UT MARTIN FOOTBALL 2020 SIGNING CLASS RANKED 14TH NATIONALLY BY HERO SPORTS
2/5/2020 4:31:00 PM | Football
After proper vetting by Hero Sports, the Skyhawks signing class ranked 14th nationally amongst FCS programs and second in the Ohio Valley Conference.
Seven states are represented among the group, including 14 from Florida, four from Tennessee, two from both Alabama and Georgia along with one each from Hawaii, Mississippi and Missouri.
"It is always satisfying when you see a group come together," UT Martin head coach Jason Simpson said. "There were guys that we identified, were able recruit for a year and really build a bond with. It is fun to see all of that hard work come to fruition on National Signing Day. Then we were certainly opportunistic to snag a couple FBS-caliber players late that slipped through the cracks whom we look to do great things for us in the future."
With his 15th signing class at UT Martin, Simpson looked to address needs on both sides of the ball. Overall, the Skyhawks signed 11 players on offense and 14 on offense. The class boasts two quarterbacks, one running backs, two wide receivers, one tight end and five offensive linemen while featuring four defensive linemen, three linebackers and seven defensive backs.
"Numerically one of our biggest needs was at defensive back and defensive line, so we certainly met that quota through this signing period," Simpson said. "Then on offense, we felt good at our skill positions but we wanted to get some longer offensive tackles for the future and we were able to do that as well. At the end of the day the class is fairly even and we are happy to bring these young men to Martin."
2020 UT Martin Football Signees
(listed alphabetically by last name)
| Name | Pos. | Ht. | Wt. | Class | Hometown (Previous School) |
| Alexander Andre | DB | 5-11 | 170 | Fr. | Orlando, Fla. (Bishop Moore HS) |
| Mitchell Appleton | OL | 6-5 | 275 | Fr. | De Soto, Mo. (De Soto HS) |
| Oshae Baker | DB | 5-10 | 180 | Fr. | Sanford, Fla. (Seminole HS) |
| Christian Benoit | OL | 6-4 | 290 | Fr. | Ooltewah, Tenn. (Ooltewah HS) |
| Patrick Bowen* | RB | 5-9 | 175 | Fr. | Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Dillard HS) |
| Thorne Bryant | DL | 6-3 | 320 | Fr. | Odum, Ga. (Appling County HS) |
| Giovanni Davis | DL | 6-3 | 215 | Fr. | Miami Gardens, Fla. (Dr. Krop HS) |
| Kareem Dinzey | DB | 6-1 | 165 | Fr. | Kissimmee, Fla. (Tohopekaliga HS) |
| Daylan Dotson | DL | 6-2 | 255 | Fr. | Savannah, Ga. (Jenkins HS) |
| Trey Fisher | QB | 5-11 | 175 | Fr. | Tallahassee, Fla. (Godby HS) |
| Corey Gates* | DB | 6-0 | 185 | Fr. | Horn Lake, Miss. (Horn Lake HS) |
| Matthan Hatchie** | OL | 6-2 | 290 | Jr. | Haleiwa, Hawaii (Garden City CC) |
| Andrew Henley* | WR | 5-9 | 165 | Fr. | Hallandale, Fla. (Hallandale HS) |
| Xiere Howard | LB | 6-1 | 205 | Fr. | Brentwood, Tenn. (Brentwood HS) |
| Antonio Jackson | DB | 6-1 | 185 | Fr. | Bessemer, Ala. (Hueytown HS) |
| Larry Johnson* | DL | 6-0 | 250 | Fr. | Davie, Fla. (Western HS) |
| AJ Moss | DB | 6-2 | 170 | Fr. | Tampa, Fla. (Bloomingdale HS) |
| Gerard Nesbitt* | QB | 6-3 | 235 | Fr. | Plantation, Fla. (Plantation HS) |
| Anthony Prospere** | DB | 6-0 | 185 | Fr. | Deerfield Beach, Fla. (Deerfield Beach HS) |
| Campbell Puckett | OL | 6-2 | 260 | Fr. | Tiptonville, Tenn. (Lake County HS) |
| Cade Richards* | OL | 6-5 | 265 | Fr. | Clearwater, Fla. (Clearwater Central Catholic) |
| Zoe Roberts | WR | 5-11 | 180 | Fr. | Perry, Fla. (Taylor County HS) |
| Malik Smith | LB | 6-2 | 235 | Fr. | Muscle Shoals, Ala. (Muscle Shoals HS) |
| Tanner Snyder* | TE | 6-3 | 240 | Fr. | Tiptonville, Tenn. (Lake County HS) |
| Shamari Weir* | LB | 6-0 | 220 | Fr. | Coconut Creek, Fla. (Coconut Creek HS) |
Alexander Andre, DB, 5-11, 175, Fr., Orlando, Fla. (Bishop Moore HS)
Joins the Skyhawks from Bishop Moore High School where he played for head coach Matt Hedrick…Played in 10 games as a senior, tallying 29 total tackles, including 10 solos and 19 assists…Recorded one interception…Played in the Central Florida All-Star game.
