Chattanooga Mocs Shine on Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List
Homecoming game against North Alabama, Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022 at Finley Stadium.
In The Know with Gino…
This week, the Chattanooga Mocs saw two of their standout players, defensive tackle Marlon Taylor and wide receiver Javin Whatley, named to the prestigious Shrine Bowl 1000 Watch List. This recognition marks the second consecutive year the Mocs have had multiple players featured on this list.
In 2023, edge rusher Jay Person and offensive tackle Griffin McDowell were honored on the list, making significant impacts in their careers. McDowell went on to sign an undrafted free agent contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, while Person secured a contract with the New England Patriots following a mini-camp invitation. They join safety Clay Fields III, who signed with the Indianapolis Colts, in continuing the Mocs’ growing legacy in the NFL.
The Mocs’ presence in the NFL continues to expand, with nine former players competing for spots on various teams’ 53-man rosters. Offensive lineman Corey Levin, a 2016 graduate, has re-signed with the Tennessee Titans for his eighth camp. Cole Strange (New England Patriots) and McClendon Curtis (Seattle Seahawks) are also part of this formidable group of offensive linemen.
On the defensive side, Jay Person is joined by linebacker Tae Davis (Carolina Panthers), along with defensive tackles Devonnsha Maxwell (Cincinnati Bengals) and Isaiah Mack (Miami Dolphins), showcasing the Mocs’ defensive strength across the league.
Beyond the NFL, former Mocs continue to make their mark in other professional leagues. Defensive end Vantrel McMillian competed for Michigan in the UFL this past spring, while Alejandro Bennifield played quarterback for the Massachusetts Pirates in the Indoor Football League (IFL). Edge rusher Austin Collier also participated in the IFL with the San Antonio Gunslingers.
About the Shrine Bowl 1000:
The Shrine Bowl 1000 annually highlights approximately 1000 all-star game-eligible players who have the potential to be drafted, signed after the draft, or invited to rookie mini-camps. This list offers a glimpse into the scouting process and serves as an early preview of college players eligible for the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl and the 2025 NFL Draft class.
Compiling the list involves extensive scouting from all levels of college football and consultations with NFL and college personnel to ensure the selection of the top 1000 players poised for NFL careers.
The East-West Shrine Bowl is a premier all-star event held at the Dallas Cowboys Facility in Frisco, Texas, on February 1, 2024. Selected players will receive coaching from NFL coaches, access to NFL-level resources and facilities, and opportunities to showcase their skills at the highest level.
SOURCE: UTC & NOOGAtoday
