin.
Prior to trekking to the Southeast, Figaro spent the 2019 campaign as the wide receivers coach at Valparaiso. That stint followed a two-year stay (2017-18) as the wide receivers coach at Notre Dame under then-head coach Mike Jacobs. While in South Euclid, Figaro mentored junior Marvelle Ross who finished the 2018 season ranked 10th among NCAA Division II leaders with 1,203 receiving yards.
Figaro transitioned into coaching in 2016 as a graduate assistant coach at San Diego. The Toreros made NCAA history during his lone season in southern California when they became the first non-scholarship program to register a win in the NCAA FCS Playoffs.
Figaro played his first two collegiate seasons (2009-10) in the wide receiver rotation at Tulane, before transferring to nearby Louisiana Lafayette in time for the 2011 campaign. The Lafayette, La., native helped lead the Ragin’ Cajuns to three R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl championships, while also captaining his wide receiver unit as a senior in 2013.
Figaro earned his bachelor’s degree in general studies from Louisiana Lafayette in 2014. Devin and his wife, Brittany, have one son, Noah.
A 10-year coaching veteran with previous stops at four other collegiate institutions, Jimmy Long begins his fifth year at Mercer in 2024-25, as well as his first season alongside head coach Mike Jacobs, as the defensive line coach for the Bears. Long originally joined the coaching staff in Macon in January 2020 as a member of former MU head coach Drew Cronic’s staff.
The Bears have ranked among the nation’s top 25 teams in total defense in two of the last three campaigns, while also boasting one of the nation’s stingiest run-stopping units as well. Mercer has yielded just 142.5 yards per game on the ground with Long on the sidelines, while also amassing 6.2 tackles for loss and 1.8 sacks per game across that span as well. MU allowed just 120.1 rushing yards per game (21st NCAA) on the way to seven victories in 2022, five times limiting foes to 86 yards or fewer on the ground.
Long’s defensive line unit has raked in eight All-Southern Conference awards during his time in Macon, including Solomon Zubairu who was lauded with an all-league crown following each of his four seasons in Middle Georgia. Zubairu also exited Macon owning or sharing six school records, including program superlatives for both career sacks (co) and quarterback hurries.
Prior to trekking to Macon, Long assembled one of NCAA Division II’s most dominant defensive lines while on staff at Lenoir-Rhyne. The Bears held opponents to just 104.8 yards per game on the ground across the 2018 and 2019 seasons, while also racking up more than seven tackles for loss an outing, including nearly 3-1/2 sacks. L-R boasted the nation’s 18thranked total defense during the 2019 campaign, while also ranking eighth in rushing yards allowed per game (81.9) and fourth in sacks (3.6/game). The Bears also ranked among NCAA Division II’s top-10 teams in forced turnovers during both the 2018 and 2019 seasons as well.
Long began his coaching career with three separate graduate assistant coaching assignments, including his first as a special teams assistant at The Citadel for the 2014 and 2015 seasons. He also spent one season (2016) as a graduate assistant coach at the University of the South and one more as a defensive line assistant at NC State for the 2017 campaign.
A native of Haymarket, Va., Long served as a team captain for Lenoir-Rhyne as a senior in 2013 and helped guide the Bears to a berth into the national championship game. He was also a part of three-straight (2011-13) South Atlantic Conference championships, and picked up all-conference and all-America accolades along the way as well.
Long graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from Lenoir-Rhyne in 2014.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
2014-15 The Citadel (Graduate Assistant Coach/Special Teams)
2016 University of the South (Graduate Assistant Coach/Defensive Line)
2017 NC State (Graduate Assistant Coach/Defensive Line)
A five-year coaching veteran with a previous collegiate stop, Shaedon Meadors begins his first year at Mercer in 2024-25 as the tight ends coach for the Bears. Meadors joined the coaching staff in Macon in February 2024 after spending the previous two seasons as the wide receivers coach at Wingate.
Meadors provided the tutelage for a unit at Wingate that ranked among the nation’s best as the Bulldogs boasted NCAA Division II’s 39th-best passing offense (233.1 yards/game) in 2023 on the way to recording eight victories. Wingate’s wide receivers accounted for 16 touchdowns on the campaign, while redshirt sophomore Tremel Jones picked up AllSouth Atlantic Conference accolades after posting nearly 78 receiving yards per game, including a trio of 100+-yard performances.
Prior to his move to southern North Carolina, Meadors served a stint as an assistant coach for three seasons (2019-21) at Clover High School in northwest South Carolina where he assembled a wide receivers unit that keyed the Blue Eagles to 20 victories across three seasons, including a pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign. In just his first season at the prep institution, Clover boasted a passing offense that tacked up 288 yards per game and finished a 12-win campaign with 51 touchdown receptions.
An outstanding pass catcher at Appalachian State, Meadors closed out his career in Boone, N.C., with 82 receptions for 1,442 yards and eight touchdowns. Despite missing the first five games of his collegiate career with an illness, the Duncan, S.C., native still tacked up 15 catches and 287 yards, including a 4-catch, 90-yard performance in his collegiate debut against Liberty. He raked in All-Sun Belt Conference laurels as a junior after hauling in 45 catches for 716 yards and two touchdowns. He finished out his career as a graduate transfer at Illinois.
Meadors earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, government and justice studies from Appalachian State in 2017. He earned his master’s degree in sports management at Illinois in 2018. Meadors and his wife, Cierra, have a daughter, Layken.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
2019-21 Clover (S.C.) High School (Assistant Coach/Wide Receivers) 2022-23 Wingate (Assistant Coach/Wide Receivers) 2024-Present Mercer (Assistant Coach/Tight Ends)
ASSISTANT COACHES
TYLER ORLOSKY
ASSISTANT COACH OFFENSIVE LINE TO_65FB
A six-year coaching veteran with previous stops at three other collegiate institutions, Tyler Orlosky begins his first year at Mercer in 2024-25, as well as his second season alongside head coach Mike Jacobs, as the offensive line coach for the Bears. Orlosky joined the coaching staff in Macon in January 2024 after spending the previous season in a similar role at Lenoir-Rhyne.
Lenoir-Rhyne’s offensive front flourished under Orlosky’s leadership during the 2023 campaign as the Bears boasted NCAA Division II’s 21stbest rushing offense at 202.3 yards per game, while also ranking among the nation’s best pass protection squads while allowing just 1.33 sacks an outing. L-R ran for 200 or more yards in eight outings, including a trio of 300+-yard performances and accounted for 33 rushing touchdowns as well. The dominance showed by the unit paid dividends at season’s end as three student-athletes picked up All-South Atlantic Conference accolades, including Shane Wells who also earned a spot on the all-region squad.
Prior to making the move to Hickory, N.C., Orlosky served two seasons (2021-22) as the assistant head coach and offensive coordinator at Ohio Dominican where he helped lead the Panthers to a pair of seven-win campaigns, as well as 10 victories inside the always-tough Great Midwest Athletic Conference. ODU averaged nearly 375 yards per game across Orlosky’s tenure in Columbus, Ohio, while 10 student-athletes were crowned with all-conference accolades, including offensive lineman Ty Keirns who went on to pick up all-region and all-America nods following the 2022 campaign.
Orlosky was a dominant center while seeing time in 50 games for West Virginia from 2014-16. He raked in all-America honors from nine different organizations as a senior and was also a finalist for the Rimington Trophy which is awarded to the nation’s top interior offensive lineman. The Mountaineers amassed 25 victories during his time in Morgantown, W.Va., and made three bowl appearances, including a win over Arizona State in the 2015 Cactus Bowl.
Following his storied playing career, the Cleveland, Ohio, native spent three seasons(2018-20) on the sidelines at WVU as a graduate assistant offensive line coach under head coaches Dana Holgorsen and Neal Brown. West Virginia made appearances in two more bowl games with Orlosky on the coaching staff, including a 24-21 comeback victory over Liberty in the 2020 Liberty Bowl.
Orlosky earned his bachelor’s degree in sports and exercise psychology from West Virgnia in 2016. He also earned a master’s degree in corporate communication and sports management from the distinguished institution in 2019 and 2020, respectively.
COACHING EXPERIENCE
2018-20 West Virginia (Graduate Assistant Coach/Offensive Line) 2021-22 Ohio Dominican (Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator) 2023 Lenoir-Rhyne (Assistant Coach/Offensive Line) 2024-Present Mercer (Assistant Coach/Offensive Line)
CHRISTOPHER VEGA
ASSISTANT COACH CORNERBACKS
_CoachVega
A seven-year coaching veteran with previous stops at three other collegiate institutions, Christopher Vega begins his first year at Mercer in 2024-25, as well as his second season alongside head coach Mike Jacobs, as the cornerbacks coach for the Bears. Vega joined the coaching staff in Macon in February 2024 after spending the previous season in a similar role at Lenoir-Rhyne.
Lenoir-Rhyne boasted one of NCAA Division II’s most feared secondaries in 2023 as the Bears posted the nation’s 18th-best passing defense (161.5 passing yards allowed/game), while also registering 16 interceptions which ranked 22nd among the more-than 160 NCAA Division II football squads. L-R yielded 80 or fewer passing yards five times across the campaign on the way to 13 victories, while junior safety James Ussery was named to the All-South Atlantic Conference squad at season’s end after posting 46 tackles, one interception and a trio of pass break-ups.
Vega enjoyed similar success in his prior post at Kutztown for the 2022 season as the Bears yielded just 171.6 passing yards per game (30th NCAA Division II), while also picking off nine passes. KU held six opponents to 130 passing yards or fewer to fuel an 8-3 season. Redshirt junior safety C.J. Brown was an All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference performer as he ranked fifth on the squad with 44 tackles, while also registering one interception and four pass break-ups.
A product of Mountain Top, Pa., Vega dove into the coaching world at Wilkes in northeast Pennsylvania where he was charged with the tutelage of the defensive backs for the Colonels for four seasons (2017-20) before taking on defensive coordinator duties prior to a seven-win campaign in 2021. Wilkes boasted one of the Middle Atlantic Conference’s most imposing defenses with Vega at the helm as the Panthers limited opponents to just 150 passing yards an outing while also recording 14 interceptions.
A regular in the defensive back rotation at Delaware Valley from 201013, Vega played in 33 games for the Aggies and amassed 109 career tackles (75 solo) while adding nine interceptions and 17 pass break-ups. He helped pace DVU to 35 wins across his collegiate career, as well as a pair of NCAA Division III playoff berths and two ECAC Southeast Bowl appearances.
Vega earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from Delaware Valley in 2014.
A 14-year coaching and administrative veteran with previous stops at two other collegiate institutions, Bennett Houston begins his fifth year at Mercer in 2024-25 as the director of football operations for the Bears. Houston originally joined the coaching staff in Macon in February 2020 as a member of former MU head coach Drew Cronic’s staff.
While in Middle Georgia, Houston has been instrumental in the success of several community-based and team-building initiatives, including the Build The Bear program that aids Mercer’s student-athletes in both life skills and personal development. He has also spearheaded a plethora of fundraising strategies such as MU’s annual Month of Giving which has averaged nearly $26,000 in contributions, as well as the program’s annual Mega Camps that regularly attracts more than 3,000 campers to Five Star Stadium across two days over each of the last three summers.
The energetic mentor got his start in collegiate coaching at his alma mater, helping North Greenville to 44 victories across six seasons (2011-16) in various roles on staff. While in Tigerville, S.C., he was a part of two of NGU’s best seasons including a postseason run in 2011 in which the Crusaders went 11-3 and made it to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II playoffs
A native of Easley, S.C., Houston earned a bachelor’s degree in sport management from North Greenville in 2015, and completed his MBA at NGU in December 2016. Bennett and his wife, Laney, celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary in June and are the foster parents of two boys.
CHAD STALNAKER
AKILIYAH SUMLIN
COORDINATOR OF ON-CAMPUS RECRUITING
AkiliyahKSumlin
Akiliyah “AK” Sumlin began as Coordinator of Creative Services and On-Campus Recruiting for Mercer in February of 2023. Sumlin will begin her second year at Mercer in 2024-25, as well as her first season alongside Head Coach Mike Jacobs.
No stranger to wearing many hats, Sumlin tackled an array of responsibilities in multiple roles at Austin Peay State. As a recruiting assistant for the Govs during the 2022 season, Sumlin was charged with producing graphics, photography, database management and logistics for on-campus recruiting, executing official and unofficial visits for the program and operational support.
She began her tenure in Clarksville, Tenn., in 2021 as a graduate administrative assistant in APSU’s Wilbur N. Daniel African American Cultural Center where she was charged with the creation and distribution of all marketing materials for the department. While at APSU, she was the recipient of the Hattie Walker Wilhoite Recognition which is presented to African American female students who have enhanced the campus life experience through consistent involvement in campus life, excellence in the classroom and significant participation in campus leadership.
A native of Langston, Okla., Sumlin earned her bachelor’s degree in agribusiness (marketing minor) from Tennessee State in 2021, and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in media management. As an undergraduate at TSU, she was involved in a number of organizations, including becoming a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
DEFENSIVE ANALYST CoachCStalnaker
A four-year coaching veteran with previous stops at two other collegiate institutions, Chad Stalnaker begins his first year at Mercer in 2024-25 as the defensive analyst for the Bears. Stalnaker joined the coaching staff in Macon in July 2024 after spending the previous three years on the sidelines at Youngstown State.
Stalnaker played an integral role in helping to lead a dominant defense at Youngstown State, including a 2023 campaign that watched the Penguins limit opponents to just 120.2 rushing yards per game (10th NCAA). YSU also ranked among the nation’s elite pass rushing squads, amassing 63 sacks (2.6/ game) across the 2022 and 2023 seasons. The Penguins turned in five or more sacks five times across that span, including seven quarterback drops in a rout of Southern Illinois on Oct. 7, 2023.
The Mentor, Ohio, native played in 33 games at linebacker across four seasons (2016-19) in northeast Ohio and logged 186 tackles (77 solo) to go along with 14-1/2 tackles for loss (8-1/2 sacks), two interceptions and a pair of fumble recoveries. He also punted 33 times for 1,258 yards (38.1 yards/punt) as a dual-threat player during his sophomore year at JCU. He tallied 70 or more tackles in each of his last two collegiate seasons.
Stalnaker earned his bachelor’s degree in sports studies from John Carroll in 2020, and completed his master’s degree in health and human services at Youngstown State in 2023.
JUSTIN JOYCE
OFFENSIVE ANALYST CoachJJoyce
An eight-year collegiate coaching veteran with previous stops at four other programs, Justin Joyce begins his first year at Mercer in 202425 as the offensive analyst for the Bears. Joyce joined the coaching staff in Macon in July 2024 after spending the previous year on the sidelines at Mississippi State.
An offensive graduate assistant in Starkville, Miss., across the 2023 campaign, Joyce helped mentor an offense that tacked up nearly 330 yards per game of total offense, including nearly 150 yards per game on the ground. Toting the nation’s 25th-toughest schedule, the Bulldogs tacked up better than three touchdowns an outing (21.8 points/game) and finished with a perfect 4-0 clip against non-conference competition.