Mitchell Appleton, OL, 6-5, 275, Fr., De Soto, Mo. (De Soto HS)Welcome to the Skyhawk Family DB Alexander Andre from Orlando, FL! 🔶🔷🏈 @showtimeandre #NSD20#UTM20XX#MartinMade pic.twitter.com/i9yQAxTfry
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) February 5, 2020
Joins the Skyhawks from De Soto High School where he played for head coach Bobby Thompson…Named to Mississippi Area Football Conference first team…Three-year starter on the offensive line…Tallied 18 tackles…Ranked as a four-star prospect by Six Star Football.
Oshae Baker, DB, 5-10, 180, Fr., Sanford, Fla. (Seminole HS)Welcome to the Skyhawk Family OL Mitchell Appleton from De Soto, MO! 🔶🔷🏈 @TheMitchApple10 #NSD20#UTM20XX#MartinMade pic.twitter.com/3acd0lChtD
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) February 5, 2020
Joins the Skyhawks from Seminole High School where he played for head coach Don Stark…Scored 17 total touchdowns…Tallied 37 receptions for 603 yards…Recorded 11 receiving touchdowns…Averaged 60.3 yards per game…Averaged 16.3 yards per reception…Notched three rushing touchdowns…Named ESPN Orlando Special Teams "Dude" of the Year…Tallied two punt return touchdowns and a kick return touchdown.
Christian Benoit, OL, 6-4, 290, Fr., Ooltewah, Tenn. (Ooltewah HS)Welcome to the Skyhawk Family DB O'Shae Baker from Sanford, FL! 🔶🔷🏈 @oshaebaker #NSD20#UTM20XX#MartinMade pic.twitter.com/K2u4m7ABno
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) February 5, 2020
Joins the Skyhawks from Ooltewah High School where he played for head coach Scott Chandler…Named to 6A Region 2 All-Region first team…Selected to the Tennessee East vs. West All-Star Classic…Posted a career-high eight pancakes against David Crockett…Named Ooltewah Offensive MVP as a junior…Tabbed Best of Preps first team honors…Ranked as a two-star prospect by 247Sports.
Patrick Bowen, RB, 5-9, 175, Fr., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Dillard HS)Welcome to the Skyhawk Family OL Christian Benoit from Ooltewah, TN! 🔶🔷🏈 @KingChris1551 #NSD20#UTM20XX#MartinMade pic.twitter.com/pQZ2WSWrvM
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) February 5, 2020
Joins the Skyhawks from Dillard High School where he played for head coach Eddie Frasier…Helped lead the Panthers to a 12-1 overall record before falling in the state quarterfinals to the eventual state champion…Named to 8A-6A honorable mention squad…Ranked as the No. 36 FCS prospect by HERO Sports.
