The offensive line has long been a point of emphasis and pride at Chattanooga. This year’s room is no different with versatility and competition all across the unit.
Starters Returning (3): G/C Reid Williams, G Bryce Goodner, C Nick Cerimele
Starters Lost (2): T/G McClendon Curtis, T Lucas Lavin
Letter Winners Returning (6): G Malone VanGorder (7 starts), T Colin Truett (4), T Dave Monnot III (4), G Jeremiah Katt, G Luke Lane, G JD Broussard
Newcomers (13): Will Buchanan (Liberty), Will Collier (RS Fr.), Almarion Crim (Houston), Aidan Donald, Adorian Favors (RS Fr.), Parker Hollinsworth, Mason Hoyle, Jacob Klein (RS Fr.), Lucas Majer (Fr.), Griffin McDowell (Florida), Tyrell Ragland (Carson-Newman), Kanye Sawyer, Noah Templeton
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Versatile. That’s a key to this group. Reid Williams and Malone VanGorder are guards by trade but capable of playing center as well providing both depth and competition for returning starter Nick Cerimele. New transfer Almarion Crim from Houston has displayed the ability to potentially play anywhere across the front. Tackles Colin Truett and Will Buchanan also saw time at guard during spring drills so be prepared for anything when Sept. 2 finally comes. Tackle Griffin McDowell looks anchored on the edge, but he did play tight end and defensive line at Florida over two seasons while the other three were devoted to the offensive line.
Class Breakdown
Seniors (3): Nick Cerimele (7 career starts), Griffin McDowell, Colin Truett (26)
Juniors (6): Reid Williams (9), Malone VanGorder (7), Dave Monnot III (4), Jeremiah Katt (1), Luke Lane, Tyrell Ragland
Sophomores (4): Bryce Goodner (7), Almarion Crim, JD Broussard, Will Buchanan
Freshmen (9): Adorian Favors (Redshirt), Jacob Klein (RS), Will Collier (RS), Aidan Donald, Parker Hollinsworth, Lukas Majer, Mason Hoyle, Kanye Sawyer, Noah Templeton
Notes to Know…
- 37 of a possible 55 starts return from a year ago (67.3%). McClendon Curtis (11) and Lucas Lavin (7) make up the other 18. Nine different student-athletes made four or more starts with multiple changes at each position in 2022: LT (3), LG (2), C (2), RG (2) & RT (3).
- Grad transfer tackle Griffin McDowell (Florida) is on the Shrine Bowl 1000 list to open the season.
- G/C Reid Williams (Jr.) was a second All-SoCon pick in 2022. He was also a Sophomore All-America, while fellow guard Bryce Goodner claimed league All-Freshman as well as a Freshman All-America nod.
- A Mocs offensive lineman has won the last three Jacobs Blocking Trophies:2020-21: Cole Strange2021: Cole Strange2022: McClendon Curtis
- Three of Chattanooga’s six alums in the NFL play on the offensive line: Corey Levin (Tennessee), Cole Strange (New England) & McClendon Curtis (Las Vegas).
- HERO Sports named Reid Williams as the best player to wear No. 64 in its annual FCS Jersey countdown.
WATCH LISTS
Big week of watch lists for the program. The Shrine Bowl 1000 was released Monday with two Chattanooga Mocs, edge Jay Person and offensive lineman Griffin McDowell, firmly on the radar of NFL front offices. Yesterday, we shared the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team mention for junior defensive back Reuben Lowery III.
PRESEASON ALL-AMERICA TEAMS
Athlon – Jay Person
Bluebloods – Jay Person, Kam Brown
HERO Sports – Kam Brown
*This article is via GoMocs Athletics*
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