A native of Midlothian, Va., Joyce got his start in college coaching as a student assistant at his alma mater for two seasons (2015-16), and successfully completed his first stint as a graduate assistant as the wide receivers coach at NCAA Division II powerhouse St. Cloud State for the 2017 campaign.
Joyce spent two seasons (2013-14) as a quarterback on the active roster at Iowa before transitioning into a role on the coaching staff where he was a part of a two bowl appearances for the Hawkeyes, including a trip to the 2015 Rose Bowl. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from Iowa in 2017, and was later awarded a master’s degree in education administration at St. Cloud State in 2019.
TEAM SUPPORT STAFF
MARIBELLA
GAME-BY-GAME SUMMARIES
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The 20th-ranked Mercer football team limited North Alabama to just 97 yards of offense in the second half, and delivered a final offensive blow with Micah Bell’s 3-yard touchdown run early in the fourth quarter, as the Bears captured their thirdstraight season opener with a 17-7 win over the Lions in the FCS Kickoff Classic on August 26 inside Montgomery’s historic Cramton Bowl.
Mercer (1-0) improved to 8-3 in season-opening contests since football returned to campus in 2013 after a 72-year hiatus, and are now 3-1 in such outings under head coach Drew Cronic. The Week 0 contest marked MU’s first-ever meeting with the Lions (0-1) who opened up their sixth campaign as an NCAA Division I FCS squad.
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
North Alabama
7 0 0 0 7
Mercer 7 3 0 7 14
Scoring Summary:
Record: 0-1 (0-0 UAC)
Record: 1-0 (0-0 SoCon)
1st 10:06 MER - James, Ty 14 yd pass from Peevy, Carter (Griffith, Reice kick)
9 plays, 49 yards, TOP 4:54 0-7
1st 1:44 UNA - Smith, TJ 3 yd run (Contorno, Sam kick)
6 plays, 51 yards, TOP 3:18 7-7
2nd 4:40 MER - Griffith, Reice 24 yd field goal 11 plays, 59 yards, TOP 3:19 7-10
4th 11:45 MER - Bell, Micah 3 yd run (Griffith, Reice kick)
8 plays, 41 yards, TOP 3:44 7-17
(NET) 92 115 Passes Comp-Att-Int
Punts (Number-Avg) 4-43.2 4-37.2
Fumbles-Lost 0-0 2-2
Penalties-Yards 8-73 6-43
Possession Time 27:25 32:35
Third-Down Conversions 4 of 15 6 of 16
Fourth-Down Conversions 2 of 5 2 of 3
Red Zone Scores-Chances 1-3 3-5
Sacks By: Number-Yards 1-11 2-5
RUSHING: UNA - Daniels, J. 3-49; Lacey, D. 13-38; Walters, N. 5-25; Smith, TJ 7-21; Warden, K. 1-15; Driggers, P. 7-8. MER - Bell, M. 20-73; Wooten II, Al 13-50; Peevy, C. 10-31; Wroble, P. 5-21; Harper, D. 1-6.
PASSING: UNA - Walters, N. 10-17-0-65; Smith, TJ 2-7-0-27. MER - Peevy 12-17-0-115.
RECEIVING: UNA - Warden, K. 6-37; Florence, D. - 4-29; Cooper, K. 1-19; Warfield, D. 1-7. MER - James, T. 4-57; Harper, D. 4-23; Solomon, T. 1-9; McKay, G. 1-9; Albee, S. 1-9; Wooten II, Al 1-8.
TACKLES (UA-A): UNA - White-Schultz, E. 9-5; Reddick, G. 5-3; Bien-Aime, P. 2-4; Floyd, A. 2-4; Phillips, AJ 1-5; Elmore, E. 1-5; Ossai, P. 1-4; Green, K. 2-2; Myers, S. 0-4; Brown, K. 0-4. MER - Dowling, I. 4-6; Redding, M. 5-4; Standley, K. 2-4; Camese, C. 2-3; Wise Jr., L. 1-3; Zubairu, S. 2-2; Bliss T. 1-3; Sims, C. 2-1; Swain, J. 1-2; Moore, TJ 2-0.
OXFORD, Miss. – Home-standing and 22nd-ranked Ole Miss scored points of 10 of its 12 possessions on the afternoon, including a quartet of touchdown drives in the first quarter alone, to hand the visiting and 20th-ranked Mercer football team a 73-7 defeat on September 2 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
The setback marked a rude return to the state of Mississippi for the Bears (1-1) who were making their first appearance in the Magnolia State in 82 years. The Rebels (1-0) improved to 2-0 all-time against Mercer, but the September 2 contest marked the first meeting between the two squads since the 1911 campaign.
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
Mercer 7 0 0 0 7 Record: 1-1 (0-0 SoCon)
Ole Miss 28 10 28 7 73 Record: 1-0 (0-0 SEC)
Scoring Summary:
1st 14:05 UM - Tre Harris 38 yd pass from Jaxson Dart (Caden Davis kick)
3 plays, 72 yards, TOP 0:51 0-7
1st 13:53 MU - Carter Peevy 75 yd run (Reice Griffith kick)
1 play, 75 yards, TOP 0:12 7-7
1st 12:26 UM - Tre Harris 28 yd pass from Jaxson Dart (Caden Costa kick)
5 plays, 69 yards, TOP 1:21 7-14
1st 11:45 UM - Tre Harris 20 yd pass from Jaxson Dart (Caden Davis kick)
2 plays, 20 yards, TOP 0:34 7-21
1st 5:45 UM - Quinshon Judkins 1 yd run (Caden Costa kick)
7 plays, 77 yards, TOP 2:10 7-28
2nd 6:25 UM - Caden Davis 31 yd field goal
9 plays, 20 yards, TOP 2:51 7-31
2nd 0:32 UM - Quinshon Judkins 3 yd run (Caden Davis kick)
10 plays, 84 yards, OP 2:33 7-38
3rd 13:07 UM - Jordan Watkins 70 yd punt return (Caden Costa kick) No drive information. 7-45
3rd 9:45 UM - Tre Harris 16 yd pass from Jaxson Dart (Caden Davis kick)
3 plays, 27 yards, TOP 1:15 7-52
3rd 5:27 UM - Cayden Lee 34 yd pass from Spencer Sanders (Caden Davis kick) 10 plays, 76 yards, TOP 2:41 7-59
3rd 3:09 UM - Ulysses Bentley 6 yd pass from Spencer Sanders (Caden Davis kick)
6 plays, 66 yards, TOP 1:25 7-66
4th 3:21 UM - Matt Jones 1 yd run (Caden Costa kick) 12 plays, 65 yards, TOP 5:25 7-73
YARDS (NET)
Fumble Returns-Yards
Punt Returns-Yards 1-40 3-69
Kickoff Returns-Yards
Interception Returns-Yards
Punts (Number-Avg)
Penalties-Yards
Possession Time 35:17 22:33
Third-Down Conversions 3 of 14 8 of 11
Fourth-Down Conversions 1 of 2 1 of 1
Red Zone Scores-Chances 0-0 6-7
Sacks By: Number-Yards 0-0 4-31
RUSHING: MER - Peevy, C. 7-49; Wooten II, A. 7-32; Coard, T. 5-21; Wroble, P. 3-5; Horne, H. 1-1; Harper, D. 2-(-4); Bell 2-(-6). OLE - Judkins, Q. 13-60; Dart, J. 4-36; Bentley, U. 6-27; Jones, M. 4-13; Griffin, J. 3-9; Sanders, S. 2-1; Knox, J. 2-(-1).
PASSING: MER - Peevy, C. 16-29-1-138; Horne, H. 1-2-0-4. OLE - Dart, J. 18-23-0-334; Sanders, S. 8-14-0-134; Howard, W. 3-4-0-56.
RECEIVING: MER - Harper, D. 4-47; James, T. 4-29; Smith, B. 1-19; Wroble, P. 3-18; Solomon, T. 2-14; Bell, M. 1-6; Risper, S. 1-5; Wooten II, A. 1-4. OLE - Harris, T. 6-133; Watkins, J. 6-111; Heath, K. 3-48; Williams, A. 2-47; Trigg, M. 3-44; Lee, C. 1-34; Brown, B. 1-29; Wade, D. 1-23; Wolfe, H. 1-18; Judkins, Q. 2-11; Henry, J. 1-11; Knox, J. 1-9; Bentley, U. 1-6.
TACKLES (UA-A): MER - Thomas, M. 4-3; Wise, L. 3-3; Dowling, I. 3-2; McCarthy, T. 4-1; Sims, C. 4-1; Johnson, J. 2-3; Redding, M. 0-4; Standley, K. 2-2; Zubairu, S. 1-2; Coffey, R. 2-1. OLE - Perkins, S. 4-5; Harris, Z. 4-2; Banks, T. 2-3; Cistrunk, A. 1-4; Johnson, C. 1-3; Harris, J. 1-2; Anthony, D. 1-2; Walton, Z. 2-1; Coleman, K. 3-0; Gordon, J. 1-2.
GAME-BY-GAME SUMMARIES
MACON – The 20th-ranked Mercer football team racked up more than 450 yards of total offense, including 253 yards in the second half alone, to battle back from a late second-quarter deficit and turn back visiting Morehead State, 48-22, on September 9 at Five Star Stadium.
It was the third-straight win in a home opener for the Bears (2-1) who limited their Pioneer Football League foes to just 98 yards of offense in the third and fourth periods, including a paltry 43 rushing yards. It was the second-straight season that Morehead State (1-1) has walked away from Macon empty-handed.
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
Morehead State 3 12 7 0 22
Record: 1-1 (0-0 PFL)
Mercer 14 7 9 18 48 Record: 2-1 (0-0 SoCon)
Scoring Summary:
1st 12:34 MU - Carter Peevy 17 yd run (Reice Griffith kick)
4 plays, 49 yards, TOP 1:32 7-0
1st 3:54 MSU - Nathan Hazlett 39 yd field goal
14 plays, 53 yards, TOP 8:35 7-3
1st 2:52 MU - Al Wooten II 30 yd run (Reice Griffith kick)
3 plays, 80 yards, TOP 0:53 14-3
2nd 14:51 MSU - Nathan Hazlett 26 yd field goal
7 plays, 56 yards, TOP 3:01 14-6
2nd 10:21 MSU - Kyle Daly 24 yd pass from Carter Cravens (2-point attempt failed)
5 plays, 72 yards, TOP 2:47 14-12
2nd 2:18 MSU - Nathan Hazlett 22 yd field goal
12 plays, 46 yards, TOP 5:36 15-14
2nd 0:32 MU - AL Wooten 8 yd run (Reice Griffith kick)
6 plays, 68 yards, TOP 1:39 21-15
3rd 14:48 MU - Ty James 75 yd pass from Carter Peevy (2-point attempt failed)
1 play, 75 yards, TOP 0:12 27-15
3rd 6:24 MU - Reice Griffith 24 yd field goal
10 plays, 56 yards, TOP 4:39 30-15
3rd 2:53 MSU - Ryan Upp 13 yd pass from Carter Cravens (Nathan Hazlett kick)
8 plays, 71 yards, TOP 3:26 30-22
4th 14:01 MU - Devron Harper 53 yd punt return (Gavin McKay pass from Hess Horne)
0 plays, TOP 0:00 38-22
4th 9:09 MU - Tyrell Coard 11 yd run (Reice Griffith kick)
5 plays, 74 yards, TOP 2:33 45-22
4th 3:13 MU - Reice Griffith 37 yd field goal 9 plays, 25 yards, TOP 4:33 48-22
FIRST DOWNS 20 18
RUSHES-YARDS (NET) 37-110 30-183
PASSING YARDS (NET) 196 268
Passes Comp-Att-Int 15-29-1 13-19-0
TOTAL OFFENSE PLAYS-YARDS 66-306 49-451
Fumble Returns-Yards 0-0 0-0
Punt Returns-Yards 0-0 2-76
Kickoff Returns-Yards 8-135 5-91
Interception Returns-Yards 0-0 1-15
Punts (Number-Avg) 4-48.5 3-41.0
Fumbles-Lost 0-0 0-0
Penalties-Yards 4-40 10-104
Possession Time 35:54 24:06
Third-Down Conversions 5 of 14 4 of 10
Fourth-Down Conversions 1 of 2 0 of 0
Red Zone Scores-Chances 3-3 5-5
Sacks By: Number-Yards 2-7 1-10
RUSHING: MSU - Ramseur, C. 7-67; Cravens, C. 8-27; Harris, C. 8-9; West, B. 2-5; Louis, J. 8-2; Goodman, G. 1-1; Patterson, B. 2-0. MER - Harper, D. 3-72; Wooten, A. 7-58; Coard, T. 2-32; Peevy, C. 6-10; Wroble, P. 2-8; McGowan, M. 4-6; Bell M. 3-0.
PASSING: MSU - Cravens, C. 14-26-0 187; Genal C. 1-2-9-0; Patterson, B. 0-1-0-0. MER - Peevy, C. 13-19-268-0.
RECEIVING: MSU - Daly, K. 4-63; Davis, I. 3-58; Upp, R. 3-44; West, B. 2-20; Tillman, C. 1-5; Cohen, H. 1-4; Harris, C. 1-2. MER - James, T. 5-146; Harper, D. 6-100; Burt, S. 1-16; May, A. 1-6. TACKLES (UA-A): MSU - McCall, J. 5-2; Holmes, J. 2-4; Benza, N. 4-2; Porter, Z. 3-1; Lyons, J. 4-0; Nolan-White, A. 1-2; Krezek, C. 3-0; Haywood, B. 2-0; Graham, E. 2-0; Ramseur, C. 1-0. MER - Standley, K. 5-4; Bliss, T. 3-4; McCarthy, T. 1-3; Zubairu, S. 2-2; Coffey, R. 4-0; Prince, I. 3-1; Wise, L. 2-1; Redding, M. 2-1; Dowling, I. 2-1; Swain, J. 1-2.
GREENVILLE, S.C. – Sophomore Carter Peevy accounted for both a passing and a rushing score, including an 8-yard scoring jaunt on the opening possession of the second half, but seventh-ranked and preseason Southern Conference favorite Furman tallied 387 total yards and used a pair of fourth quarter touchdowns to pull away from the Bears, 38-14, in the SoCon opener for both teams on September 23 at Paladin Stadium.
The setback marked just the second loss of the season for the Bears (2-2, 0-1 SoCon) who fell to 4-7 in conference openers since football returned to the Macon campus in 2013. It was the second-straight victory for the Paladins (3-1, 1-0) who finished the contest with 222 yards on the ground.
