SKYHAWK FOOTBALL TO LEAN HEAVILY ON 20 SENIORS FOR SUCCESS IN 2018 CAMPAIGN; MEDIA GUIDE AVAILABLE

SKYHAWK FOOTBALL TO LEAN HEAVILY ON 20 SENIORS FOR SUCCESS IN 2018 CAMPAIGN; MEDIA GUIDE AVAILABLE

8/24/2018 4:48:00 PM | Football

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MARTIN, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee at Martin football is looking to get back to the program's standard in 2018 after a tumultuous season a year ago featured various ebbs and follows throughout the rigorous 11-game slate.

Known as one of the Ohio Valley Conference's pillars of consistency since head coach Jason Simpson took over prior to the 2006 season, UT Martin began the 2017 year on a strong note. The Skyhawks would knock off a pair of nationally ranked opponents and rise to as high as 18^th in the polls before hitting a three game losing streak midway through the schedule. After the sudden rise and fall in the standings, the Skyhawks would level off down the stretch to finish 6-5 overall and post a 4-4 mark in league action.

While the Skyhawks continued a stretch of 12 consecutive seasons without a losing record in league action, players and staff members alike inside the Bob Carroll Football Building were left with a bitter taste in their mouth heading into the offseason. With a hungry mix of returners and a talented recruiting class added to the fold, the Skyhawks have seen its senior leadership take control of the offseason while the team's underclassmen are following close behind.

"This is a good group," Simpson stated. "It has been something really special to see the metamorphosis of their character and maturity. It is fun to watch it happen because it's a talented group. I had the seniors over for dinner the other night and when I was looking around the room, there are a lot of guys who have played a bunch of football for us. They've done a great job, their athletic and have great twitch. Not only do they understand the standard, but they understood where the senior classes of the past dropped off and didn't reach their potential. This whole group tries to lead by example and it is fun to watch."

While the senior group is highlighted by the likes of All-OVC honorees LaDarius Galloway and James Gilleylen, the class as a whole is ripe with experience. When you add Nick Allen, Anthony Brown, Ty Brown, Antonio Clifton, Tyler Eddings, Mark Garrett, Andrew Horton-Martindale, Devonte Howard, Ty Jobe, Marcus LeFlore, Kyle Naes, Kevin Prather, Jr., Kevin Reid, Jaylen Smith, Porter Streator III, Nick Thomas, Julian Thompson-Clay and James Walker to the list, the 20-member group has combined for over 1,800 all-purpose yards and 695 tackles.

A reconfigured coaching staff has also helped to jump start season preparations on both sides of the ball. While the Skyhawk defense retained the majority of a staff which oversaw one of the nation's stingiest defenses, the squad added safeties coach and former Tennessee Tech assistant Chris Polizzi to the fold. Meanwhile on the offensive side, UT Martin welcomed back former assistant Geep Wade as one of the team's offensive coordinators with long-time assistant Kevin Bannon. Simpson also promoted Tyler Rice to coach the receiving core while Travis Partridge and Jared Barnett were hired to lead the quarterbacks and inside receivers, respectively.

"The changes we have made on our staff have been good for us," Simpson said. "We return a lot of consistency on the defensive side of the ball which should keep us ahead of the game. With how much success they had and a second-year defensive coordinator in Jordon Hankins, the staff is able to pick up where they left off. On the offensive side of the ball we were able to bring back a familiar component in Geep who knows what I'm comfortable with, but has also been some places with some fresh ideas. Sometimes when you want to make adjustments, it's easier to make changes with some new faces that provide a new outlook."

"There are always going to be some adjustments to be made," Simpson continued. "There are going to be positions where because of injury or lack of performance – or even recruiting – that you might have some deficiencies. The team has to find a way to overcome those things while the staff must focus on putting our players in the best position, X's and O's wise, to make those adjustments."
UT Martin will officially open the season with back-to-back matchups against members of the Football Bowl Subdivision, beginning at Southeast Conference foe Missouri on Saturday, Sept. 1, followed by an in-state matchup at Conference USA member Middle Tennessee on Saturday, Sept. 8. The Skyhawks will then close off the non-conference portion of their schedule on Sept. 15 when playing host to Southern Conference and system rival Chattanooga at Hardy M. Graham Stadium.