Thorne Bryant, DL, 6-2, 320, Fr., Odum, Ga. (Appling County HS)Welcome to the Skyhawk Family, RB Patrick Bowen from Fort Lauderdale, FL!! 🔶🔷🏈
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) December 18, 2019
My Why: "Because of the true love of the coaches & all the good things I hear about the town." -@7patrickbowen #NSD20#UTM20XX#MartinMade pic.twitter.com/YysT9cvKi3
Joins the Skyhawks from Appling County High School where he played for head coach Rick Tomberlin…Tallied 25 total tackles, including 16 solos and nine assists…Notched 5.0 tackles for loss, including two sacks and a pair of hurries…Invited to 2019 Georgia vs. Florida High School All-Star Game.
Giovanni Davis, DL, 6-3, 215, Fr., Miami, Fla. (Dr. Krop High School)Welcome to the Skyhawk Family DL Thorne Bryant from Baxley, GA! 🔶🔷🏈 @ThorneBryant61 #NSD20#UTM20XX#MartinMade pic.twitter.com/2GcMBZ3PS3
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) February 5, 2020
Joins the Skyhawks from Dr. Krop High School where he played for head coach Thomas Caporale…Helped his team to a 10-1 record and a conference championship…Compiled 93 total tackles, including 63 solos and 30 assists…Tallied 41.0 tackles for loss totaling 206 yards along with 29.5 sacks…Recorded 28 quarterback hurries…Notched an interception while recovering five fumbles…Scored three touchdowns…Ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports.
Kareem Dinzey, DB, 6-1, 165, Fr., Kissimmee, Fla. (Tohopekaliga HS)Welcome to the Skyhawk Family DL Giovanni Davis from Miami Gardens, FL! 🔶🔷🏈 @Gio1129 #NSD20#UTM20XX#MartinMade pic.twitter.com/v9dckQAwgQ
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) February 5, 2020
Joins the Skyhawks from Tohopekaliga High School where he played for head coach Marc Deas…Posted nine tackles this season while recording four interceptions and three pass breakups…Tallied 10 receptions for 141 yards and a touchdown…Recorded 18 career interceptions and 13 pass breakups…Named to Orange Belt Conference first team defense…Invited to play in 2020 All America Classic…Tabbed to News-Gazette's All-County team…Transferred from Harmony High School where he played for head coach Don Simon…Tallied 28 tackles, 10 interceptions, five pass breakups and a fumble recovery en route to al-state honors as a junior.
Daylan Dotson, DL, 6-2, 255, Fr., Savannah, Ga. (Jenkins HS)Welcome to the Skyhawk Family DB Kareem Dinzey from Kissimmee, FL! 🔶🔷🏈@ogkareem11 #NSD20#UTM20XX#MartinMade pic.twitter.com/Hw872DiXne
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) February 5, 2020
Joins the Skyhawks from Jenkins High School where he played for head coach Jason Cameron…Tallied 121 career tackles, including 27.0 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks…He forced 10 fumbles while recovering seven in 35 career games…Tallied 73 total tackles, including 12.0 tackles for loss as a senior while forcing seven fumbles and recording five recoveries… Named to Region 3-AAA second team defense…Ranked in the South Georgia Top 100 prospect rankings.
Trey Fisher, QB, 5-11, 175, Fr., Tallahassee, Fla. (Godby HS)Welcome to the Skyhawk Family DL Daylan Dotson from Savannah, GA! 🔶🔷🏈 @DaylanDots #NSD20#UTM20XX#MartinMade pic.twitter.com/OxulpL5hdu
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) February 5, 2020
Joins the Skyhawks from Godby High School where he played for head coach Brandon McCray…Completed 312-of-550 career pass attempts for 4,626 yards and 49 touchdowns…Averaged 185.0 passing yards per game…Threw for 2,121 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior…Son of Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher.