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
Mercer 0 7 7 0 14
Furman 0 17 7 14 38
Scoring Summary:
2nd 11:37 FU - Ian Williams 31 yd field goal
11 plays, 79 yards, TOP 4:49 0-3
2nd 4:12 FU - Dominic Roberto 9 yd run (Ian Williams kick)
10 plays, 70 yards, TOP 5:16 0-10
2nd 1:18 FU - Wayne Anderson 13 yd run (Ian Williams kick)
1 play, 13 yards, TOP: 0:06 0-17
Record: 2-2 (0-1 SoCon)
Record: 3-1 (1-0 SoCon)
2nd 0:07 MU - Ty James 26 yd pass from Carter Peevy (Reice Griffith kick)
5 plays, 75 yards, TOP: 1:11 7-17
3rd 8:02 MU - Carter Peevy 8 yd run (Reice Griffith kick)
11 plays, 74 yards, TOP: 6:53 14-17
3rd 0:53 FU - Myion Hicks 1 yd run (Ian Williams kick) 14 plays, 80 yards, TOP: 7:02 14-24
4th 11:17 FU - Mason Pline 10 yd pass from Tyler Huff (Ian Williams kick) 5 plays, 48 yards, TOP: 2:52 14-31
4th 8:04 FU - Jayquan Smith 20 yd run (Ian Williams kick)
3 plays, 28 yards, TOP: 1:34 14-38
Fourth-Down Conversions
Sacks By: Number-Yards
RUSHING: MER - Peevy, C. 13-66; Wooten, A. 11-44; Coard, T. 5-21; Wroble, P. 1-6, Bell, M. 2-6 ; Harper, D. 2-5, Risper, S. 1-(-3). FUR - Huff, T. 11-82; Smith, J. 6-46; Roberto, D. 8-37; Croasdale, B. 3-23; Hicks, M. 6-15; Anderson, W. 2-15, Cannon, N. 1-4, Reid, T. 3-1.
PASSING: MER - Peevy, C. 11-16-123-0; Horne, H. 0-1-0-0. FUR - Huff, T. 20-24-168-0; Jones, C. 1-2-(-3)-0.
RECEIVING: MER - James, T. 4-83; Harper, D. 3-37; Wooten, A. 1-3; Wroble, P. 1-1, Solomon, T. 2-(-1). FUR - Harris, J. 5-48; Dean, K. 3-33; Pline, M. 4-30; Hinton, C. 2-17; Hughes, B. 1-16; Anderson, W. 3-14; Ferguson, B. 1-5; Hicks, M. 1-5; Gunn, K. 1-(-3).
TACKLES (UA-A): MER - Wise, L. 3-9; Dowling, I. 2-7; Standley, K. 1-6; Redding, M. 3-3; McCarthy, T. 3-3; Coffey, R. 2-3; Washburn, I. 2-3; Zubairu, S. 3-1; Thomas, M. 2-2; Frazier, S. 2-2\. FUR - Gilby, B. 6-5; Rhodes, J. 2-3; Chizik, C. 3-2; Robinson, M. 3-1; Barton, J. 0-4; Blackshear, T. 2-1; Yates, I. 1-2; Clark, L. 1-2; Brinson, K. 1-1; WIlliams, C. 1-1.
GAME-BY-GAME SUMMARIES
MACON – The Mercer football team limited visiting VMI to just 213 yards of total offense, including just 66 second-half yards, and used a big day on the ground to rout visiting VMI, 38-3, to secure its first Southern Conference win of the season at Five Star Stadium.
Mercer (3-2, 1-1 SoCon) improved to 40-19 all-time in Five Star Stadium with the result, while also notching a win in its SoCon home opener for the fourth-straight season. It was the third loss in the last four outings for the Keydets (2-3, 1-1) who fell to 3-7 all-time in the series with the Orange & Black.
Senior Devron Harper became the program’s all-time all-purpose yards leader with a big all-around day, while Lance Wise Jr. and Solomon Zubairu climbed atop the program’s all-time list for interceptions and quarterback hurries, respectively. Al Wooten II’s 76-yard touchdown jaunt on the game’s first play from scrimmage also marked a superlative for the program.
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
VMI 0 0 3 0 3 Record: 2-3 (1-1 SoCon)
Mercer 7 14 14 3 38 Record: 3-2 (1-1 SoCon)
Scoring Summary:
1st 14:41 MU - Al Wooten 76 yd run (Reice Griffith kick)
1 play, 76 yards, TOP 0:11 0-7
2nd 5:21 MU - Tyrell Coard 8 yd run (Reice Griffith kick)
7 plays, 34 yards, TOP 2:46 0-14
2nd 2:38 MU - Devron Harper 33 yd pass from Carter Peevy (Reice Griffith kick)
3 plays, 36 yards, TOP 1:11 0-21
3rd 13:18 MU - Devron Harper 73 yd punt return (Reice Griffith kick)
0 plays, TOP 0:00 0-28
3rd 11:03 VMI - Caden Beck 46 yd field goal
5 plays, 23 yards, TOP 1:53 3-28
3rd 6:12 MU - Al Wooten 19 yd run (Reice Griffith kick)
RUSHING: VMI - Raymond, R. 6-22; Rice, H. 4-13; Swinehart, G. 1-3; Ironside, C. 11-3; Twombly, A. 1-1. MER - Wooten, A. 12-164; Coard, T. 8-38; Peevy, C. 7-37; Bell, M. 6-37; White, L. 9-25; McGowan, M. 2-1; Team 4-(-4).
PASSING: VMI - Ironside, C 19-33-172-1. MER - Peevy, C. 11-17-103-0.
RECEIVING: VMI - Knox, C. 5-54; Lemmond, I. 3-41; Johnson, VJ 4-38; Twombly, A. 3-22; Thorpe, I. 1-17; Nelson, E. 1-5; Raymond, R. 1-(-1); Rice, H. 1-(-4). MER - Harper, D. 5-60; Wooten, A. 2-19; Solomon, T. 1-8; Risper, S. 1-8; May, A. 1-7; James, T. 1-2.
TACKLES (UA-A): VMI - Eller, E. 8-4; Knapp, J. 6-5; Oliver, A. 4-2; Summey, T. 4-1; Dunn, C. 0-4; Dean, S. 0-3; Dobson, T. 2-1; Swann, T. 2-1; Speight, G. 0-3; Rankin, E. 2-0. MER - Standley, K. 5-4; Thomas, M. 2-5; Dowling, I. 3-2; McCarthy, T. 2-3; Redding, M. 2-2; Wise, L. 2-1; Moore, TJ 2-1; Zubairu 3-0; Prince, I. 1-2; Wasson, M. 3-0.
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – Senior Ty James matched a school record with 14 catches for 285 yards and a pair of scores, and the Mercer defense registered a dominant defensive effort for the second-straight week, to help lead the Bears to their first-ever win in Johnson City, Tenn., with a 24-6 triumph over East Tennessee State.
It was the second-straight win for the Bears (4-2, 2-1 SoCon) who snapped a 0-for-3 drought at William B. Greene Jr. Stadium, while also improving to 9-5 in the month of October under head coach Drew Cronic. The Bucs (1-4, 0-2) fell to 4-5 all-time in the series with the Orange & Black, and have now dropped six-straight league matchups dating back to last season’s 55-33 setback in Macon.
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
Mercer 0 17 0 7 24 Record: 4-2 (2-1 SoCon)
East Tennesee State 0 0 6 0 6
Scoring Summary:
2nd 11:52 MU - Reice Griffith 33 yd field goal
15 plays, 70 yards, TOP 6:36 3-0
2nd 6:00 MU - Carter Peevy 1 yd run (Reice Griffith kick)
6 plays, 67 yards, TOP 2:30 10-0
Record: 1-4 (0-2 SoCon)
2nd 1:02 MU - Ty James 30 yd pass from Carter Peevy (Reice Griffith kick)
2 plays, 49 yards, TOP 0:28 17-0
3rd 11:43 ETSU - Ewan Johnson 44 yd field goal
4 plays, -7 yards, TOP 1:26 17-3
3rd 1:30 ETSU - Ewan Johnson 23 yd field goal
8 plays, 39 yards, TOP 4:03 17-6
4th 6:32 MU - Ty James 50 yd pass from Carter Peevy (Reice Griffith kick) 5 plays, 78 yards, TOP 2:14 24-6
Conversions
Conversions
Red Zone Scores-Chances
Sacks By: Number-Yards
RUSHING: MER - Wooten, A. 17-40; White, L. 10-21; Harper, D. 2-9; Peevy, C. 8-6. ETSIrby, B. 9-29; Dorsey, T. 10-29; Dendy, A. 10-16; Riddell, T. 3-14; Borisch, Z. 3-5; Winton, T. 1-(-4); Riddle, W. 1-(-8).
PASSING: MER - Peevy, C. 20-27-317-0. ETS - Riddle, W. 3-5-28-0; Dorsey, T. 2-12-11-0; Riddell, T. 2-6-6-0.
RECEIVING: MER - James, T. 14-285; Solomon, T. 2-13; Harper, D. 2-11; May, A. 1-7; McKay, G. 1-1. ETS - Huzzie, W. 1-17; Mathis, C. 2-12; Winton, T. 3-11; Borisch, Z. 1-5. TACKLES (UA-A): MER - Standley, K. 4-5; Washburn, I. 2-7; Wise, L. 1-6; Moore, TJ 4-1; Zubairu, S. 3-2; Thomas, M. 0-5; McCarthy, T. 1-3; Frazier, S. 2-2; Coffey, R. 3-0; Swain, J. 0-3. ETS - Scott, S. 6-6; Arnold, S. 10-2; Jenkins, M. 6-3; Hope, C. 2-4; Anderson, K. 5-0; Hoskins, J. 0-4; West, Z. 3-0; Coney, R. 2-1; Wilson, T. 2-1; Brantley, D. 1-2.
GAME-BY-GAME SUMMARIES
MACON – Visiting and 20th-ranked Chattanooga racked up more than 350 yards of total offense and got five field goals from Clayton Crile on the way to a 22-10 victory over the Mercer football team on October 14 at Five Star Stadium.
The loss snapped a two-week string of victories for the Bears (4-3, 2-2 SoCon) who tasted defeat for just the second time in the last 10 home outings. It was the fifth win in the last six contests for the Mocs (5-2, 4-1) who were upset by the Bears on their last trip to Middle Georgia in 2021.
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
Chattanooga 6 6 7 3 22
Mercer 0 0 10 0 10
Scoring Summary:
1st 11:04 CHT - Clayton Crile 32 yd field goal
8 plays, 37 yards, TOP 3:49 0-3
1st 3:42 CHT - Clayton Crile 37 yd field goal
4 plays, 4 yards, TOP 1:54 0-6
2nd 4:23 CHT - Clayton Crile 37 yd field goal
5 plays, 22 yards, TOP 1:56 0-9
2nd 0:09 CHT - Clayton Crile 45 yd field goal
10 plays, 59 yards, TOP 1:51 0-12
Record: 5-2 (4-1 SoCon)
Record: 4-3 (2-2 SoCon)
3rd 1:26 MER - Ty James 10 yd pass from Carter Peevy (Reice Griffith kick)
5 plays, 33 yards, TOP 1:45 7-12
3rd 6:55 CHT - Sam Phillips 30 yd pass from Chase Artopoeus (Clayton Crile kick)
RUSHING: UTC - Appleberry 19-57; Ford, A. 9-38; Houston, C. 8-11; Mayes, J. 1-3; Artopoeus, C. 6-(-2). MER - Bell, M. 8-41; Wooten, A. 8-9; Harper, D. 1-(-2); Team 2-(-6); James, T. 1-(-7); Peevy, C. 8-(-35).
PASSING: UTC - Artopoeus, C. 19-28-244-0. MER - Peevy, C. 19-31-280-1.
RECEIVING: UTC - Mayes, J. 9-119; Phillips S. 3-52; Whatley, J. 3-38; Brown, E. 1-19; Ford, A. 2-9; Appleberry, G. 1-7. MER - James, T. 6-135; Harper, D. 7-99; Wooten, A. 2-14; Solomon, T. 1-10; Bell, M. 1-10; Burt, S. 1-10; Albee, S. 1-2.
TACKLES (UA-A): UTC - Joseph, K. 4-4; Brewton, B. 1-6; Walker, J. 6-0; Person, J. 3-3; FIelds, C. 4-1; Spearman, B. 2-3; Lowery, R. 2-2; Brown, K 3-0; Battle, J. 2-1; Brown, K. 2-0. MER - Wise, L. 7-7; Thomas. M. 3-5; Frazier, S. 1-7; Redding, M. 5-2; Standley, K. 3-4; Moore, TJ 5-1; Washburn, I. 3-3; McCarthy, T. 3-2; Manley, B. 4-0; Swain, J. 0-4.
MACON – The Mercer football team used a big fourth-down stop on a potential goahead possession late in the third quarter to swing the momentum, then tacked on a pair of defensive scores in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach, as the Bears got back on track with a 31-17 over visiting Wofford on October 21 at Five Star Stadium.
It was the ninth win in the last 11 home outings for the Bears (5-3, 3-2 SoCon) who tallied a pair of 90+-yard scoring drives in the contest, and racked up nearly 250 yards of offense by the halftime whistle. The Terriers (0-8, 0-5) have now dropped nine-straight games dating back to last season including all five road games in 2023.
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
Wofford 0 7 0 10 17
Mercer 7 3 0 21 31
Scoring Summary:
1st 3:13 MER - Carter Peevy 4 yd run (Reice Griffith kick) 17 plays, 99 yards, TOP 7:35 7-0
2nd 10:14 MER - Reice Griffith 40 yd field goal 13 plays, 56 yards, TOP 5:55 10-0
Record: 0-8 (0-5 SoCon)
Record: 5-3 (3-2 SoCon)
2nd 6:10 WOF - Alec Holt 56 yd pass from Pauly Seeley (Bridger Jones kick) 2 plays, 66 yards, TOP 0:39 10-7
4th 13:20 MER - Al Wooten 9 yd pass from Carter Peevy (Reice Griffith kick) 12 plays, 91 yards, TOP 5:10 17-7
4th 13:05 MER - Solomon Zubairu 0 yd fumble recovery (Reice Griffith kick) No drive information 24-7
4th 3:57 WOF - Bridger Jones 37 yd field goal 5 plays, 2 yards, TOP 2:47 24-10
4th 3:31 MER - Lance Wise 79 yd interception return (Reice Griffith kick) No drive information 31-10
4th 1:21 WOF - Dillon Droze 16 yd pass from Pauly Seeley (Bridger Jones kick) 7 plays, 68 yards, TOP 2:04 31-17
Third-Down Conversions
Fourth-Down Conversions
Red Zone Scores-Chances 2-3
Sacks By: Number-Yards 2-15 4-37
RUSHING: WOF – Smith, JT 13-32; Seeley, P. 10-13; Legette, D. 4-9. MER – Wooten, A. 10-38; Peevy, C. 11-21; Coard, T. 3-15; Bell, M. 5-11; Wroble, P. 3-10; Smith, B. 1-6; Harper, D. 2-2.
PASSING: WOF – Seeley, P. 19-29-227-2. MER – Peevy, C. 23-29-238-0; Team 0-1-0-0.
