Bears Picked To Repeat, Send 11 To Preseason All-Conference Squad
7/22/2025 11:00:00 AM | Football
GREENVILLE, S.C. – Tenth-ranked Mercer hauled in six first-place votes to emerge as the preseason favorite to capture the 2025 Southern Conference title, while also sending 11 to the Preseason All-SoCon squad, in a Tuesday morning press release by the league office that kicked off SoCon Football Media Day in Greenville, S.C.
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Preseason all-American and reigning SoCon Freshman of the Year Andrew Zock was tabbed as the league's preseason defensive player of the year and was joined on the first team by offensive lineman Xavier Jennings, wide receiver Adjatay Dabbs and return specialist Brayden Smith.
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Running backs CJ Miller and Autavius Ison adorned the second team squad, as did offensive lineman Tyler Murray, wide receiver Adonis McDaniel and linebacker Donovan Watkins. Specialists John McConnell (punter) and Jaiden Hamilton (long snapper) earned a spot on the second team as well.
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The Orange & Black returns a dozen starters, including five on the offensive side of the ball, off of last year's 11-3 squad that captured the first conference championship in program history. The 12 starters will be joined by 28 other returning letterwinners, as well as 40 newcomers. Mercer will lift the lid on the new campaign on August 23 when it makes the short trip to Montgomery, Ala., to lock horns with fourth-ranked UC Davis in the FCS Kickoff.
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Reserved-seat season tickets for the 2025 home football schedule have already gone on sale and can be purchased for as little as $75 by visiting MercerBears.com/Tickets. Access to game day parking in the BEAR PLUS lots will continue to be based on giving levels to the Mercer Athletic Foundation. For more information about the BEAR PLUS program, e-mail maf@mercer.edu or call (478) 301-4003.
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Preseason all-American and reigning SoCon Freshman of the Year Andrew Zock was tabbed as the league's preseason defensive player of the year and was joined on the first team by offensive lineman Xavier Jennings, wide receiver Adjatay Dabbs and return specialist Brayden Smith.
Â
Running backs CJ Miller and Autavius Ison adorned the second team squad, as did offensive lineman Tyler Murray, wide receiver Adonis McDaniel and linebacker Donovan Watkins. Specialists John McConnell (punter) and Jaiden Hamilton (long snapper) earned a spot on the second team as well.
Â
The Orange & Black returns a dozen starters, including five on the offensive side of the ball, off of last year's 11-3 squad that captured the first conference championship in program history. The 12 starters will be joined by 28 other returning letterwinners, as well as 40 newcomers. Mercer will lift the lid on the new campaign on August 23 when it makes the short trip to Montgomery, Ala., to lock horns with fourth-ranked UC Davis in the FCS Kickoff.
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Reserved-seat season tickets for the 2025 home football schedule have already gone on sale and can be purchased for as little as $75 by visiting MercerBears.com/Tickets. Access to game day parking in the BEAR PLUS lots will continue to be based on giving levels to the Mercer Athletic Foundation. For more information about the BEAR PLUS program, e-mail maf@mercer.edu or call (478) 301-4003.
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