Normally, when a team at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level losses a player to the NFL Draft, there is a huge hole to fill for that position. The Mocs graduated cornerback Buster Skrine who was picked in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns. However, the secondary still looks more than solid heading into 2011.
Skrine, a two-time first team All-Southern Conference performer, had an outstanding career for the Mocs. He graduated with 155 tackles, 21 pass-break ups and five interceptions. Those 26 passes defended are even more impressive considering opposing teams did not throw the ball his way for the last two years of his career.
Despite the loss, Chattanooga has a very experienced secondary that includes two team captains. Seniors Chris Lewis-Harris (5-11, 175 - Smyrna, Ga.) and Jordan Tippit (6-0, 205 - Huntsville, Ala.) were both selected by their teammates to be leaders for the 2011 season. Their experience and abilities have made them significant contributors for the past three years.
"We've got guys who have played a lot of snaps," stated head coach Russ Huesman. "Starting with Chris Lewis-Harris, he has played both safety and corner. He has been a four-year starter and has done a great job. Jordan Tippit is starting for the third year at safety and I think he can have an excellent year."
Lewis-Harris is one of five fifth-year seniors and has made 33 starts in his career. He has four career INTs to go with 17 PBUs and has played both the corner and safety spots. The preseason All-SoCon second team member started camp at safety, but has recently moved over to corner.
Tippit was a first team All-SoCon selection after making five picks in 2009. He suffered an ankle injury at Jacksonville State that slowed him for much of last season, forcing him to miss two games. He is healthy for his senior year and anxious to add to his eight career INTs that are tied for No. 8 on the Mocs all-time list.
Sophomore Kadeem Wise (5-10, 170 - Lawrenceville, Ga.) broke the Mocs' freshman record with six interceptions in 2010. That mark was previously held by head coach Russ Huesman set back in 1978. Those picks earned Wise 2010 SoCon Freshman of the Year honors and his is a preseason all-league choice heading into 2011.
Sophomore D.J. Key (6-0, 195 - Centerville, Tenn.) has moved into the starting lineup at safety. A 2010 SoCon All-Freshman Team member, Key posted 57 tackles last season. He had 12 stops at Jacksonville State, stepping in for the injured Tippit.
Sophomore Chaz Moore (5-10, 165 - Memphis, Tenn.) was expected to replace Skrine in the starting lineup at cornerback. However, he has been slowed in camp due to a shoulder injury. Moore has recently been cleared to practice without contact and should be ready to go for the Nebraska game. Whether it is off the bench, or as a starter, Moore will play a ton of snaps in the secondary.
"We have a lot of experience back there," stated Lewis-Harris, "but we have a lot of young guys who have played in some games as well. We are pretty much going to come out and make plays and prevent big plays."
Junior Robert Harrison (5-10, 170 - Marietta, Ga.) and sophomore Don Cope (5-11, 185 - Maryville, Tenn.) are the only other returning lettermen who have seen collegiate action. Cope has played both safety and corner, while Harrison has been primarily a backup at corner.
The Mocs have a number of talented freshmen who could see time this year. Zach McCarter (6-3, 190 - Chattanooga, Tenn.) is the only one of this group who redshirted last season. The rest are all true freshmen.
T.J. Thompson (5-9, 170 - Sanford, Fla.) has looked strong during camp and is competing for one of the corner positions. Cam Montgomery (6-1, 195 - Orlando, Fla.) and Clim Robbins (5-8, 160 - Orlando, Fla.) were teammates at Jones High School in Orlando, Fla., and are now battling at safety and corner, respectively. Sema'je Kendall (5-11, 175 - Huntsville, Ala.) has also been impressive during camp.
The Mocs were eighth in the SoCon in pass defense, allowing 207.5 yards per game last season. That ranked No. 80 in the FCS. Those are definitely numbers UTC will have to improve upon to get to the top of the SoCon. They have the talent, they will just have to put it all together.
"This has got to be the year," stated Tippit. "It has to be a priority for the defense to play well. We can't just rely on our offense to score 40-50 points per game. This has got to be the year we stop all of the big plays, get off of the field on third down and make things happen."