RECEIVING: WOF – Holt, A. 4-76; Parker, T. 4-39; Legette, D. 4-39; Smith, C. 2-31; Djete, D. 2-17; Droze, D. 1-16; Dickerson, B. 1-8; Smith, JT 1-1. MER – James, T. 5-56; Harper, D. 4-53; Wooten, A. 3-49; Wroble, P. 2-19; McKay, G. 1-16; Burt, S. 1-11; Albee, S. 2-10; Solomon, T. 1-8; Risper, S. 2-8; Smith, B. 1-4; Dupree, O. 1-4.
TACKLES (UA-A): WOF - Powers, D. 10-2; DiRoberto J. 4-3; Woolery, C. 2-5; Mynatt, J. 6-0; Annoor, A. 4-2; Harrison, M. 4-1; Purcell, E. 1-3; Maina, B. 2-2; Mananga, I. 1-2; Wadsworth, I. 2-0. MER – Redding, M. 4-1; Zubairu, S. 2-3; Standley, K. 3-2; Thomas, M. 3-2; Clare, D. 4-1; Wise, L. 2-2; McCarthy, T. 4-0; Miller, D. 3-1; Weston, M. 4-0; Coffey, R. 1-1.
GAME-BY-GAME SUMMARIES
CULLOWHEE, N.C. – The visiting Mercer football team tacked up more than 420 yards of total offense and stymied the nation’s top offensive unit by forcing a season-high six turnovers to spoil Homecoming at E.J. Whitmire Stadium with a 45-38 victory over 10th-ranked Western Carolina, 45-38, on October 28.
The triumph marked the eighth-straight series win for Mercer (6-3, 4-2 SoCon) who has not tasted defeat against WCU since a 24-21 road setback on Oct. 10, 2015. It was the second-straight loss for the Catamounts (5-3, 3-2) who fell to 1-4 all-time against Mercer in Cullowhee, N.C.
RUSHING: MER - Wooten, A. 15-68; Harper, D. 5-51; Peevy, C. 16-38; Bell, M. 6-24; Smith, B. 1-16; Wroble, P. 2-10; James, T. 1-6; Team 1-(-1); Coard 1-(-2). WCU - Adams, B. 9-46; Gonzales, C. 9-42; Cochran, M. 1-(-2).
PASSING: MER - Peevy, C. 18-28-212-1. WCU - Gonzales, C. 32-51-388-3.
RECEIVING: MER - James, T. 6-115; Smith, B. 5-36; Harper, D. 4-21; Solomon, T. 1-18; Dupree, O. 1-15; Wooten, A. 1-7. WCU - White, D. 5-113; Jones, C. 5-89; Lee, C. 5-80; Colombo, AJ 7-56; Adams, B. 8-39; Belanger, A. 2-11.
TACKLES (UA-A): MER - Wise, L. 5-3; Standley, K. 7-1; Thomas, M. 4-1; McCarthy, T. 2-1; Moore, TJ 2-1; Coffey, R. 3-0; Miller, D. 2-1; Weston, M. 2-1; Redding, M. 2-0; Zubairu, S. 2-0. WCU - Keaton, A. 5-7; Williams, A. 4-6; Campbell, L. 3-6; Williams, CJ 4-2; Gattison, R. 4-1; Jones, E. 3-2; Davis, J. 2-3; Morgan, C. 2-3; Lealaimatafao, V. 1-3; Moore, K. 1-3.
CHARLESTON, S.C. – The 25th-ranked Mercer football team forced a trio of turnovers, including Ken Standley’s pick 6 on the opening possession of the afternoon, and limited The Citadel to just 91 yards of offense in the second half, on the way to a 38-16 victory over the Bulldogs on November 4 at Johnson Hagood Stadium.
It was the sixth win in the last nine road outings for the Bears (7-3, 5-2 SoCon), and helped the Orange & Black match a program record with their seventh victory against an NCAA Division I institution as well. The setback marked the fourth-straight series loss for The Citadel (0-9, 0-6) who stayed winless on the season with the outcome as well.
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
Mercer 7 7 10 14 38
The Citadel 3 7 0 6 16
Scoring Summary:
Record: 7-3 (5-2 SoCon)
Record: 0-9 (0-6 SoCon)
1st 13:29 MER - Ken Standley 27 yd interception return (Reice Griffith kick) No drive information 7-0
1st 3:42 CIT - Colby Kintner 32 yd field goal
18 plays, 74 yards, TOP 9:41 7-3
2nd 8:37 MER - Hi’Keem Elmore 2 yd run (Colby Kintner kick)
11 plays, 59 yards, TOP 6:37 7-10
2nd 0:25 MER - Devron Harper 14 yd pass from Carter Peevy (Reice Griffith kick)
8 plays, 40 yards, TOP 2:35 14-10
3rd 11:31 MER - Reice Griffith 29 yd field goal
9 plays, 61 yards, TOP 3:29 17-10
3rd 4:34 MER - Al Wooten 15 yd pass from Carter Peevy (Reice Griffith kick)
2 plays, 15 yards, TOP 0:44 24-10
4th 14:51 MER - Brayden Smith 50 yd run (Reice Griffith kick)
4 plays, 63 yards, TOP 1:18 31-10
4th 12:04 MER - Al Wooten 4 yd run (Reice Griffith kick)
3 plays, 33 yards, TOP 1:33 38-10
4th 8:19 CIT - Ha’Keem Monroe 24 yd pass from Graeson Underwood (kick failed) 10 plays, 75 yards, TOP 3:41 38-16
Third-Down Conversions
Fourth-Down Conversions
Red Zone Scores-Chances
Sacks By: Number-Yards
RUSHING: MER - Smith, B. 2-60; Wooten, A. 14-55; Horne, H. 1-13; Coard, T. 4-13; McGowan, M. 4-11; Wroble, P. 2-6; Peevy, C. 6-1; Harper, D. 1-(-1); Team 1-(-2). CIT - Underwood, G. 12-46; Elmore, H. 14-41; Bass, E. 1-15; Layman, V. 3-12; Crawford, J. 4-12; Monroe, H. 1-0; Johnson, H. 3-(-1); Graves-Billips, J. 2-(-5).
PASSING: MER - Peevy, C. 10-17-147-0. CIT - Underwood, G. 13-27-139-2.
RECEIVING: MER - James, T. 3-74; Harper, D. 3-37; Albee, S. 2-19; Wooten, A. 1-15; Wroble, P. 1-2. CIT - Cherry, T. 5-54; McSweeney, P 1-25; Monroe, H. 1-24; Taylor, M. 3-19; Pesnell, D. 1-7; Johnson, H. 1-5; Owens, L. 1-5.
TACKLES (UA-A): MER - Standley, K. 7-2; Thomas, M. 6-1; Wise, L. 3-1; Redding, M. 4-0; Zubairu, S. 3-1; Hanson, C. 4-0; Bliss, T. 3-1; Moore, TJ 3-0; Swain, J. 2-1; Washburn, I. 2-0. CIT - Walter, C. 4-3; Horn, B. 2-4; Black, H. 2-2; Jones, B. 3-1; Pettis, D. 4-0; Dorris, J. 2-2; Pierce, KJ 4-0; Russell, R. 3-0; Wyatt, T. 0-2; Poole, D. 2-0.
GAME-BY-GAME SUMMARIES
MACON – Sophomore Carter Peevy ran for a trio of touchdowns, and the 23rd-ranked Mercer football team got a lights-out performance from its stop unit, to carry the Bears to a 28-21 victory over visiting Samford in the regular season finale for both teams on November 11 at Five Star Stadium.
It was the sixth win in the last seven outings for the Bears (8-3, 6-2 SoCon) who also tacked up their school-record eighth NCAA Division I victory in the process as well. The setback snapped a string of consecutive wins for Samford (5-5, 4-4) who has now come away empty-handed on three-straight trips to Middle Georgia.
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
Samford 0 7 7 7 21
Mercer 6 0 15 7 28
Scoring Summary:
1st 3:16 MER - Carter Peevy 5 yd run (Rush failed)
13 plays, 90 yards, TOP 7:10 0-6
Record: 5-5 (4-4 SoCon)
Record: 8-3 (6-2 SoCon)
2nd 11:16 SAM - Damonta Witherspoon 22 yd run (Wilson Beaverstock kick)
7 plays, 46 yards, TOP 2:22 7-6
3rd 8:38 MER - Devron Harper 23 yd run (Sam Albee pass) 12 plays, 75 yards, TOP 6:22 7-14
3rd 7:46 SAM - Chandler Smith 30 yd pass from Michael Hiers (Wilson Beaverstock kick)
3 plays, 75 yards, TOP 0:47 14-14
3rd 1:40 MER - Carter Peevy 6 yd run (Reice Griffith kick) 11 plays, 78 yards, TOP 5:59 14-21
4th 8:11 MER - Carter Peevy 1 yd run (Reice Griffth kick)
8 plays, 87 yards, TOP 3:43 14-28
4th 4:35 SAM - D.J. Rias 10 yd pass from Michael Hiers (Wilson Beaverstock kick) 10 plays, 75 yards, TOP 3:36 21-28
SAM MER
FIRST DOWNS 18 28
RUSHES-YARDS (NET) 27-112 49-243
PASSING YARDS (NET) 210 137
Passes Comp-Att-Int 25-36-1 18-25-0
TOTAL OFFENSE PLAYS-YARDS 63-322 74-380
Fumble Returns-Yards 0-0 0-0
Punt Returns-Yards 1-(-1) 2-(-3)
Kickoff Returns-Yards 2-17 3-62
Interception Returns-Yards 0-0 1-1
Punts (Number-Avg) 6-39.0 6-36.0
Fumbles-Lost 0-0 3-1
Penalties-Yards 6-75 8-58
Possession Time 23:05 36:55
Third-Down Conversions 3 of 12 7 of 13
Fourth-Down Conversions 2 of 2 0 of 0
Red Zone Scores-Chances 1-1 3-3
Sacks By: Number-Yards 2-9 5-16
RUSHING: SAM - Stanton, J. 16-98; Witherspoon, D. 3-27; Smith, C. 1-0; Hiers, M. 7-(13). MER - Wooten, A. 16-81; Coard, T. 11-52; Peevy, C. 13-45; Harper, D. 4-42; Wroble, P. 3-15; Smith, B. 1-9.
PASSING: SAM - Hiers, M. 25-36-210-1. MER - Peevy, C. 18-25-137-0.
RECEIVING: SAM - Rias, DJ 6-83; Smith, C. 4-55; Cousin, I. 2-21; Stanton, J. 5-21; Starkey, RJ 2-8; Ismail, Q. 2-8; Jenkins, B. 1-8; Vice, M. 1-6; King, T. 1-0; Witherspoon, D. 1-0. MER - Smith, B. 4-34; Solomon, T. 1-31; Wroble, P. 4-27; Harper, D. 7-25; James, T. 2-20. TACKLES (UA-A): SAM - Martin, N. 14-5; Morris, G. 4-4; Smith, D. 7-1; Cannon, J. 6-1; Nurse, X. 5-2; Ross, T. 3-1; Mosley, J. 2-1; Marsh, K. 2-0; Smith, K. 2-0; Cotton, J. 0-2. MER - Thomas, M. 5-3; Wise, L. 5-2; Standley, K. 5-2; Moore, TJ 4-1; Zubairu, S. 5-0; Coffey, R. 4-0; Redding, M. 3-0; Swain, J. 2-1; McCarthy, T. 2-0; Weston, M. 2-0.
MACON – Sophomore quarterback Carter Peevy tallied a pair of rushing touchdowns, including a 72-yard sprint in the second quarter, and the 17th-ranked Mercer football team rode the tremors of a lockdown defense the rest of the way out on the way to a 17-7 win over Gardner-Webb in the opening round of the FCS Playoffs on November 25 at Five Star Stadium.
It is the fifth-straight win for the Bears (9-3) who will head to Brookings, S.D., on December 2 to go toe-to-toe with top-ranked and defending national champion South Dakota State. The setback snapped a 5-game win streak for the Runnin’ Bulldogs (7-5) who fell to 2-5 away from Boiling Springs, N.C., with the result as well.
Score by Quarters 1 2 3 4 Score
Gardner-Webb 0 7 0 0 7
Mercer 0 14 0 3 17
Scoring Summary:
Record: 7-5 (5-1 Big South)
Record: 9-3 (6-2 SoCon)
2nd 13:53 MER - Carter Peevy 2 yd run (Reice Griffith kick)
8 plays, 67 yards, TOP 3:22 0-7
2nd 9:18 MER - Carter Peevy 72 yd run (Reice Griffith kick)
5 plays, 86 yards, TOP 2:44 0-14
2nd 6:01 GWU - Karim Page 3 yd pass from Jaylen King (Jay Billingsley kick)
7 plays, 72 yards, TOP 3:10 7-14
4th 8:48 MER - Reice Griffith 29 yd field goal
5 plays, 22 yards, TOP 2:08 7-17
Fourth-Down Conversions
Sacks By: Number-Yards 5-40 4-21
RUSHING: GWU - Brown, J. 5-20; Gaither, N. 8-16; King, J. 17-11; Franklin, J. 1-2. MERWooten, A. 17-63; Coard, T. 8-51; Peevy, C. 11-43; Wroble, P. 3-9; Smith, B. 1-2; Harper, D. 2-0.
PASSING: GWU - King, J. 21-38-231-3; English, G. 0-6-0-0. MER - Peevy, C. 16-26-122-0.
RECEIVING: GWU - Johnson, AJ 5-62; Page, K. 3-45; Burns, J. 3-44; Floyd, E. 1-39; Gaither, N. 4-28; Brown, J. 4-9; Meggett, H. 1-4. MER - James, T. 7-100; Harper, D. 3-14; Solomon, T. 1-7; Risper, S. 1-7; Wroble, P. 3-2; McKay, G. 1-(-8).
TACKLES (UA-A): GWU - McRainey, W. 6-9; French, T. 5-5; Bass, B. 3-5; Anderson, T. 3-4; Jackson, B. 3-2; Brown, J. 4-1; Wright, J. 2-3; Bowdry, J. 3-0; Ousley, R. 2-1; Young, J. 2-1. MER - McCarthy, T. 7-2; Standley, K. 6-3; Thomas, M. 8-1; Wise, L. 4-1; Zubairu, S. 4-1; Coffey, R. 1-3; Nash, A. 0-3; Redding, M. 2-0; Johnson, J. 2-0; Washburn, I. 1-1.
