Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Saturday notebook; Camp wrapping up
8/24/2019 1:00:00 PM | Football
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Fall camp is closing Sunday for Middle Tennessee, and head coach Rick Stockstill and his Blue Raiders are itching to get into the first game week of the 2019 season.
"It's exciting; it's that time of camp when you're tired of going against each other all the time," the 14-year head coach said. "We've had more good than bad, and our attitude and work ethic has been excellent."
Here are some tidbits from the last week of camp:
Fan Day is TONIGHT:
The Blue Raiders' annual Fan Day will be from 7:15-9 p.m. tonight inside Floyd Stadium. It's free to attend, and the football, volleyball, soccer and cross country teams will sign autographs and talk with fans. There will also be live music from the popular band The Respectables, as well as countless family-friendly amenities, such as inflatables, giveaways, photo booths, autograph/ photo sessions and free food and drinks.
This year's Fan Day is combining with the University Event Convocation/President's Picnic, an annual event that welcomes students and family members to the university and marks the beginning of a new academic year. The President's Picnic is a time to eat and mingle with fellow students and administrators while hearing from President Dr. Sidney McPhee.
Free parking will be available at the Livestock Lot on campus, and a free shuttle will get fans to the stadium.
Position battles:
Several starting positions were up for grabs this offseason for Middle Tennessee, and while Stockstill likes where the team sits with most of them, some could change in the first few weeks of the regular season.
"We have some areas where we need answers, and I don't know if we'll get those answers until we play a couple of games and those guys see the lights come on," he said.
Quarterback: Redshirt sophomore Asher O'Hara has really started to stand out the last half of camp. He's battled this offseason with redshirt sophomore Chase Cunningham and junior transfer Randall Johnson for the starting spot.
O'Hara, who appeared in substitution duty for an injured Brent Stockstill against FIU in 2018, has impressed Rick Stockstill with his consistency during the last couple of weeks of camp.
"He's been a lot more consistent the last week and a half compared to the first week and a half, which you would hope would happen," Stockstill said. "You hope everybody gets better the further camp goes along."
Offensive line: With injuries limiting MT's only returning offensive line starters Josh Fannin and Amir Luckett this offseason, plenty of opportunities to step up have been given to new faces in the trenches.
Don't be surprised to see an entirely different line this season, made up of tackles Will Gilchrist (R-Jr.) and Robert Jones (Jr., Highland Community College transfer), guards Eric Seay (R-So.) and Marcus Greer (R-Fr.), and center Jack Mitchell (R-Sr.).
Middle linebacker: Last season's starting middle linebacker Darius Harris is now on the Kansas City Chiefs' roster, meaning a new name is needed in the middle of the Blue Raider defense.
Redshirt sophomore Cody Smith has impressed in camp. The converted safety will likely get the nod against Michigan, but redshirt senior Chris Melton will see plenty of time there too. Maryland transfer Brett Shepherd will also jump into the rotation if he's declared eligible by the NCAA.
Cornerback: While defensive coordinator Scott Shafer was tasked this offseason with finding new starting cornerbacks, he has plenty of quality ones to choose from. Sophomore Gregory Grate Jr. has had a terrific camp, along with redshirt junior Justin Brown, redshirt freshman Decorian Patterson, and redshirt seniors Desmond Anderson and Chris Stamps. Redshirt freshman Teldrick Ross has been hampered with a minor injury and limited in camp, but the coaching staff is very high on him once he's at full health.
Grate and Ross might be in line to start opening day, but there are plenty of guys Shafer can turn to on the outside and at nickel corner. Look for some freshmen to see some time, as well.
Punter: Matt Bonadies was a solid punter the last couple of seasons in Murfreesboro. Now, it's time for a new Blue Raider boot to take over.
Redshirt junior Matthew Stephenson, redshirt sophomore Kyle Ulbrich and freshman Matthew Rigney have alternated punting duties while auditioning for the job in camp and continue to do so.
"All three of those guys have really punted well," Stockstill said. "That's probably as consistent a group as we've had."
Blue Raiders' health:
Middle Tennessee has seen the injury bug flying around in camp, but it hasn't bitten too hard. Most of the Blue Raiders' ailments are minor, and Stockstill is pleased with how they got through the offseason.
"A couple of guys are nursing some injuries and might miss the first game, but, for the most part, it's been a healthy camp," he said.
Steady Crews-in':
After tying the Middle Tennessee single-season record in made field goals a season ago, redshirt junior Crews Holt has appeared more confident and stronger in this year's camp.
The former Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Kicker of the Year (2015) went 5-5 on field goals during the Blue Raiders' first scrimmage, then backed it up with a 7-9 effort in the second scrimmage, including makes of 55 and 52 yards.
Pierce standing out:
In a position where the Blue Raiders have an abundance of returning depth, one new wide receiver has stood out in camp.
Jarrin Pierce, a redshirt junior transfer from College of the Canyons (CA), has turned heads with his speed and toughness. He combined for four catches and 55 yards in the team's two scrimmages.
Fun stat of the day:
In 2018, linebacker Darius Harris and cornerback Darryl Randolph set the Middle Tennessee career games played record with 53 apiece. That high mark might not last long.