Corey Gates, DB, 6-0, 185, Fr., Horn Lake, Miss. (Horn Lake HS)Welcome to the Skyhawk Family QB Trey Fisher from Tallahassee, FL! 🔶🔷🏈 @TF12H_ #NSD20#UTM20XX#MartinMade pic.twitter.com/bvZCMHXtjI
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) February 5, 2020
Joins the Skyhawks from Horn Lake High School where he played for head coach Brad Boyette…Named a team captain as a senior while tallying 77 tackles and five interceptions…Helped lead his team to a 15-0 record and a state championship in 2018…Tallied 16 tackles as a junior.
Matthan Hatchie, OL, 6-2, 290, Jr., Haleiwa, Hawaii (Garden City CC)Welcome to the Skyhawk Family, DB Corey Gates from Horn Lake, MS!! 🔶🔷🏈
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) December 18, 2019
My Why: "UTM is the perfect place for me. I felt at home right away and I have coaches that are going to be dedicated and push me to be to great." - @CJ_10X #NSD20#UTM20XX #MartinMade pic.twitter.com/JkKjETjpbI
Joins the Skyhawks from Garden City Community College where he played for head coach Tom Minnick…Played in all 11 games for the Broncbusters on the offensive line…Named to the All-Jayhawk Conference second team offense…Blocked for an offensive unit which tallied 2,484 rushing yards for an average of 225.8 yards per game…Offense averaged 397.7 yards per game…Transferred from Arizona Western Community College where he also played for head coach Tom Minnick where he saw action on the defensive line…Prepped at Waialua High School where played on the offensive line and long snapper…Played in 2018 Polynesian Bowl…Rated as a two-star recruit by 247Sports.
Andrew Henley, WR, 5-9, 165, Fr., Hallandale, Fla. (Hallandale HS)Welcome to the Skyhawk Family, OL Matthan Hatchie from Haleiwa, HI!! 🔶🔷🏈
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) December 18, 2019
My Why: "I could think of no better place to continue my development than UT Martin." - @matthan_hatchie #NSD20 #UTM20XX#MartinMade pic.twitter.com/8jZGQ12F1e
Joins the Skyhawks from Hallandale High School where he played for head coach Herman Lovett…Named a second-team all-sleeper offensive athlete…Tabbed as 5A-1A honorable mention as a junior…Ranked as the No. 47 FCS prospect by HERO Sports…Ranked as a three-star athlete by 247Sports.
Xiere Howard, LB, 6-1, 205, Fr., Brentwood, Tenn. (Brentwood HS)Welcome to the Skyhawk Family, WR Andrew Henley from Hallandale, FL!! 🔶🔷🏈
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) December 18, 2019
My Why: "I picked UTM because I felt the love from the coaches, players & community. UTM will make me a better football player & a greater person in life." - @kg_fresh8#NSD20#UTM20XX#MartinMade pic.twitter.com/E6P9lVvyi4
Joins the Skyhawks from Brentwood High School where he played for head coach Ron Crawford…Tallied 164 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss and four sacks…Forced two fumbles while recovering a pair…Notched six quarterback hurries and a pass break…Named to TnFCA 6-6A All-State squad along with claiming Tennessean All Mid-State first team honors…Named Region 6-6A Defensive Player of the Year…Selected to Tennessee East-West All-Star game…Ranked as a two-star prospect by 247Sports.
Antonio Jackson, DB, 6-1, 185, Fr., Bessemer, Ala. (Hueytown HS)Welcome to the Skyhawk Family LB Xiere Howard from Brentwood, TN! 🔶🔷🏈@Xiere22Howard #NSD20#UTM20XX#MartinMade pic.twitter.com/GKDshihtEp
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) February 5, 2020
Joins the Skyhawks from Hueytown High School where he played for head coach Greg Patterson…Named Gopher Defensive Player of the Week against Selma and Bessmer.
Larry Johnson, DL, 6-0, 250, Fr., Davie, Fla. (Western HS)Welcome to the Skyhawk Family DB Antonio Jackson from Hueytown, AL! 🔶🔷🏈 @AntonioJ13_ #NSD20#UTM20XX#MartinMade pic.twitter.com/JPIvqfal78
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) February 5, 2020
Joins the Skyhawks from Western High School where he played for head coach Adam Ratkevich…Helped his team to a 9-3 record as a senior…Tallied 36 total tackles, including 21 solos and 15 assists…Notched 19.0 tackles for loss and four sacks…Recorded one fumble recovery…As a junior tallied 78 tackles, including 20.5 tackles for loss and 10.0 sacks.