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TEAM/INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
8/26 22/20 vs. North Alabama (NR)
9/2
22/20 at Ole Miss (22) SECN+ Oxford, Miss. L, 73-7
Game 1st Half 2nd Half vs. North Alabama Touchdown Punt at Ole Miss Touchdown Punt
Morehead State Touchdown Touchdown at Furman Blocked FG Touchdown VMI Touchdown Touchdown
East Tennessee State Fumble Punt Chattanooga Punt Punt Wofford Touchdown Punt at Western Carolina Touchdown Fumble at The Citadel Punt Field Goal
Samford Fumble Touchdown
Gardner-Webb Punt Punt at South Dakota State Punt Punt
ENING DRIVES - D
SE
* - Fumbled opening kickoff (no possession)
PREGAME COIN FLIPS
Game Result Score vs. North Alabama Lost (Received) W, 17-7 at Ole Miss Won (Kicked Off) L, 73-7
Morehead State Won (Kicked Off) W, 48-22 at Furman Won (Kicked Off) L, 38-14
VMI Lost (Received) W, 38-3
East Tennessee State Won (Kicked Off) W, 24-6
Chattanooga Won (Kicked Off) L, 22-10
Game Result Score Wofford Won (Kicked Off) W, 31-17 at Western Carolina Won (Kicked Off) W, 45-38 at The Citadel Won (Kicked Off) W, 38-16
Samford Won (Kicked Off) W, 28-21
Gardner-Webb Lost (Received) W, 17-7 at South Dakota State Won (Kicked Off) L, 41-0
defensive statistics
DEFENSIVE GAME-BY-GAME
TACKLES
Joines
Davis
Pollack
Fox
Bryce Addison
Miller
May
Marques Thomas took over starting duties at linebacker in Week 6 and finished the season with 77 tackles, including 10 stops behind the line of scrimmage.
Jordan Swain played a key role amid Mercer’s dominant defensive line rotation and opened up his junior campaign in Macon with a blocked field goal attempt against North Alabama.
DEFENSIVE GAME-BY-GAME
DEFENSIVE GAME-BY-GAME
TACKLES FOR LOSS
Drew Clare
Arias Nash
Myles Redding
SACKS
PARTICIPATION GAME-BY-GAME
GAME-BY-GAME PARTICIPATION
PARTICIPATI
ON GAME-BY-GAME (Continued)
GAME/SEASON HIGHS
MERCER SEA
SON HIGHS
Rushes 20
Yards Rushing 164
TD Rushes 3
Long Rush 76
Pass Attempts 31
Pass Completions 23
Micah Bell vs. North Alabama (8/26/2023)
Al Wooten II vs. VMI (9/30/2023)
Carter Peevy vs. Samford (11/11/2023)
Al Wooten II vs. VMI (9/30/2023)
Carter Peevy vs. Chattanooga (10/14/2023)
Carter Peevy vs. Wofford (10/21/2023)
Yards Passing 317 Carter Peevy at East Tennessee State (10/7/2023)
TD Passes 2
Carter Peevy at The Citadel (11/4/2023)
2 Carter Peevy at East Tennessee State (10/7/2023)
Long Pass 75 Carter Peevy vs. Morehead State (9/9/2023)
Receptions 14 Ty James at East Tennessee State (10/7/2023)
Yards Receiving 285 Ty James at East Tennessee State (10/7/2023)
TD Receptions 2 Ty James at East Tennessee State (10/7/2023)
Long Reception 75 Ty James vs. Morehead State (9/9/2023)
Punts 10 Reice Griffith vs. Gardner-Webb (11/25/2023)
Punting Avg. 44.7
Kody Arnold vs. Chattanooga (10/14/2023)
Long Punt 58 Reice Griffith at South Dakota State (12/2/2023)
Punts Inside 20 4 Reice Griffith vs. Gardner-Webb (11/25/2023)
Long Punt Return 73 Devron Harper vs. VMI (9/30/2023)
Long Kickoff Return 43 Devron Harper vs. North Alabama (8/26/2023)
Tackles 14 Lance Wise vs. Chattanooga (10/14/2023)
Sacks 2.0 Solomon Zubairu vs. Samford (11/11/2023) 2.0 Solomon Zubairu vs. Wofford (10/21/2023)
Tackles For Loss 4.0 Solomon Zubairu vs. Samford (11/11/2023)
Interceptions 2 Myles Weston vs. Gardner-Webb (11/25/2023)
MERCER GAME HIGHS
Rushes 53 vs. North Alabama (8/26/2023)
Yards Rushing 299 vs. VMI (9/30/2023)
Yards Per Rush 6.2 vs. VMI (9/30/2023)
TD Rushes 4 vs. Samford (11/11/2023) 4 vs. Morehead State (9/9/2023)
Pass Attempts 31 vs. Chattanooga (10/14/2023) 31 at Ole Miss (9/2/2023)
Pass Completions 23 vs. Wofford (10/21/2023)
Yards Passing 317 at East Tennessee State (10/7/2023)
Yards Per Pass 14.1 vs. Morehead St. (9/9/2023)
TD Passes 2 at The Citadel (11/4/2023) 2 at East Tennessee State (10/7/2023)
Total Plays 76 at Western Carolina (10/28/2023)
Total Offense 451 vs. Morehead State (9/9/2023)
Yards Per Play 9.2 vs. Morehead State (9/9/2023)
Points 48 vs. Morehead St. (9/9/2023)
Sacks By 5 vs. Samford (11/11/2023) 5 at East Tennessee State (10/07/2023)
First Downs 28 vs. Samford (11/11/2023)
Penalties 10 vs. Morehead State (9/9/2023)
Penalty Yards 104 vs. Morehead State (9/9/2023)
Turnovers 3 at Western Carolina (10/28/2023) 3 vs. Chattanooga (10/14/2023) 3 at Ole Miss (9/2/2023)
Punts 11 vs. Gardner-Webb (11/25/2023)
Punting Avg, 44.7 vs. Chattanooga (10/14/2023)
Long Punt 58 at South Dakota State (12/2/2023)
Punts Inside 20 5 vs. Gardner-Webb (11/25/2023)
Long Punt Return 73 vs. VMI (9/30/2023)
OPPONENT SEASON HIGHS
Rushes 19 Gino Appleberry vs. Chattanooga (10/14/2023)
Yards Rushing 117 Isaiah Davis at South Dakota State (12/2/2023)
TD Rushes 3 Isaiah Davis at South Dakota State (12/2/2023)
Long Rush 80 Angel Johnson at South Dakota State (12/2/2023)
Pass Attempts 51 Cole Gonzales at Western Carolina (10/28/2023)
Pass Completions 32 Cole Gonzales at Western Carolina (10/28/2023)
Yards Passing 388 Cole Gonzales at Western Carolina (10/28/2023)
TD Passes 5 Cole Gonzales at Western Carolina (10/28/2023)
Long Pass 56 Pauly Seeley vs. Wofford (10/21/2023)
Receptions 9 Jamoi Mayes vs. Chattanooga (10/14/2023)
Yards Receiving 133 Tre Harris at Ole Miss (9/2/2023)
TD Receptions 4 Tre Harris at Ole Miss (9/2/2023)
Long Reception 56 Alec Holt vs. Wofford (10/21/2023)
Field Goals 5 Clayton Crile vs. Chattanooga (10/14/2023)
Long Field Goal 46 Caden Beck vs. VMI (9/30/2023)
Punts 8 Nate Brackett at East Tennessee State (10/7/2023)
Punting Avg. 49.0 Fraser Masin at Ole Miss (9/2/2023)
Long Punt 60 Austin Hendley vs. Gardner-Webb (11/25/2023)
Punts Inside 20 4 Will Thorley vs. Samford (11/11/2023)
Long Punt Return 70 Jordan Watkins at Ole Miss (9/2/2023)
Long Kickoff Return 45 Ivan Thorpe vs. VMI (9/30/2023)
Tackles 19 Noah Martin vs. Samford (11/11/2023)
Sacks 3.0 Ty French vs. Gardner-Webb (11/25/2023)
Tackles For Loss 4.0 Ty French vs. Gardner-Webb (11/25/2023) 4.0 Jay Person vs. Chattanooga (10/14/2023)
Interceptions 1 Dalys Beanum at South Dakota State (12/2/2023) 1 Aydan Dautermann at South Dakota State (12/2/2023) 1 Ajay Belanger at Western Carolina (10/28/2023) 1 Kobe Joseph vs. Chattanooga (10/14/2023) 1 Daijahn Anthony at Ole Miss (9/2/2023)
OPPONENT GAME HIGHS
Rushes 44 at South Dakota State (12/2/2023)
Yards Rushing 346 at South Dakota State (12/2/2023)
Yards Per Rush 7.9 at South Dakota State (12/2/2023)
TD Rushes 4 at South Dakota State (12/2/2023) 4 at Furman (9/23/2023)
Pass Attempts 52 at Western Carolina (10/28/2023)
Pass Completions 32 at Western Carolina (10/28/2023)
Yards Passing 524 at Ole Miss (9/2/2023)
Yards Per Pass 12.8 at Ole Miss (9/2/2023)
TD Passes 6 at Ole Miss (9/2/2023)
Total Plays 75 vs. Gardner-Webb (11/25/2023)
Total Offense 667 at Ole Miss (9/2/2023)
Yards Per Play 9.0 at Ole Miss (9/2/2023)
Points 73 at Ole Miss (9/2/2023)
Sacks By 5 vs. Gardner-Webb (11/25/2023) 5 vs. Chattanooga (10/14/2023)
First Downs 32 at Ole Miss (9/2/2023)
Penalties 12 at Western Carolina (10/28/2023)
Penalty Yards 81 at Western Carolina (10/28/2023)
Turnovers 6 at Western Carolina (10/28/2023)
Punts 8 at East Tennessee State (10/7/2023)
Punting Avg. 49.0 at Ole Miss (9/2/2023)
Long Punt 60 vs. Gardner-Webb (11/25/2023)
Punts Inside 20 4 vs. Samford (11/11/2023) 4 vs. Chattanooga (10/14/2023)
Long Punt Return 70 at Ole Miss (9/2/2023)
LONGEST PLAYS/DRIVES
MERCER’S LONGEST PLAYS
Rushing 76 Al Wooten II vs. VMI (Sept. 30, 2023)
Passing 63 Carter Peevy to Ty James vs. Morehead State (Sept. 9, 2023)
Field Goal 44 Reice Griffith at Western Carolina (Oct. 28, 2023)
Punt 53 Kody Arnold vs. Chattanooga (Oct. 14, 2023)
Punt Return 73 Devron Harper vs. VMI (Sept. 30, 2023)
Kickoff Return 43 Devron Harper vs. North Alabama (Aug. 26, 2023)
Interception Return 79 Lance Wise Jr. vs. Wofford (Oct. 21, 2023)
Fumble Return 26 Savio Frazier at Western Carolina (Oct. 28, 2023)
MERCER’S LONGEST RUSHES
MERCER’S LONGEST PASS PLAYS
MERCER’S LONGEST SCORING DRIVES
* Shortest scoring drive by time of possession + Longest touchdown drive by time of possession | $ Longest scoring drive by number of plays
OPPONENTS’ LONGEST PLAYS
Rushing 80 Angel Johnson at South Dakota State (12/2/2023)
Passing 56 Pauly Seeley, vs. Wofford (Oct. 21, 2023)
Field Goal 46 Caden Beck, vs. VMI (Sept. 30, 2023)
Punt 60 Austin Hendley vs. Gardner-Webb (11/25/2023)
Punt Return 70 Jordan Watkins, at Ole Miss (Sept. 2, 2023)
Kickoff Return 45 Ivan Thorpe, vs. VMI (Sept. 30, 2023)
Interception Return 45 Kobe Joseph, vs. Chattanooga (Oct. 14, 2023)
Fumble Return n/a null
MERCER’
ST RETURN PLAY
NCAA/SOCON RANKINGS
INDIVIDUAL
Devron Harper (left) led all of NCAA FCS with 874
INDIVIDUAL RECORDS
SCORING RECORDS
Most Points
Game...................................................................30, Fred Davis vs. Samford, 10/2/21
Season............................................................................................102, Alex Lakes, 2014
Game............................................................2, Stephen Houzah vs. Stetson, 9/12/15 2, Stephen Houzah vs. VMI, 9/30/17 2, BJ Bohler at VMI, 9/29/18 2, Isaac Dowling vs. Western Carolina, 10/8/22 2, Mike Campbell vs. East Tennessee State, 10/15/22 2, Myles Weston vs. Gardner-Webb, 11/25/23
Game....................................................................................................2.0, Sixteen times Last, Solomon Zubairu vs. Samford, 11/11/23
Season....................................................................................10.0, Tosin Aguebor, 2013 Career...............................................................................23.5, Tosin Aguebor, 2013-16 .....................................................................................23.5, Solomon Zubairu, 2019-23
PUNTING RECORDS
Most Punts
Game.................................................10, Reice Griffith vs. Gardner-Webb, 11/25/23
Season..........................................................................................58, Grant Goupil, 2017 Career...................................................................................122, Grant Goupil, 2017-20
Punting Average
Game..........................................57.5 (4 punts), Trey Turk vs. The Citadel, 9/17/22
Per Game...............................................................2.5, 2018/2022
Yards Allowed
Game...........................................................58 vs. Berry, 9/21/13
Season...........................................................................3,275, 2021 Per Game......................................................................327.5, 2021
SPECIAL TEAMS RECORDS
Made Field Goals
Game................3, five times; last at Samford, 11/19/22
Per Game.............................................................28.8, 2023
Kickoff Return Yards
Game...................................216 vs. Austin Peay, 9/14/19
Season................................................................1,084, 2019 Per Game..............................................................87.3, 2019
The Bears tacked up a school record 778 yards of total offense in the 2021 season opener against Point, including a program-best 539 rushing yards. A dozen players recorded at least 14 rushing yards in that outing.
