The Chattanooga Mocs special teams unit has developed a consistent presence during fall camp.
photo by David Czarlinski/gomocs.com
The 18th-ranked Chattanooga Mocs continue fall camp in preparation for the 2021 campaign. GoMocs.com moves to the eighth installment in its 9-point season preview series moving to edge of the offensive line, the hybrid position that is the tight end.
Starters Returning (3): Gabe Boring, Cody Olszewski, Skyler WIlson
Starters Lost (0): N/A
Impact Transfers (2): Jason Pierce (All-OVC P), Aaron Sears
Returnees with career starts (1): Bryce Coulson
Special teams is a term that covers more than just a snap and a kick.
The return game – both in action and coverage – is just as important. Coverage is aided by directional kicks, subterfuge, height, spin, etc. There’s a lot more to it than foot meet ball.
Then again, foot strikes ball and flies through uprights. That’s simple, sort of. Factor in snap, hold and the timing and precision of gold medal synchronized swimmers when you watch a ball float through the goalposts.
“We’re much more consistent at all positions,” special teams coordinator Mike Yeager shared. “Really happy with where our snappers are. Aaron Sears is doing a great job and the punters Jason (Pierce) and Gabe (Boring) are kicking the ball really well. The guys are putting in the work and focusing on their technique.
“We’re better not only in our ability to actually catch the ball, but also the communication piece that makes positive returns possible.”
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
"The biggest thing is being consistent in what they do. We’ve gotten a little better doing some things. With Jason Pierce coming in and Aaron Sears along with Gabe being back, it’s helped us a bunch. Cody & Bryce just need to execute in that phase of it." – Head Coach Rusty Wright on special teams empasis
"We’ve got guys who can kick it where we need it and how we need it. If we do that consistently, we’ll have a chance to be pretty good with that group." – Wright on kicking fundamentals
"It’s just maintaining an even keel. You almost remove yourself from what’s going and just being in the moment. Just thinking about the result you want to happen." – LS Bryce Coulson on the mindset of a long snapper
NOTES
- Senior long snapper Bryce Coulson is lining up for his third straight Finley Stadium opener in just his second season in blue and gold. He was an EIU Panther in the 2019 beginning to the Rusty Wright Era looking to be on the winning side this time around.
- Aaron Sears has impressed in preseason practice hitting from 50+ yards during camp. His consistency and confidence have grown from week-to-week.
- Average starting position for opponents from kickoffs was 24.22 with a number of fair catches keeping the opposition closer the 25.
GoMocs.com continues its annual position-by-position preview Sunday with the running backs. The preview series starts with an article on the home of all things Mocs, GoMocs.com, followed throughout the day on various social media channels @GoMocsFB.
The schedule:
Season tickets are available by calling (423) 266-MOCS (6627) or online here at GoMocs.com. Fans also can go through the GoMocs app available on Android and Apple IOS devices in their respective app stores. Home games await hosting the Governors, Western Carolina, ETSU, Furman and The Citadel.