MACON, Georgia - (41NBC/WMGT) - The Mercer Bears Football program is off to a hot start in the 2024 season. They are 2-0 after two non-conference wins over Presbyterian and Bethune-Cookman 31-2 on Saturday. It's been such a great start, that the Bears are now ranked 23 nationally, according to Stats Perform, and 24 nationally, according to AFCA Coaches.
Now Head Coach Mike Jacobs and the nationally ranked Bears prepare for their first Southern Conference battle of the season against 14th ranked Chattanooga.
Before the Bears head to Tennessee, Coach Jacobs spoke on how Senior Wide Receiver Kelin Parsons has molded into this offense so seamlessly. "I think consistency is one of the biggest things that I would describe what he's done as a player" said Coach Jacobs about Parsons Monday.
"I think he's reliable, and consistent. He's shown some play making ability over the years. Then, he knows our offense, but not only does he know our offense, he knows us, he knows what we expect. I think that's good to have some guys, in today's day in age, in the locker room. If they are maybe unsure about how I'm coming off, then he can say 'hey, I've seen this happen, it's been this way, you got to just trust it and believe it'. They almost become your voice for you down there, as well as the captains. I think hes been critical in that point. I think hes done a great job just being humble and in grating himself to his teammates, and being a part of that locker room. We're going to continue to see him make plays for the bears."
Parsons said he's been doing this for so long, he considers himself a vocal leader for any team he plays for. "Where I was at, and where I'm at now, when everyone doesn't know whats up, they come to me, which I'm fine with because I've been doing it for so long, it's like I am a coach" Parson said Monday.
The Senior transfer Wide Receiver has been an intricate part of the 983 yards of offense Mercer has amassed in just two games.
On the defensive side of the ball, Senior Cornerback TJ Moore said he can be a vocal leader on defense, but this week, there isn't much to say. "Well, knowing we just came off the road win, we have to go on the road again to achieve our goal" Moore said Monday. "We got a lot of confidence going into this game. We got the mistakes out early, fixed those mistakes, and I mean its Chattanooga, there's nothing more to say."
Mercer and Chattanooga face off on Saturday at 6 p.m.