After a difficult nonconference slate, UT Martin will open league play against Austin Peay on Sept. 22. As a whole, the Skyhawks will host Austin Peay, Eastern Kentucky (Oct. 13), Southeast Missouri (Oct. 27) and Tennessee Tech (Nov. 10) while traveling to Murray State (Sept. 29), Eastern Illinois (Oct. 20), Jacksonville State (Nov. 3) and Tennessee State (Nov. 17) in league play.

Quarterbacks
After watching and learning through the first six games of the season a year ago, true freshman Dresser Winn got his chance at the starting job for the final five games of the regular season. While the sample was small, his raw ability gave fans reason for optimism as he completed 50-of 90 pass attempts for 744 yards and five touchdowns. He was rewarded for his strong play in the season finale by being named OVC Newcomer of the Week with 271 yards of total offense – including 210 passing and 61 rushing – while recording three touchdowns – two passing and one rushing. While Winn will get the starting nod, junior Joe Hudson is nipping at his heels after a strong redshirt season. True freshman John Bachus III is also a name to keep in mind for the future.

Quarterbacks: John Bachus III, Trip Gibson, Joe Hudson, Ty Jobe, Colton Prater and Dresser Winn.

"When Dresser got in last year for the final five games, half of the stuff was new on a weekly basis with a freshman quarterback," Simpson said. "Now with his experience and Joe being here a year, it is easier to add some extra bells and whistles. It's exciting to see how Dresser has progressed through the offseason and the steps he has taken, but Joe has really improved. He has proven that he could play for this team. We feel confident that our quarterback core has two of the best playmakers on the team. It's good to have two mobile quarterbacks that can make plays, take care of the football and lead the team."

Running Backs
Heading into the 2017 season, the running back group was a combination of intrigue and uncertainty. After Preseason All-OVC Jaimiee Bowe suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in fall camp, the Skyhawks turned to junior newcomer LaDarius Galloway for production. Little did the Skyhawks know that Galloway would turn into an All-OVC performer himself in his debut season, notching 172 carries for 859 yards and four touchdowns – while also notching 307 yards in the receiving game. His best game came against Ole Miss where he rushed for 188 yards and a touchdown. With Bowe returning to the fold (747 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in 2016) along with sophomore speedster Peyton Logan (22 carries, 137 yards), junior newcomer Kevon Abrams and senior Ty Brown (81 carries, 256 yards, one touchdown), the Skyhawk running back core looks to be a strength.

Running Backs: Kevon Abrams, Jaimiee Bowe, Ty Brown, Deashun Fields, LaDarius Galloway, Jarious Johnson, Marcus LeFlore and Peyton Logan.

"That group is significantly better," Simpson said. "When we lost Jaimiee last year, we had a lot of question marks because we didn't know how good LaDarius was. Last year we saw a lot of guys get carries basically trying to fill his void. Now that Jaimiee is back and LaDarius has gotten considerably better after an incredible offseason while Peyton has also made major strides, we feel like we have some dynamic depth. When you add in players like Ty and Kevon, we can go four or five deep at the position."

Wide Receiver
The receiving core was an area which failed to take off a season ago with a wealth of youth highlighting the group. With another year of development under their belt and the addition of some impact receivers, the Skyhawks look to the wide receiving core to take the next step. The length and athleticism of Jaylon Moore (18 receptions, 297 yards, three touchdowns), Rodney Williams II, Donnell Williams, Ben Phillips, Jr. and Colton Dowell will be featured on the outside of the aerial attack. At the slot position, senior Devonte Howard (12 receptions, 155 yards, one touchdown) will look to build upon a handful of starts a year ago while the addition of JUCO all-american Terry Williams and freshman Jeremy Horton will keep defenders on their toes.

Wide Receivers: Phil Benker, Colton Dowell, Tyler Eddings, Jeremy Horton, Devonte Howard, Deray Lawrence, Jaylon Moore, Andres Pierce, Ben Phillips, Jr., Logan Sakarapanee, Donnell Williams, Rodney Williams II and Terry Williams.