AJ Moss, DB, 6-0, 175, Fr., Tampa, Fla. (Bloomingdale HS)Welcome to the Skyhawk Family, DL Larry Johnson from Davie, FL!! 🔶🔷🏈
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) December 18, 2019
My Why: "UTM will allow me to play football at a collegiate level & get a degree in Sport Management, which I will use to support a family of my own one day." - @lj_10era #NSD20#UTM20XX#MartinMade pic.twitter.com/KB4UsEBWdm
Joins the Skyhawks from Bloomingdale High School where he played for head coach Jake Coulson…Tallied 41 career tackles…Notched 22 tackles as a senior along with four interceptions.
Gerard Nesbitt, QB, 6-3, 235, Fr., Plantation, Fla. (Plantation HS)Welcome to the Skyhawk Family DB AJ Moss from Tampa, FL! 🔶🔷🏈 @Aj5Moss #NSD20#UTM20XX#MartinMade pic.twitter.com/gAmdw0RR5s
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) February 5, 2020
Completed 134-of-201 pass attempts for 2,512 yards…Threw for 31 touchdowns and just three interceptions…Tallied over 3,500 yards and 46 touchdowns for his career…Named Broward County Offensive Player of the Year… Named a first-team all-sleeper quarterback…Played in Broward County Athletic Association Sports All-Star game…Played in FACA North South All Star Football Classic…Named to BlueGrey Football All-American Bowl watch list…Named North Offensive Player MVP…Named to 8A-6A second team offense.
Anthony Prospere, DB, 6-0, 185, Fr., Deerfield Beach, Fla. (Deerfield Beach HS)Welcome to the Skyhawk Family, QB Gerard Nesbitt from Fort Lauderdale, FL!! 🔶🔷🏈
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) December 18, 2019
My Why: "A consistent, dynamic offensive scheme" - @G_Nesbitt1 #NSD20 #UTM20XX #MartinMade pic.twitter.com/chdLsPyqwp
Joins the Skyhawks as a mid-semester enrollee from Deerfield Beach High School where he played for head coach Jevon Glenn…Tallied 16 tackles and four pass breakups…Named a second-team all-sleeper defensive back…Ranked as a three-star prospect by ESPN…Ranked as a two-star defensive back by Rivals.
Campbell Puckett, OL, 6-2, 260, Fr., Tiptonville, Tenn. (Lake County HS)Welcome to the Skyhawk Family, DB Anthony Prospere from Deerfield Beach, FL!! 🔶🔷🏈
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) December 18, 2019
My Why: "I chose UTM because the extreme love their community brings and the strong and supportive coaching staff they have." - @1k_hustlaa #NSD20#UTM20XX#MartinMade pic.twitter.com/Bua4nsGRx7
Joins the Skyhawks from Lake County High School where he played for head coach Josh Puckett…Helped the Falcons to a 15-0 record and a TSSAA Class A state championship…Named Region 7A Lineman of the Year…Garnered two TnFCA Class 1A all-state honors…Named Lake County Offensive MVP.
Cade Richards, OL, 6-5, 265, Fr., Clearwater, Fla. (Clearwater Central Catholic HS)Welcome to the Skyhawk Family OL Campbell Puckett from Tiptonville, TN! 🔶🔷🏈 @CampbellPuckett #NSD20#UTM20XX#MartinMade pic.twitter.com/HhgLrTnzWN
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) February 5, 2020
Joins the Skyhawks from Clearwater Central Catholic High School where he played for head coach Chris Harvey…Helped his team to a 10-4 record as a senior…Blocked for an offense which set a single-season rushing record 2,968 yards while tallying 53 total touchdowns…Averaged 212.0 rushing yards per game…Named All-Pinellas County…Ranked as a three-star prospect.