longest plays
ALL PLAYS
Yards Player Pos. Cl. TD Play Opponent Date
100 Deondre Johnson RB Jr. Y KO Return at Jacksonville St. 10/10/20
99 Chandler Curtis WR Fr. Y Punt Return Samford 10/4/14
98 Sebastian Hicks DB Fr. N PAT Return Davidson 11/2/13
98 Rob Lake WR Jr. Y Reception Presbyterian 9/7/19
98 Deondre Johnson RB So. Y KO Return Chattanooga 10/5/19
95 David Durden WR So. Y KO Return Western Carolina 10/20/18
93 Josh Jones WR Fr. Y Reception Valparaiso 10/12/13
93 Devron Harper WR Jr. Y KO Return Morehead St. 8/27/22
91 Chandler Curtis WR Fr. Y KO Return Reinhardt 8/28/14
91 Stephen Houzah WR Sr. N KO Return Chattanooga 11/10/18
RUSHING
Yards Player Pos. Cl. TD Opponent Date
76 Al Wooten II RB Jr. Y VMI 9/30/23
75 Carter Peevy QB Jr. Y at Ole Miss 9/2/23
72 Carter Peevy QB Jr. Y Gardner-Webb 11/25/23
72 Tayshaun Shipp RB Fr. Y at The Citadel 10/30/21
71 John Russ QB Fr. N at Campbell 10/26/13
69 Tee Mitchell RB Fr. Y Stetson 9/12/15
66 Jabari Scruggs RB Fr. Y Carnegie Mellon 10/19/13
65 Payton Usher RB Fr. Y Berry 9/21/13
65 Alex Lakes RB So. N at Austin Peay 9/5/15
65 Deondre Johnson RB So. Y Campbell 9/28/19
65 Austin Douglas RB So. Y Morehead St. 8/27/22
RECEIVING
Yards Receiver Passer TD Opponent Date
98 Rob Lake Robert Riddle Y at Presbyterian 9/7/19 93 Josh Jones John Russ Y Valparaiso 10/12/13
90 Ty James Fred Payton Y Morehead St. 8/27/22
85 Tucker Cannon Robert Riddle Y at Western Carolina 8/31/19
83 Marquise Irvin John Russ Y at Chattanooga 10/8/16
80 Tee Mitchell John Russ Y Austin Peay 10/11/14 79 Tee Mitchell Kaelan Riley Y VMI 9/30/17 78 Chandler Curtis John Russ Y Warner 11/15/14
75 David Durden Kaelan Riley Y at Yale 10/13/18
75 Drake Starks Carter Peevy Y The Citadel 2/27/21
100 Deondre Johnson RB Jr. Y at Jacksonville St. 10/10/20
Devron Harper
Jr. Y Morehead St. 8/27/22 91 Chandler Curtis WR Fr. Y Reinhardt 8/28/14 91 Stephen Houzah WR Sr. N at Chattanooga 11/10/18 90 Rashad Haynes RB Fr. N Wofford 9/9/17 82 David Durden WR Jr. N Western Carolina 8/31/19
80 Yahsyn McKee DB Jr.
PUNT RETURNS
INTERCEPTION RETURNS
FUMBLE RETURNS
Dowden Jr. Western Carolina 3/20/21
45 Devin Folser Jr. at Furman 9/25/21
44 Will Roper Sr. Western Carolina 10/18/14 44 Caleb Dowden Jr. Abilene Christian 10/31/20
PUNTS
Yards Player Cl. Opponent Date
73 Matt
58
LONGEST PLAYS AGAINST
RUSHING YARDS - GAME
RUSHING RECORDS
RUSHING
RUSHING YARDS - SEASON
RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS
RUSHING YARDS - CAREER
RUSHING ATTEMPTS - GAME
100+-YARD RUSHING GAMES - SEASON
RUSHING ATTEMPTS - SEASON
100+-YARD RUSHING GAMES - CAREER
RUSHING ATTEMPTS -
PASSING YARDS - GAME
PASSING YARDS - SEASON
passing RECORDS
COMPLETIONS - CAREER
PASSING YARDS - CAREER
COMPLETIONS - GAME
ATTEMPTS - SEASON
ATTEMPTS - CAREER
PASSING RECORDS
PASSING EFFICIENCY
TOUCHDOWN PASSES - CAREER
PASSING
EFFICIENCY -
300+-YARD PASSING GAMES - SEASON
300+-YARD
Fred Payton registered five 300+-yard passing games in just two seasons (2021-22) with the Bears, and threw a school record 32 touchdown passes amid a prolific senior campaign.
RECEIVING RECORDS
RECEPTIONS -
TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS
RECEPTIONS - SEASON
RECEPTIONS -
TOUCHDOWN RECEPTIONS
RECEIVING YARDS -
100+-YARD
DEFENSIVE RECORDS
TOTAL TACKLES - GAME
QUARTERBACK
TOTAL TACKLES - SEASON
TOTAL TACKLES - CAREER
Tosin Aguebor recorded 23-1/2 sacks from 2013-16,
He
DEFENSIVE/SPECIAL TEAMS RECORDS
INTERCEPTIONS - GAME
2
2
2
1
INTERCEPTIONS -
PUNTING AVERAGE
INTERCEPTIONS -
LONGEST PUNT
the last time...
A MERCER TEAM...
Scored 50+ Points 55 at VMI, Oct. 29, 2022
Scored 60+ Points 63 vs. Morehead State, Aug. 27, 2022
Shut out opponent at home vs. The Citadel, Sept. 17, 2022 (17-0)
Shut out conference opponent at home 17-0, vs. The Citadel, Sept. 17, 2022 (17-0)
Shut out opponent on the road at Stetson, Sept. 13, 2014 (49-0)
Shut out conference opponent on the road N/A
Shut out opponent in the 1st Quarter vs. Gardner-Webb, Nov. 25, 2023
Shut out opponent in the 1st Half at East Tennessee State, Oct. 7, 2023
Shut out opponent through 3 quarters vs. The Citadel, Sept. 17, 2022
Played in an overtime game at Samford, Nov. 19, 2022 (L, 50-44 2OT)
Recorded 30+ First Downs 33 at Samford, Nov. 19, 2022
Recorded 50+ Rushing Attempts 61 at VMI, Oct. 29, 2022
Recorded 60+ Rushing Attempts 61 at VMI, Oct. 29, 2022
Recorded 70+ Rushing Attempts N/A
Recorded 200+ Yards Rushing 243 vs. Samford, Nov. 11, 2023
Recorded 300+ Yards Rushing 346 at VMI, Oct. 29, 2022
Recorded 400+ Yards Rushing 539 vs. Point, Sept. 2, 2021
Recorded 500+ Yards Rushing 539 vs. Point, Sept. 2, 2021
Recorded Less Than 100 Yards Rushing 76 at South Dakota State, Dec. 2, 2023
Recorded Less Than 50 Yards Rushing 0 vs. Chattanooga, Oct. 14, 2023
Recorded Less Than 25 Yards Rushing 0 vs. Chattanooga, Oct. 14, 2023
Recorded 40+ Pass Attempts 51 at Samford, Nov. 19, 2022
Recorded 50+ Pass Attempts 51 at Samford, Nov. 19, 2022
Recorded 30+ Pass Completions 30 vs. Wofford, Oct. 21, 2023
Recorded 300+ Yards Passing 317 at East Tennessee State, Oct. 7, 2023
Recorded 400+ Yards Passing 514 at Samford, Nov. 19, 2022
Recorded 500+ Yards Passing 514 at Samford, Nov. 19, 2022
Recorded 500+ Yards Total Offense 695 at Samford, Nov. 19, 2022
Recorded 600+ Yards Total Offense 695 at Samford, Nov. 19, 2022
Recorded 700+ Yards Total Offense 778 vs. Point, Sept. 2, 2021
Recorded Less Than 200 Yards Total Offense 151 at South Dakota State, Dec. 2, 2023
Recorded Less Than 150 Yards Total Offense 144 vs. Wofford, Nov. 9, 2019
Recorded 90+ Offensive Plays 90 vs. Western Carolina, March 20, 2021
Recorded 80+ Offensive Plays 86 at Samford, Nov. 19, 2022
Beat a Top 25 Team at No. 10 Western Carolina, Oct. 28, 2023 (45-38)
Beat a Top 20 Team at No. 10 Western Carolina, Oct. 28, 2023 (45-38)
Beat a Top 15 Team at No. 10 Western Carolina, Oct. 28, 2023 (45-38)
Beat a Top 10 Team at No. 10 Western Carolina, Oct. 28, 2023 (45-38)
Beat a Top 5 Team vs. No. 3 Chattanooga, Nov. 7, 2015 (17-14)
Forced 5 Turnovers 6 at Western Carolina, Oct. 28, 2023
Forced 6 Turnovers
Forced 7 Turnovers
Intercepted 3 Passes
Intercepted 4 Passes
6 at Western Carolina, Oct. 28, 2023
7 vs. Drake, Sept. 28, 2013
3 vs. Gardner-Webb, Nov. 25, 2023
4 vs. Western Carolina, Oct. 8, 2022
Held opponent to fewer than 10 first downs 7 at East Tennessee State, Oct. 7, 2023
Had 0 turnovers vs. Gardner-Webb, Nov. 25, 2023
A MERCER PLAYER (PASSING)...
Had 300+ Yards Passing 317, Carter Peevy at East Tennessee State, Oct. 7, 2023
Had 300+ Yards Passing In A Half 336, John Russ, 1st Half at Stetson, Sept. 12, 2015
Had 400+ Yards Passing 514, Fred Payton at Samford, Nov. 19, 2022
Had 500+ Yards Passing 514, Fred Payton at Samford, Nov. 19, 2022
Had 30+ Completions 30, Fred Payton at Samford, Nov. 19, 2022
Had 40+ Completions N/A
Had 30+ Attempts 31, Carter Peevy vs. Chattanooga, Oct. 14, 2023
Had 40+ Attempts 51, Fred Payton at Samford, Nov. 19, 2022
Had 50+ Attempts 51, Fred Payton at Samford, Nov. 19, 2022
Threw 50+ Yard Pass 50, Carter Peevy to Ty James at East Tennessee State, Oct. 7, 2023 (TD)
Threw 60+ Yard Pass 75, Carter Peevy to Ty James vs. Morehead State, Sept. 9, 2023 (TD)
Threw 70+ Yard Pass 75, Carter Peevy to Ty James vs. Morehead State, Sept. 9, 2023 (TD)
Threw 80+ Yard Pass 85, Robert Riddle to Rob Lake at Presbyterian, Sept. 7, 2019 (TD)
Threw 90+ Yard Pass 90, Fred Payton to Ty James vs. Morehead State, Sept. 9, 2023 (TD)
Had 3+ TD Passes 3, Fred Payton at Chattanooga, Oct. 22, 2022
Had 4+ TD Passes 4, Fred Payton at VMI, Oct. 29, 2022
Had 5+ TD Passes 5, Fred Payton vs. East Tennessee State, Oct. 15, 2022
Had 4+ TD Passes In A Half 4, Robert Riddle, 1st Half at Western Carolina, Aug. 31, 2019
A Non-QB Threw Touchdown Pass 32, Josh Jones to John Russ vs. Stetson, Nov. 23, 2013
A MERCER PLAYER (RUSHING)...
Had 100+ Yards Rushing 164, Al Wooten II vs. VMI, Sept. 30, 2023
Had 100+ Yards Rushing At Halftime 106, Alex Lakes vs. Western Carolina, Oct. 18, 2014
Had 200+ Yards Rushing 276, Fred Davis vs. Samford, Oct. 2, 2021
Had 200+ Yards Rushing In A Half N/A
Quarterback Rushed For 100 Yards 119, John Russ vs. Furman, Nov. 19, 2016
Two 100-Yard Rushers 155, Tyray Devezin and 129, Tee Mitchell at VMI, Sept. 29, 2018
Had A Run Of 50+ Yards 72, Carter Peevy vs. Gardner-Webb, Nov. 25, 2023
Had A Run Of 60+ Yards 72, Carter Peevy vs. Gardner-Webb, Nov. 25, 2023
Had A Run Of 70+ Yards 72, Carter Peevy vs. Gardner-Webb, Nov. 25, 2023
Had A Run Of 80+ Yards N/A
Had 20+ Rushing Attempts 20, Micah Bell vs. North Alabama, Aug. 26, 2023
Had 30+ Rushing Attempts 38, Tyray Devezin vs. Samford, Nov. 2, 2019
Had 40+ Rushing Attempts 41, John Russ at Samford, Nov. 12, 2016
Had 2+ Rushing Touchdowns 2, Carter Peevy vs. Gardner-Webb, Nov. 25, 2023
Had 3+ Rushing Touchdowns 3, Carter Peevy vs. Samford, Nov. 11, 2023
Had 4+ Rushing Touchdowns Tyray Devezin at East Tennessee State, Nov. 16, 2019
Had 5+ Rushing Touchdowns Fred Davis vs. Samford, Oct. 2, 2021
A MERCER PLAYER (RECEIVING)...
Caught 10+ Passes 14, Ty James at East Tennessee State, Oct. 7, 2023
Two Players Caught 10+ Passes 13, Ty James and 12, Devron Harper at Samford, Nov. 19, 2022
Had 100+ Yards Receiving 100, Ty James vs. Gardner-Webb, Nov. 25, 2023
Had 100+ Yards Receiving At Halftime 165, Ty James 1st Half at ETSU, Oct. 7, 2023
Had 100+ Yards Receiving In 2nd Half 120, Ty James at East Tennessee State, Oct. 7, 2023
Had 200+ Yards Receiving 285, Ty James at East Tennessee State, Oct. 7, 2023
Had 300+ Yards Receiving 351, Ty James at Samford, Nov. 19, 2022
2 Players With 100+ Receiving Yards 146, Ty James vs. Morehead State, Sept. 9, 2023 100, Devron Harper vs. Morehead State, Sept. 9, 2023
Had 2+ Touchdown Receptions 2, Ty James at East Tennessee State, Oct. 7, 2023
Had 3+ Touchdown Receptions 3, Ty James vs. Morehead State, Aug. 27, 2022
Had 4+ Touchdown Receptions N/A
100+ Yards Receiving By A Running Back 110, Ethan Dirrim vs. Furman, April 3, 2021
Had 100+ Yards Rushing And Receiving N/A
A MERCER PLAYER (DEFENSE)...
Had 15+ Tackles 18, Ken Standley at Samford, Nov. 19, 2022
Had 20+ Tackles 20, Lance Wise Jr. vs. Abilene Christian, Oct. 31, 2020
Had 10+ Solo Tackles 12, Isaac Dowling at Chattanooga, Oct. 22, 2022
Had 2+ Interceptions 2, Myles Weston vs. Gardner-Webb, Nov. 25, 2023
Had 3+ Interceptions N/A
Returned Interception For Touchdown 27, Ken Standley at The Citadel, Nov. 4, 2023
Returned Fumble For Touchdown 24, Mic Wasson at Western Carolina, Oct. 28, 2023
Had 3.0+ Tackles For Loss 4.0, Solomon Zubairu vs. Samford, Nov. 11, 2023
Had 4.0+ Tackles For Loss 4.0, Solomon Zubairu vs. Samford, Nov. 11, 2023
Had 2.0+ Sacks 2.0, Solomon Zubairu vs. Samford, Nov. 11, 2023
Blocked A Punt 1, Ty James vs. VMI, Oct. 16, 2021
Blocked A Field Goal 1, Jordan Swain vs. North Alabama, Aug. 26, 2023
Blocked A PAT 1, Harrison Poole vs. Furman, Nov. 17, 2016
A MERCER PLAYER (MISCELLANEOUS)...
Returned Kickoff For Touchdown 93, Devron Harper vs. Morehead State, Aug. 27, 2022
Returned Opening Kick For Touchdown 100, Deondre Johnson at Jacksonville State, Oct. 10, 2020
Returned Blocked Punt For Touchdown 5, Jabari Scruggs vs. Warner, Sept. 14, 2013
Returned Blocked Field Goal For Touchdown N/A
Returned PAT For Score 1, Sebastian Hicks at Davidson, Nov. 2, 2013
Player Scored 3+ TDs Carter Peevy vs. Samford, Nov. 11, 2023
Played Scored 4+ TDs 5, Fred Davis vs. Samford, Oct. 2, 2021
Played Scored 5+ TDs 5, Fred Davis vs. Samford, Oct. 2, 2021
Passed For 200/Rushed For 100 217 (P)/145 (R) John Russ vs. Jacksonville, Nov. 9, 2013
100-Yard Rusher/100-Yard Receiver 192 (rec.) Ty James vs. Morehead State, Aug. 27, 2022 140 (rush) Austin Douglas vs. Morehead State, Aug. 27, 2022
60+ Yard Punt 70, Trey Turk vs. The Citadel, Sept. 17, 2022
70+ Yard Punt 70, Trey Turk vs. The Citadel, Sept. 17, 2022
50+ Yard Field Goal 51, Devin Folser at Western Carolina, Oct. 9, 2021
Two 50+ Yard Field Goals 50 and 51, Devin Folser at Western Carolina, Oct. 9, 2021
70+ Yard Punt Return 73, Devron Harper vs. VMI, Sept. 30, 2023 (TD)
80+ Yard Punt Return 87, Devron Harper at VMI, Oct. 29, 2022
90+ Yard Punt Return 99, Chandler Curtis at Samford, Oct. 4, 2014
70+ Yard Kickoff Return 93, Devron Harper vs. Morehead State, Aug. 27, 2022 (TD)
80+ Yard Kickoff Return 93, Devron Harper vs. Morehead State, Aug. 27, 2022 (TD)
90+ Yard Kickoff Return 93, Devron Harper vs. Morehead State, Aug. 27, 2022 (TD)
THE LAST TIME...