"I will tell you that in practice, Terry is one of the best practice players that we've ever had," Simpson said. "He practices so hard and does everything you could ask him to do. With Terry, Devonte and Jeremy at the slot, there is a lot of promise at the position. Then on the outside, there are several guys like Jaylon, Rodney, Donnell, Ben and Colton that show glimpses of their ability but we are just looking for more consistency."

Tight Ends
Gone are the days of big-bodied full backs and pass-blocking tight ends for the Skyhawks. UT Martin will look to a group of athletic tight ends to pave the way for the offense. Junior Christian Philpott (eight receptions, 114 yards) returns to the starting lineup after transitioning to the tight end group as pass-catching tight end. Junior Chance Key provides a good mixture of athleticism and strength to fill a variety of roles in both phases of the offensive script. With several intriguing option building depth behind the front pair, true freshman Davin Dyal is a player to keep an eye on for the future.

Tight Ends: Davin Dyal, Chance Key, Christian LaBreche, Christian Philpott, Collin Tatko and Julian Thompson-Clay.

"I think this is one of the best tight end groups we have had in several years," Simpson said. "The first two in Christian and Chance are strong options for us. Christian is still trying to figure out the position after moving over from receiver but with Chance you see a passion for football that is the highest it has been. Even when you look at Davin, he has incredible upside and is arguably the best high school tight end we have ever recruited."

Offensive Line
While the skill positions get much of the praise, any offense is only as strong as its offensive line. With a handful of program veterans returning to the fold along with some talented newcomers, the offensive line remains a question mark but features shades of optimism. Senior Nick Thomas (seven starts) returns as a starter at center while Austin Newsom (10 starts), Terry Fultz (three starts) and Mark Garrett (one start) each earned starts a year ago. A combination of the aforementioned quartet along with Nick Allen, James Walker and Chris Jackson will all compete for valuable reps at the five spots.

Offensive Line: Nick Allen, Aries Davis, Terry Fultz, Mark Garrett, Jordon Harrod, Chris Jackson, Shane McGroarty, Kyle Naes, Austin Newsom, Dustin Pope, Parker Pulliam, Michael Shanahan, Mason Swope, Nick Thomas, Sean Turner and James Walker.

"Our line has been a little dinged up throughout camp," Simpson stated. "While some of our young guys have received some valuable reps, we feel like the line can be an area of improvement over a year ago. We are looking for at least eight guys that can play on Saturdays. While that is possibly the biggest question mark, we feel like the group can come together to protect the quarterback and open running lanes."

A season ago the Skyhawks saw their defense ranked amongst the nation's leaders in several statistical categories. UT Martin finished the regular season ranked nationally in the top-10 in red zone defense (third, 60.6 percent), scoring defense (fourth, 14.3), third down conversion defense (fifth, 28.7 percent), total defense (sixth, 273.8 ypg), punt return defense (seventh, 3.59), first downs defense (eighth, 168 ypg), team passing efficiency defense (eighth, 104.3), fourth down conversion defense (eighth, 28.6 percent), kickoff returns (eighth, 24.33 ypr) and passing yards allowed (ninth, 159.9 ypg). Not only did the team's 14.3 points allowed per game rank fourth nationally, it set a new program record.

While graduation hit the secondary and nose guard position hard, the Skyhawks feel with a full stable of linebackers returning from a year ago along with some explosive defensive ends, the team is primed for another strong defensive showing in 2018.

"We feel like we have eight potential All-OVC performers on the defensive side of the ball," Simpson said. "Returning everyone at linebacker along with a lot of depth at defensive end and safety, bodes well for another strong year defensively."

Defensive Line
Even though the Skyhawks have to answer the call of replacing All-OVC nose tackle and current defensive graduate assistant coach Jay Murphy, the cupboard is far from bare on the front three. Senior Anthony Brown (27 tackles, 2.5 TFL and 2.0 sacks) and junior Julian Crutchfield (31 tackles, 4.5 TFL and 1.5 sacks) started the majority of the games last season at both end positions. Newcomer Loren Young and junior returnee Joseph Murry (1.5 TFL and 0.5 sack) will provide depth at end. Meanwhile, sophomore Chase Joy (1.5 TFL and 1.0 sack) and junior Austin Pickett will slot into the open nose tackle position.