Zoe Roberts, WR, 5-11, 180, Fr., Perry, Fla. (Taylor County HS)Welcome to the Skyhawk Family, OL Cade Richards from Dunedin, FL!! 🔶🔷🏈
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) December 18, 2019
My Why: "UTM has a family environment" - @CadeRichards81 #NSD20 #UTM20XX#MartinMade pic.twitter.com/c56yxI4U1O
Joins the Skyhawks from Taylor County High School where he played for head coach Danny Glover…Tallied 126 career receptions for 2,285 yards and 18 touchdowns…As a senior, notched 61 receptions for 1,220 yards while scoring eight receiving touchdowns…Averaged 110.9 yards per game…Averaged 20.0 yards per reception…Garnered 13 carries for 163 yards and two touchdowns…Tallied 61 career tackles along with two interceptions and 16 pass breakups…Ranked as a three-star prospect by 247Sports.
Malik Smith, LB, 6-2, 235, Fr., Muscle Shoals, Ala. (Muscle Shoals HS)Welcome to the Skyhawk Family WR Zoe Roberts from Perry, FL! 🔶🔷🏈 @ZoecoydrickRob1 #NSD20#UTM20XX#MartinMade pic.twitter.com/xdGeC0S4l9
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) February 5, 2020
Joins the Skyhawks from Muscle Shoals High School where he played for head coach Scott Basden…Named to Class 6A All-State second team defense…Led the team with 77 solo tackles…Tallied 10 tackles for loss and four sacks as a junior…Tabbed to 2019 Class 4A-7A All-Area football team…Tallied 14 tackles, two sacks and a pair of hurries against Hartselle.
Tanner Snyder, TE, 6-3, 240, Fr., Tiptonville, Tenn. (Lake County HS)Welcome to the Skyhawk Family LB Malik Smith from Muscle Shoals, AL! 🔶🔷🏈@MalikTSmith2 #NSD20#UTM20XX#MartinMade pic.twitter.com/7GVZA68YGo
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) February 5, 2020
Joins the Skyhawks from Lake County High School where he played for head coach Josh Puckett…Helped the Falcons to a 15-0 record and a TSSAA Class A state championship…Tallied 156 carries for 1,595 yards and 19 touchdowns while throwing for 1,518 yards and 22 touchdowns…Named MVP of state championship game after tallying 404 yards of total offense and four touchdowns while also notching an interception returned for a touchdown…Tabbed a Mr. Football semifinalist…Voted Region 7-1A Most Valuable Player…Selected to Region 7-1A All-Region team…Played in the Tennessee East-West All-Star Classic…2019 1A Preseason All-State team.
Shamari Weir, LB, 6-0, 220, Fr., Coconut Creek, Fla. (Coconut Creek HS)Welcome to the Skyhawk Family, TE Tanner Snyder from Tiptonville, TN!! 🔶🔷🏈
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) December 18, 2019
My Why: "It's a dream to play Division I Football" - @tanner_snyder6 #NSD20#UTM20XX #MartinMade pic.twitter.com/tcrV8O5b7i
Joins the Skyhawks from Coconut Creek High School where he played for head coach Gerald Cox…Played in 10 games as a senior, tallying 48 total tackles, including 31 solos and 17 assists…Tallied sock while notching two interceptions – including a 91-yard interception returned for a touchdown…Forced a pair of fumbles…Named a first-team all-sleeper defender…Played in the Broward County Athletic Association All-Star game…Named to 2A-1A track honorable mention squad.
Welcome to the Skyhawk Family, LB Shamari Weir from Coconut Creek, FL!! 🔶🔷🏈
— UT Martin Football (@UTM_FOOTBALL) December 18, 2019
My Why: "I have a great relationship with the coaching staff & I feel it is a great place for me to succeed on & off the field." -@Mari_era_ #NSD20#UTM20XX #MartinMade pic.twitter.com/ULxpktip5F