AN OPPOSING TEAM...
Scored 50+ Points
Scored 60+ Points
Scored 70+ Points
Scored 80+ Points
Scored 90+ Points
73, at Ole Miss, Sept. 2, 2023 (73-7)
73, at Ole Miss, Sept. 2, 2023 (73-7)
73, at Ole Miss, Sept. 2, 2023 (73-7)
92, at Auburn, Oct. 14, 1916 (92-0)
92, at Auburn, Oct. 14, 1916 (92-0)
Shut Out Mercer In Macon vs. Georgia, Sept. 27, 1941 (81-0)
Shut Out Mercer In Macon (Conference) vs. Samford, Oct. 16, 1936 (0-0)
Shut Out Mercer At Opponent Home at South Dakota State, Dec. 2, 2023(41-0)
Shut Out Mercer At Opponent Home (Conference) at Samford, Oct. 9, 1937 (7-0)
Shut Out Mercer In 1st Quarter at South Dakota State, Dec. 2, 2023
Shut Out Mercer In 1st Half at South Dakota State, Dec. 2, 2023
Shut Out Mercer Through 3 Quarters at South Dakota State, Dec. 2, 2023
Shut Out Mercer In 2nd Half at South Dakota State, Dec. 2, 2023
Recorded 30+ First Downs 34 at Samford, Nov. 19, 2022
Recorded 40+ Rushing Attempts 44 at South Dakota State, Dec. 2, 2023
Recorded 50+ Rushing Attempts 52 at VMI, March 13, 2021
Recorded 60+ Rushing Attempts 63 at Army, Oct. 24, 2020
Recorded Less Than 25 Yards Rushing 18 vs. Tennessee Tech, Sept. 17, 2016
Recorded Less Than 50 Yards Rushing 37 vs. Gardner-Webb, Nov. 25, 2023
Recorded Less Than 100 Yards Rushing 37 vs. Gardner-Webb, Nov. 25, 2023
Recorded 200+ Yards Rushing 346 at South Dakota State, Dec. 2, 2023
Recorded 300+ Yards Rushing 346 at South Dakota State, Dec. 2, 2023
Recorded 400+ Yards Rushing 410 at East Tennessee State, Nov. 16, 2019
Recorded 40+ Pass Attempts 44 vs. Gardner-Webb, Nov. 25, 2023
Recorded 50+ Pass Attempts 52 at Western Carolina, Oct. 28, 2023
Recorded 60+ Pass Attempts
Recorded 70+ Pass Attempts
70 vs. VMI, Sept. 29, 2018
70 vs. VMI, Sept. 29, 2018
Recorded Less Than 100 Yards Passing 45 at East Tennessee State, Oct. 7, 2023
Recorded Less than 200 Yards Passing 139 at The Citadel, Nov. 4, 2023
Recorded 300+ Yards Passing 388 at Western Carolina, Oct. 28, 2023
Recorded 400+ Yards Passing 524 at Ole Miss, Sept. 2, 2023
Recorded 500+ Yards Passing 524 at Ole Miss, Sept. 2, 2023
Had Less Than 150 Yards Of Total Offense 126 at East Tennessee State, Oct. 7, 2023
Had Less Than 200 Yards Of Total Offense 126 at East Tennessee State, Oct. 7, 2023
Recorded 500+ Yards Of Total Offense 571 at South Dakota State, Dec. 2, 2023
Recorded 600+ Yards Of Total Offense 667 at Ole Miss, Sept. 2, 2023
Recorded 700+ Yards Of Total Offense N/A
Recorded 80+ Offensive Plays
101 at Samford, Nov. 19, 2022
Recorded 90+ Offensive Plays 101 at Samford, Nov. 19, 2022
Recorded 100+ Offensive Plays 101 at Samford, Nov. 19, 2022
Forced 5+ Mercer Turnovers 6 at Chattanooga, Oct. 22, 2022
Intercepted 3+ Mercer Passes 3 at VMI, Oct. 29, 2022
Intercepted 4+ Mercer Passes 4 at Chattanooga, Oct. 22, 2022
Had 0 Turnovers 0 vs. Chattanooga, Oct. 14, 2023
AN OPPOSING PLAYER (PASSING)...
Had 300+ Yards Passing 388, Cole Gonzales, at Western Carolina, Oct. 28, 2023
Had 400+ Yards Passing 454, Michael Hiers, at Samford, Nov. 19, 2022
Had 500+ Yards Passing N/A
Had 30+ Completions 32, Cole Gonzales, at Western Carolina, Oct. 28, 2023
Had 40+ Completions N/A
Had 30+ Attempts 38, Jaylen King, vs. Gardner-Webb, Nov. 25, 2023
Had 40+ Attempts 51, Cole Gonzales, at Western Carolina, Oct. 28, 2023
Had 50+ Attempts 51, Cole Gonzales, at Western Carolina, Oct. 28, 2023
Had 60+ Attempts 70, Reece Udinski, at VMI, Sept. 29, 2018
Had 80+ Attempts 70, Reece Udinski, at VMI, Sept. 29, 2018
Threw A 50+ Yard Pass 56, Pauly Seeley to Alec Holt, vs. Wofford, Oct. 21, 2023
Threw A 60+ Yard Pass 66, Sam Howell to Dyami Browk, at North Carolina, Sept. 29, 2018 (TD)
Threw A 70+ Yard Pass 76, H. Williams to D. Bargnare, vs. Campbell, Sept. 28, 2019 (TD)
Threw A 80+ Yard Pass 94, Devlin Hodges to Emmanuel Obajimi, vs. Samford, Nov. 21, 2015 (TD)
Threw A 90+ Yard Pass 94, Devlin Hodges to Emmanuel Obajimi, vs. Samford, Nov. 21, 2015 (TD)
Had 4+ TD Passes 5, Cole Gonzales, at Western Carolina, Oct. 28, 2023
Had 5+ TD Passes 5, Cole Gonzales, at Western Carolina, Oct. 28, 2023
Had 6+ TD Passes N/A
Had 3+ Rushing Touchdowns 3, Jarquez Hunter, at Auburn, Sept. 3, 2022
Had 4+ Rushing Touchdowns 4, Lorenzo Long, vs. Wofford, Nov. 22, 2014
Two Players Caught 10+ Passes 11, Kris Thornton and 10, Javeon Lara, at VMI, Sept. 29, 2018
100+ Yards Receiving 106, Jaxon Janke, at South Dakota State, Dec. 2, 2023
Two Players With 100+ Yards Receiving 144 Chandler Smith, at Samford, Nov. 19, 2022 117 D.J. Rias, at Samford, Nov. 19, 2022
Three Players With 100+ Yards Receiving 127, Reggie Bell, at San Diego, Oct. 5, 2013 121, Sam Hoekstra, at San Diego, Oct. 5, 2013 111, Brandon White, at San Diego, Oct. 5, 2013
100+ Yards Receiving By Running Back 102, Connell Young, vs. Western Carolina, Oct. 20, 2018
Had 200+ Yards Receiving 218, Aaron Sanders, vs. VMI, Oct. 24, 2015
Had 3+ TD Catches 4, Tre Harris, at Ole Miss, Sept. 2, 2023
Had 4+ TD Catches 4, Tre Harris, at Ole Miss, Sept. 2, 2023
Had 5+ TD Catches N/A
AN OPPOSING PLAYER (RUSHING)...
Had 100+ Yards Rushing 117, Isaiah Davis, at South Dakota State, Dec. 2, 2023 107, Amar Johnson, at South Dakota State, Dec. 2, 2023
Had 200+ Yards Rushing 255, Quay Holmes, at East Tennessee State, Nov. 16, 2019
Had 250+ Yards Rushing 255, Quay Holmes, at East Tennessee State, Nov. 16, 2019
Quarterback Rushed For 100+ Yards 144, Jaylan Adams, at The Citadel, Feb. 27, 2021
Two Players With 100+ Yards Rushing 117, Isaiah Davis, at South Dakota State, Dec. 2, 2023 107, Amar Johnson, at South Dakota State, Dec. 2, 2023
Had A 50+ Yard Run 80, Angel Johnson, at South Dakota State, Dec. 2, 2023
Had A 60+ Yard Run 80, Angel Johnson, at South Dakota State, Dec. 2, 2023
Had A 70+ Yard Run 80, Angel Johnson, at South Dakota State, Dec. 2, 2023
Had A 80+ Yard Run 80, Angel Johnson, at South Dakota State, Dec. 2, 2023
Had A 90+ Yard Run 94, K’rondis Larry, at Samford, Nov. 21, 2015
Had 20+ Rushing Attempts 22, Ailym Ford, at Chattanooga, Oct. 22, 2022
Had 30+ Rushing Attempts 32, Ailym Ford, vs. Chattanooga, Oct. 5, 2019
AN OPPOSING PLAYER (DEFENSE)...
Had 15+ Tackles 15, William McRainey, vs. Gardner-Webb, Nov. 25, 2023
Had 20+ Tackles 20, Christian Snyder, at Chattanooga, March 27, 2021
Had 2+ Interceptions 2, Alex Oliver, at VMI, Oct. 29, 2022
Had 3+ Interceptions N/A
Had Interception Returned For TD 53, Kameron Brown, at Chattanooga, Oct. 22, 2022
Had 2+ Interceptions Returned For TD 2, Kendel Jackson, vs. Austin Peay, Sept. 14, 2019
Had Fumble Returned For TD 55, Joe Beckett, vs. Wofford, Oct. 23, 2021
Had 3.0+ Tackles For Loss 4.0, Ty French, vs. Gardner-Webb, Nov. 25, 2023
Had 4.0+ Tackles For Loss 4.0, Ty French, vs. Gardner-Webb, Nov. 25, 2023
Had 5.0+ Tackles For Loss 5.0, Landon Moore, at Marist, Nov. 16, 2013
Had 2.0+ Sacks 3.0, Ty French, vs. Gardner-Webb, Nov. 25, 2023
Had 3.0+ Sacks 3.0, Ty French, vs. Gardner-Webb, Nov. 25, 2023
Had 4.0+ Sacks N/A
Blocked A Punt 2, Teddy Wilson, at East Tennessee State, Oct. 7, 2023
Blocked Two Punts 2, Teddy Wilson, at East Tennessee State, Oct. 7, 2023
Blocked A Field Goal 1, Jack Barton, at Furman, Sept. 23, 2023
Blocked a PAT Attempt 1, Joshua Long, at Samford, April 17, 2021
AN OPPOSING PLAYER (MISCELLANEOUS)...
Returned Kickoff For Touchdown 94, Reid Johnson, vs. The Citadel, Sept. 22, 2018
Returned Punt For Touchdown 70, Jordan Watkins, at Ole Miss, Sept. 2, 2023
Returned Blocked Punt For Touchdown 33, Jase McClellan, at Alabama, Sept. 11, 2021
Returned Blocked Field Goal For Touchdown N/A
Returned PAT For Score N/A
Scored 3+ Touchdowns 4, Tre Harris, at Ole Miss, Sept. 2, 2023
Scored 4+ Touchdowns 4, Tre Harris, at Ole Miss, Sept. 2, 2023
Passed For 200/Rushed For 100 360/185, Tyrie Adams, vs. Western Carolina, Oct. 20, 2018
Had A 60+ Yard Punt 60, Austin Hendley, vs. Gardner-Webb, Nov. 25, 2023
Had A 70+ Yard Punt 80, Ryan Belden, at San Diego, Oct. 5, 2013
Had An 80+ Yard Punt 80, Ryan Belden, at San Diego, Oct. 5, 2013
Had A 50+ Yard Field Goal 50, Jon Croft Hollingsworth, vs. Furman, Sept. 6, 2014
Made 4+ Field Goals 5, Clayton Crile, vs. Chattanooga, Oct. 14, 2023
Made 5+ Field Goals 5, Clayton Crile, vs. Chattanooga, Oct. 14, 2023
YEAR-BY-YEAR RESULTS
1892
Coach: Dave Beggs
Record: 1-2
DATE
Jan. 30 L at Georgia 0-50 Athens, Ga.
March 27 L Savannah St. Library Assoc. 2-20 Macon
Nov. 5 W Georgia Tech 12-6 Macon
POINTS 14-76
1893 NO TEAM
1894
Coach: George T. Stallings Record: 0-1
Nov. 11 L at Georgia Tech 6-10
1895 NO TEAM
1896
Coach: D.J. Winston
Record: 0-2-1 (SIAA: 0-2-1) DATE W-L-T OPPONENT
Oct. 6 L *Auburn 0-46 Macon Oct. 31 L *Georgia Tech 4-6 Macon Nov. 21 T *at Georgia Tech 4-4
1897
Coach: Gordon Saussy
Record: 0-1 (SIAA: 0-1)
DATE W-L-T
Oct. 23 L *Auburn 0-26 Macon
POINTS 0-26
1898-1902 NO TEAM
1903
Coach: N/A
Record: 0-1 (SIAA: 0-1)
10 L
1904-05 NO TEAM
1906
Coach: E.E. Tarr
Record: 2-3 (SIAA: 0-2)
DATE W-L-T
Oct. 8 W Gordon Prep 28-5 Macon
Nov. 3 L *Georgia 0-55
Nov. 10 L
Nov. 16 W
1907
Coach: H.R. Shencker
Record: 3-3 (SIAA: 0-3)
DATE W-L-T OPPONENT
Oct. 12 W at Florida 6-0
19 L *Georgia 6-26
Oct. 24 L *vs. Mississippi State 0-75
2
9
16
1908
Coach: Frank Blake Record: 3-4 (SIAA: 0-3)
DATE W-L-T OPPONENT
Oct. 3
10 W Florida 24-0
Oct. 17 L *Auburn 0-23 Macon
Oct. 31 L *at Georgia 0-10 Athens, Ga.
Nov. 17 L The Citadel 0-10 Charleston, S.C.
Nov. 19 L *Georgia Tech 6-16 Macon
Nov. 26 W Samford 45-0 Macon TOTAL POINTS 131-59
1909
Coach: Frank Blake Record: 3-4 (SIAA: 0-4)
Oct. 2 L *at Vanderbilt
9 W Norman College
Oct. 16 L *Auburn 5-23
Oct. 23 L *Samford 5-6
Nov. 6 W Chattanooga 10-2
Nov. 13 L *Georgia Tech 0-35
20 W South Carolina 5-3
1910
Coach: C.C. Stroud Record: 6-3 (SIAA: 3-2)
DATE W-L-T OPPONENT
Sept. 24 W Locust Grove Institute 32-0 Macon Oct. 1 W *at Clemson 3-0 Clemson, S.C.