Defensive Line: Kameron Bowdry, Anthony Brown, Julian Crutchfield, Kenyonte Davis, Jared Gentry, Korbin Harmon, Chase Joy, D'Andre Litaker, TJ Minnifee, Joseph Murry, Austin Pickett, Deylon Williams and Loren Young.

"We feel like we are very athletic and faster at the point of attack than in years past," Simpson said. "After graduating an All-OVC guy at nose tackle, we look for our ends to be able to get out and make the opposition uncomfortable."

Linebackers
A big part of the defense's dominant nature fell on the shoulders of the linebacker core a year ago and this year will be no different. With all three starters returning to the fold for their respective senior campaigns, the Skyhawks look for big things out of the trio which includes All-OVC selection James Gilleylen (88 tackles, 9.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks, 5 QBH, 3 FF) while the duo of Kevin Prather, Jr. (77 tackles, 10.0 TFL, 1.0 sack, 8 QBH) and Garrett Wall (66 tackles, 8.5 TF, 2.0 sacks) have also earned preseason honors. Added depth behind the first three will come from juniors TJ Jefferson, Sherrod Pittman and Malik Harris.

Linebackers: Tyree Bryant, Ryan Davis, David DuBose, John Ford, James Gilleylen, Dion Goldbourne, Malik Harris, TJ Jefferson, David Little, Sherrod Pittman, Kevin Prather, Jr., Marquis Traylor and Garrett Wall.

"Our linebacker core certainly looks the part," Simpson state. "Returning three starters in James, Kevin and Garrett, we feel like as a unit, they are first team All-OVC. Even when you get past the first three, there is solid depth behind them with TJ and Sherrod."

Secondary
Perhaps the area hit hardest by turnover is the defensive secondary with the graduation of All-OVC safeties Khalid Hagens and Tae Martin along with Joseph Este who got a training camp invite with the Tennessee Titans. With all five opening day starters gone from a year ago, the Skyhawks will turn to a mixture of vets and newcomers to fill that void. At the corner position, newcomer DaVonte Maura and senior Andrew Horton-Martindale will get the nod while Jaylen Smith and Lamarcus Young are tabbed to the second unit. Graduate Porter Streator III (25 tackles) earned valuable reps down the stretch with three starts and will man the center safety position while Brandon Anderson (33 tackles) started a pair of contests. Hamilton Hendricks and Antonio Clifton will also see major time.

Defensive Back: Dazerius Bohanna, Josh Dodd, Kendarius Holliman, Andrew Horton-Martindale, DaVonte Maura, Tamel McCall, Wanya Moton, Kevin Reid, Jaylen Smith and Lamarcus Yougn.
Safeties: Brandon Anderson, Xavier Billings, Antonio Clifton, Hamilton Hendricks, Devan Hollins, Armunz Mathews, Hudson Nanney, Deven Sims, D'Carrious Stephens, Porter Streator III and Takeem Young.

"We feel confident with the trio of DaVonte, Andrew and Jaylen at the corner position," Simpson said. "Those are three veteran guys that we feel will give us a good shot to be successful. Meanwhile at safety, when you have a guy like Porter at the center of the defense, you will never see someone outmatch him in leadership, work ethic or intelligence. Add in Brandon, Hamilton and Antonio, you have four strong options at safety. We are just looking to add two more who can prove they can play at a high level consistently."

Specialists
The Skyhawks will look to a mixture of sophomore Ryan Courtright (2-of-3, long of 23 yards) and newcomer Ryan Clark to take control of the kicking game after the specialist combined to make 10-of-17 field goal attempts last season. True freshman Brock Powers will serve as the team's primary long snapper while junior Zane Cox will serve as the team's holder on kick attempts and will also factor in the punting game.

Kickers: Ryan Clark, Ryan Courtright
Punters: Zane Cox
Long Snappers: Chris McAbee, Brock Powers

"I think our specialist group is talented but we have to become consistent," Simpson stated. "If you cannot depend on your specialist to do their job, it changes the way you have to play call on that side of the field. We have several players with potential, but it's such a young group where we need them to learn on the fly."

Season ticket packages and single-game ticket sales for Skyhawk football are now available. For more information or to purchase your tickets today, visit ticket manager Fran Spears at the Skyhawk Ticket Office, located in Room 1091 in the Skyhawk Fieldhouse, call (731) 881-7207 or purchase online here.