Offense On Display As Bears Wrap Up Spring Practice

MACON – Quarterbacks Braden Atkinson, Whitt Newbauer and DJ Smith all led multiple touchdown drives as Mercer showcased its offense on Saturday morning in its annual spring game at Five Star Stadium.

The 85-play controlled scrimmage that spanned just more than 90 minutes signaled the last of an NCAA-mandated 15 spring practice sessions for the Bears that began with an early-morning practice back on February 26.

"When you look at the totality of the 15 practices, I am really pleased with where we are at," said head coach Mike Jacobs. "We are so much further ahead than where we were at last year when we had to install everything. We have quite a few new faces on defense, but some of those young guys have been taking advantage of their time on the field. I am anxious to see how they continue to mature and develop over the summer."

The Bears opened up their offense from the get-go as Brayden Smith drew a pass interference call on a deep ball from Newbauer on the morning's opening play to kick-start a 75-yard touchdown drive. Atkinson was methodical in moving the Bears 75 yards for a score on his first action of the morning, while Smith escaped pressure on his first action of the morning and found a wide-open Micah Bell who scampered 75 yards down the near sideline for a touchdown.

"We have much more coming back offensively," Jacobs said. "Our wide receiver room is one of the deepest on our team, and our offensive line has done a nice job this spring. We are also really deep at running back and quarterback. We are excited about all of the development across the board. We are never satisfied, but we are really pleased with the work that everyone is putting in."

Mercer returns a dozen starters, including seven on the offensive side of the ball, from last year's squad that registered a program-best 11 victories amid its run to the NCAA FCS Quarterfinals. The list of returning starters includes a host of all-conference standouts, including defensive end Andrew Zock, offensive guard Tyler Murray, punter John McConnell and return specialist Brayden Smith.

The program will lift the lid on its 52nd season of intercollegiate football on August 23 when it treks to Montgomery, Ala., to face nationally-ranked UC Davis in the FCS Kickoff at the historic Cramton Bowl. The Bears will play the first of five home games the following week (August 30) when they suit up to battle Presbyterian at Five Star Stadium.

Season tickets for Mercer's 5-game home slate have already gone on sale and can be purchased for as little as $75 by visiting MercerBears.com/Tickets. Start times for each game will be announced this summer.

"We have to finish the year strong, academically, and then take a little breather at the beginning of May after finals," Jacobs said. "We'll come back and work our tails off all summer because we have a huge first game against UC Davis in the FCS Kickoff."

Offense On Display As Bears Wrap Up Spring Practice

Players Mentioned

Micah Bell

John McConnell

Tyler Murray

Whitt Newbauer

DJ Smith

Brayden Smith

Andrew Zock

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