Oct. 8 W Georgia Medical College 22-0 Macon
Oct. 15 L *at Georgia Tech 0-46 Atlanta, Ga.
Oct. 22 W Florida 13-0 Macon
Oct. 29 L *at Georgia 0-21 Athens, Ga.
Nov. 5 L Chattanooga 0-6 Macon
Nov. 12 W *at The Citadel 21-0 Charleston, S.C.
Nov. 24 W *Samford 28-0 Macon
TOTAL POINTS 119-73
1911
Coach: C.C. Stroud Record: 4-6-1 (SIAA: 2-5)
DATE W-L-T OPPONENT SCORE SITE
Sept. 23 W Locust Grove Institute 25-0 Macon
Sept. 30 W Gordon State 12-0 Macon
Oct. 7 L *at Auburn 0-29 Auburn, Ala.
Oct. 14 L *vs. The Citadel 0-5 Savannah, Ga. Oct. 21 L *at Georgia Tech 0-17 Atlanta, Ga.
Oct. 28 L *at Georgia 5-8 Athens, Ga.
Nov. 4 L *Ole Miss 0-34 Macon
Nov. 11 L vs. Columbia (Fla.) 5-6 Valdosta, Ga.
Nov. 18 W *vs. Clemson 20-6 Columbus, Ga.
Nov. 25 T at Columbia (Fla.) 6-6 Lake City, Fla.
Nov. 30 W *Samford 29-0 Macon
TOTAL POINTS 102-111
YEAR-BY-YEAR RESULTS
1912
Coach: C.C. Stroud Record: 5-3-1 (SIAA: 2-3-1)
DATE W-L-T OPPONENT SCORE SITE
Sept. 28 W Gordon State 29-6 Macon, Ga.
Oct. 5 L *vs. Auburn 0-56 Columbus, Ga.
Oct. 12 W *at Samford 36-0 Birmingham, Ala.
Oct. 19 L *Georgia Tech 6-16 Macon
Oct. 26 W vs. Stetson 6-0 Waycross, Ga.
Nov. 2 W Columbia (Fla.) 71-0 Macon
Nov. 9 W *Tennessee 27-14 Macon
Nov. 16 L *Clemson 13-21 Macon
Nov. 28 T *vs. Florida 0-0 Jacksonville, Fla.
TOTAL POINTS 188-113
1913
Coach: Lewis Hardage Record: 2-5-1 (SIAA: 0-4-1)
DATE W-L-T OPPONENT SCORE SITE
Oct. 4 L *at Auburn 0-53 Auburn, Ala.
Oct. 11 W 10th District A&M School (Ga.) 44-0 Macon
Oct. 18 L *at Georgia Tech 0-33 Atlanta, Ga.
Oct. 25 T *vs. The Citadel 7-7 Savannah, Ga.
Nov. 1 W Alabama Presbyterian 33-0 Macon
Nov. 8 L vs. Stetson 6-13 Jacksonville, Fla.
Nov. 17 L *vs. Clemson 0-52 Macon
Nov. 27 L *vs. Florida 0-24 Jacksonville, Fla.
TOTAL POINTS 90-182
1914
Coach: Fred A. Robins
Record: 5-4 (SIAA: 0-3)
DATE W-L-T OPPONENT SCORE SITE
Sept. 26 W Gordon Prep 44-0 Macon
Oct. 4 L *Chattanooga 0-16 Macon
Oct. 10 L at Georgia Tech 0-105 Atlanta, Ga.
Oct. 21 W King (Tenn.) 27-7 Macon
Oct. 24 W at Georgia Military College 26-0 Milledgeville, Ga.
Oct. 31 W Furman 39-0 Macon
Nov. 7 L *at Mississippi State 0-66 Starkville, Miss.
Nov. 14 W at Stetson 44-0 DeLand, Fla.
Nov. 26 L *at Florida 0-14 Gainesville, Fla.
TOTAL POINTS 180-208
1915
Coach: Jake Zellars
Record: 5-4 (SIAA: 2-2)
DATE W-L-T OPPONENT SCORE SITE
Sept. 25 W Gordon State 6-0 Macon
Oct. 2 L at Georgia Tech 0-52 Atlanta, Ga.
Oct. 11 W *Wofford 13-6 Macon
Oct. 23 L *at Chattanooga 6-20 Chattanooga, Tenn.
Oct. 30 W *Samford 14-7 Macon
Nov. 6 L at Auburn 0-45 Auburn, Ala.
Nov. 12 W at South Georgia State 20-0 Douglas, Ga.
President William D. Underwood has led Mercer during a period of dynamic growth and development for the University. Since his appointment as Mercer’s 18th president in 2006, enrollment has increased by over 25 percent to more than 9,000 students. Mercer has launched second and third medical school campuses (Savannah and Columbus), initiated a master’s-level physician assistant program and a doctoral-level physical therapy program, and added Ph.D. programs in Clinical Psychology, Nursing, Counseling, Community Medicine, Educational Leadership, and Curriculum and Instruction.
U.S. News & World Report today ranks Mercer among the top tier of National Research Universities. Reflecting an increased emphasis on research, Mercer has been reclassified as a research university with high levels of research activity (R2) by the Carnegie Foundation. Over the past decade, the number of Ph.D. students has increased sevenfold, from fewer than 35 to more than 250, while the amount of annual externally funded research expenditures has grown to more than $50 million. In addition to increased levels of funding from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, Mercer scientists for the first time were funded as eminent cancer scientists by the Georgia Cancer Coalition, while other Mercer scientists are now receiving funding to support their research through the Georgia Research Alliance, a consortium of Georgia’s leading research universities that admitted Mercer to membership in 2014. Mercer has been named among the 35 leading institutions nationally for undergraduate research. In 2015 Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honor society, awarded Mercer a chapter, placing the University in a cohort of the nation’s most respected academic institutions.
The University has intensified its longstanding commitment to service-learning and community engagement under President Underwood’s leadership. The College Hill Corridor initiative – which is revitalizing a two-mile area between Mercer’s Macon campus and downtown – is supported by more than $7.5 million in funding from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and has won international awards for community redevelopment and has leveraged more than $200 million in public-private investment. The groundbreaking Mercer On Mission program, launched in 2007, has been recognized by the Clinton Global Initiative as “an exemplary approach to addressing a specific global challenge.” Mercer earned the highest federal recognition for community engagement by the Corporation for National and Community Service – the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Mercer became the first university in Georgia to receive the Carnegie Foundation’s designation for “Curricular Engagement and Outreach and Partnerships.”
19TH YEAR AT MERCER
NAMED MERCER UNIVERSITY’S 18TH PRESIDENT IN 2006 EARNED J.D. DEGREE AT UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
During President Underwood’s tenure, student achievement levels have reached new highs. During the 2020-21 academic year, five students won prestigious Fulbright Scholarships, three engineering students were named Goldwater Scholars, the most of any engineering school in the country, 12 students received appointments to the Peace Corps, prompting that organization to name Mercer among the five highest producers among Peace Corps prep sites, and 36 students were admitted to Phi Beta Kappa. One student was named a Rhodes Scholar finalist, another a finalist for the Truman Scholarship, and nearly 75 percent of the entering class of 2014 remained to graduate from Mercer – among the highest matriculation to graduation retention rates in the Southeast.
Under President Underwood’s leadership, Mercer resumed competition in intercollegiate football in 2013 after a 72-year hiatus. During the inaugural season, Mercer established a new NCAA Division I record for wins by a start-up program by going 10-2. Mercer was admitted to membership in one of the oldest and most prestigious intercollegiate athletic associations when it became a member of the Southern Conference in 2014.
During his tenure as president, the University has raised over $500 million in gifts. The endowment has tripled, to more than $500 million. Facilities projects totaling more than $300 million have been completed during President Underwood’s tenure, including the Spearman C. Godsey Science Center, the Stembridge Center for Student Success, the Hoskins Medical Education and Research Center, the Center for Clinical Research, the Tattnall Square Center for the Arts, the McDuffie Center for Strings, the Myers Admissions and Welcome Center, Drake Fieldhouse, Five Star Stadium, OrthoGeorgia Park, the Center for Collaborative Journalism, Legacy Residence Hall, the Engineering and Science Center, a new intramural complex, medical education and research facilities in Columbus and Savannah, and loft housing to accommodate more than 900 undergraduate and 150 graduate students. The University has also made significant investments that have contributed to a rapidly revitalizing Downtown Macon. It has repurposed the former Georgia Music Hall of Fame and the Thomas Jefferson Building into clinical facilities for the Mercer School of Medicine, renovated a historic Second Street building to house the McEachern Art Center, and restored the iconic Capricorn Sound Studios as Mercer Music at Capricorn.
In 2019, the 100 Black Men of Macon-Middle Georgia presented President Underwood with the Sam Hart, Sr. Community Impact Award, and in 2013 the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce honored him with its Citizen of the Year Award in recognition of his service to the community. The Macon Telegraph in 2016 named him as its Middle Georgian of the Year. Georgia Trend magazine has named him among the 100 Most Influential Georgians for 10 consecutive
years, from 2013-2022. He was named in 2014 as recipient of the Leadership Character Award by the Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership and has served as a member of the NCAA Division I Presidential Advisory Group and as Chair of the Southern Conference President’s Council.
Prior to joining Mercer, President Underwood served at Baylor University as interim president and held the prestigious Leon Jaworski Chair at the Baylor School of Law. President Underwood is an accomplished educator and scholar. He was designated a Master Teacher at Baylor in recognition of extraordinary classroom teaching over an extended period. In 2008, the Baylor Alumni Association presented him with its W.R. White Distinguished Service Award.
An elected member of the American Law Institute and the American Bar Foundation, President Underwood was awarded the J.D. degree summa cum laude by the University of Illinois College of Law in 1985, where he graduated as class salutatorian and was an editor of the University of Illinois Law Review. Following graduation, he clerked for the Honorable Sam D. Johnson of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, prior to practicing law with the Carrington, Coleman law firm in Dallas. He and his spouse Lesli have been married for 40 years. They are the proud parents of two children, Jessica, who is an attorney practicing trial law in Texas, and William, who is a Ph.D. student studying the philosophy of religion at the University of Chicago.
director of athletics
JIM COLE
Director of Athletics
Mercer, 1993
Jim Cole assumed duties as Director of Athletics for Mercer University on July 1, 2010. Prior to being named to his current post, Cole served as Mercer’s Senior Associate Director of Athletics for External Affairs where he headed up the Mercer Athletics Foundation, while also serving as a state representative in Georgia and working in private business.
During his time as Director of Athletics, Cole has imparted visionary leadership which has helped vault Mercer into the upper echelon of Division I athletic programs. Since his arrival, Mercer student-athletes have made NCAA Tournament appearances in baseball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, women’s lacrosse, men’s golf and women’s golf. The 14th-seeded men’s basketball team made a splash on the national landscape in 2014 with a stunning 78-71 defeat of third-seeded and sixth-ranked Duke in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Cole’s tenure has seen numerous postseason successes from the men’s and women’s basketball programs. Mercer men’s basketball is the only program in the nation to win a game in each of the four postseason tournaments – CIT (2012), NIT (2013), NCAA (2014) and CBI (2015). The women’s basketball team continued their championship ways in the 2021-22 season by claiming their fourth Southern Conference Tournament title across a five-year span, while also advancing to the NCAA Tournament to face top-seeded UConn in Storrs, Conn. It was also Mercer’s sixth Southern Conference crown over a dominant seven-year stretch.
The 2022-23 athletic year was a great success for numerous teams. The men’s soccer squad rolled through the Southern Conference Tournament unscathed, while the women’s lacrosse team claimed both the Big South regular season and tournament crowns. The football team was ranked as high as 17th in the national rankings, and used a late-season surge to earn its first berth into the NCAA postseason which included a first-round win over visiting Gardner-Webb.
15TH YEAR AT MERCER
FORMER GEORGIA STATE CONGRESSMAN (2004-10) MLB DRAFTEE (MILWAUKEE BREWERS, 1993)
Cole helped expand the department to 18 intercollegiate programs with the introduction of football, men’s lacrosse, women’s lacrosse, track & field and beach volleyball during his tenure. Most notably, he played a key role in the University’s revival of the football program, which took the field in the fall of 2013 after a 72-year hiatus from the gridiron. The Bears went on to post a stellar 10-2 record in their first season back, setting an NCAA record for single-season wins by a Division I start-up program.
Mercer made a landmark transition into the Southern Conference, one of the oldest and most prestigious conferences in the South, in 2014, and has found great success in both athletics and academics. The Bears are proud affiliates of the Southern Conference, which prides itself in a tradition of academic excellence and has a storied history of programs that have established success in the Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference afterward.
Multiple Mercer student-athletes have gained national, regional and conference recognition since transitioning into the Southern Conference, including Kyle Lewis who was crowned college baseball’s national player of the year in 2016 when he won the 39th Golden Spikes Award given annually to the nation’s top amateur baseball player. Lewis was selected No. 11 overall by the Seattle Mariners in the 2016 MLB Draft.
Numerous facility upgrades have also taken place under Cole’s watch, including the construction of the Moye Family Football & Lacrosse Complex and the installation of state-of-the art LED video scoreboards at the football, basketball and baseball venues. Mercer unveiled the stateof-the-art 1,500-seat OrthoGeorgia Park at Claude Smith Field prior to the 2017 baseball season, and Cole has also secured funds for upcoming major renovations to the program’s football and soccer facilities.
Arguably the most impressive accomplishment across Cole’s tenure, Mercer has created a high standard in academics as a Southern Conference member. Mercer University won its ninth consecutive Barrett-Bonner Award from the Southern Conference following the 2022-23 academic year which is given to the SoCon member with the highest
percentage of its student-athletes on the league’s academic honor roll. The Bears have led the SoCon in honor roll recipients every year dating back to their inaugural season in 2014-15.
Fifteen Mercer student-athletes have earned CoSIDA/CSC Academic All-America honors during Cole’s tenure, more than triple the amount prior to his arrival.
A native of Augusta, Cole came to Mercer as a student-athlete on academic scholarship in 1990 and lettered in baseball from 1990-93. He was recipient of the Charles C. Morgan Outstanding Student-Athlete Award and graduated with honors from the University in 1993. He was drafted as a pitcher by the Milwaukee Brewers in 1993.
An active community leader throughout the state, Cole has served as a board member for local chapters of the Salvation Army and Methodist Children’s Home. He is also a member of Forsyth United Methodist Church and serves on the Pastor Parrish Relationship Committee.
Cole is married to the former Gaylyn Lawson, a coach and teacher at Macon’s Stratford Academy. The couple resides in Forsyth and has two children - Caroline, a senior political science student at Mercer, and Lawson, a sophomore business administration major and pitcher on the Mercer baseball team.