Entering 2019, seniors Jovante Moffatt and Chris Melton have played in 43 and 42 career games, respectively, putting them on pace to break the record. Ty Lee and Khalil Brooks have both played in 40 career games to tie for third on the team.
"It's exciting; it's that time of camp when you're tired of going against each other all the time," the 14-year head coach said. "We've had more good than bad, and our attitude and work ethic has been excellent."
Here are some tidbits from the last week of camp:
Fan Day is TONIGHT:
The Blue Raiders' annual Fan Day will be from 7:15-9 p.m. tonight inside Floyd Stadium. It's free to attend, and the football, volleyball, soccer and cross country teams will sign autographs and talk with fans. There will also be live music from the popular band The Respectables, as well as countless family-friendly amenities, such as inflatables, giveaways, photo booths, autograph/ photo sessions and free food and drinks.
This year's Fan Day is combining with the University Event Convocation/President's Picnic, an annual event that welcomes students and family members to the university and marks the beginning of a new academic year. The President's Picnic is a time to eat and mingle with fellow students and administrators while hearing from President Dr. Sidney McPhee.
Free parking will be available at the Livestock Lot on campus, and a free shuttle will get fans to the stadium.
Position battles:
Several starting positions were up for grabs this offseason for Middle Tennessee, and while Stockstill likes where the team sits with most of them, some could change in the first few weeks of the regular season.
"We have some areas where we need answers, and I don't know if we'll get those answers until we play a couple of games and those guys see the lights come on," he said.
Quarterback: Redshirt sophomore Asher O'Hara has really started to stand out the last half of camp. He's battled this offseason with redshirt sophomore Chase Cunningham and junior transfer Randall Johnson for the starting spot.
O'Hara, who appeared in substitution duty for an injured Brent Stockstill against FIU in 2018, has impressed Rick Stockstill with his consistency during the last couple of weeks of camp.
"He's been a lot more consistent the last week and a half compared to the first week and a half, which you would hope would happen," Stockstill said. "You hope everybody gets better the further camp goes along."
Offensive line: With injuries limiting MT's only returning offensive line starters Josh Fannin and Amir Luckett this offseason, plenty of opportunities to step up have been given to new faces in the trenches.
Don't be surprised to see an entirely different line this season, made up of tackles Will Gilchrist (R-Jr.) and Robert Jones (Jr., Highland Community College transfer), guards Eric Seay (R-So.) and Marcus Greer (R-Fr.), and center Jack Mitchell (R-Sr.).
Middle linebacker: Last season's starting middle linebacker Darius Harris is now on the Kansas City Chiefs' roster, meaning a new name is needed in the middle of the Blue Raider defense.
Redshirt sophomore Cody Smith has impressed in camp. The converted safety will likely get the nod against Michigan, but redshirt senior Chris Melton will see plenty of time there too. Maryland transfer Brett Shepherd will also jump into the rotation if he's declared eligible by the NCAA.
Cornerback: While defensive coordinator Scott Shafer was tasked this offseason with finding new starting cornerbacks, he has plenty of quality ones to choose from. Sophomore Gregory Grate Jr. has had a terrific camp, along with redshirt junior Justin Brown, redshirt freshman Decorian Patterson, and redshirt seniors Desmond Anderson and Chris Stamps. Redshirt freshman Teldrick Ross has been hampered with a minor injury and limited in camp, but the coaching staff is very high on him once he's at full health.
Grate and Ross might be in line to start opening day, but there are plenty of guys Shafer can turn to on the outside and at nickel corner. Look for some freshmen to see some time, as well.
Punter: Matt Bonadies was a solid punter the last couple of seasons in Murfreesboro. Now, it's time for a new Blue Raider boot to take over.
Redshirt junior Matthew Stephenson, redshirt sophomore Kyle Ulbrich and freshman Matthew Rigney have alternated punting duties while auditioning for the job in camp and continue to do so.
"All three of those guys have really punted well," Stockstill said. "That's probably as consistent a group as we've had."
Blue Raiders' health:
Middle Tennessee has seen the injury bug flying around in camp, but it hasn't bitten too hard. Most of the Blue Raiders' ailments are minor, and Stockstill is pleased with how they got through the offseason.
"A couple of guys are nursing some injuries and might miss the first game, but, for the most part, it's been a healthy camp," he said.
Steady Crews-in':
After tying the Middle Tennessee single-season record in made field goals a season ago, redshirt junior Crews Holt has appeared more confident and stronger in this year's camp.
The former Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Kicker of the Year (2015) went 5-5 on field goals during the Blue Raiders' first scrimmage, then backed it up with a 7-9 effort in the second scrimmage, including makes of 55 and 52 yards.
Pierce standing out:
In a position where the Blue Raiders have an abundance of returning depth, one new wide receiver has stood out in camp.
Jarrin Pierce, a redshirt junior transfer from College of the Canyons (CA), has turned heads with his speed and toughness. He combined for four catches and 55 yards in the team's two scrimmages.
Fun stat of the day:
In 2018, linebacker Darius Harris and cornerback Darryl Randolph set the Middle Tennessee career games played record with 53 apiece. That high mark might not last long.
Entering 2019, seniors Jovante Moffatt and Chris Melton have played in 43 and 42 career games, respectively, putting them on pace to break the record. Ty Lee and Khalil Brooks have both played in 40 career games to tie for third on the team.
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