UT MARTIN CLAIMS 21 HONORS AS ALL-OVC AND MAJOR AWARDS ARE ANNOUNCED; HOWARD AND SIMPSON GARNER PREMIER AWARDS
11/23/2021 11:20:00 AM | Football
Headlining the list of awards as voted on by the league's head coaches and sports information directors was Keon Howard who became the second player in program history to be named OVC Offensive Player of the Year. Additionally, UT Martin head coach Jason Simpson earned his second OVC Coach of the Year honor – joining his selection in 2006.
UT Martin placed nine players on the All-OVC first team including quarterback Keon Howard, running back Peyton Logan, running back Zak Wallace, offensive center Matthan Hatchie and offensive tackle Michael Shanahan on offense. On the defensive side, defensive tackle Austin Pickett, defensive end David DuBose, inside linebacker John Ford and safety Deven Sims were named to the first team.
The Skyhawks had eight All-OVC second team selections as wide receiver Colton Dowell, tight end Rodney Williams II, offensive guard Chris Jackson, offensive guard Gavin Olson and offensive tackle Lamar Morgan represented the offense. Meanwhile the trio of outside linebacker JaQuez Akins, cornerback Jay Woods and cornerback Shawn Shamburger garnered second team honors.
Rounding out the team's postseason honors were two selections to the All-Newcomer team which saw outside linebacker Eyabi Anoma join Morgan (offensive tackle) on the 11-man list.
Simpson ranks as the longest tenured head coach in the OVC, winning 99 career games in his 16 years at UT Martin, tied for fourth-most in OVC history. He was named OVC Coach of the Year in 2006 (his inaugural year with the Skyhawks when the team also won the OVC Title) and this season guided the Skyhawks to a 9-2 overall and 5-1 OVC record and the program's second OVC crown. During the course of the season the Skyhawks won a school record nine-straight games and ranked as high as No. 8 in the FCS Coaches Poll - matching the highest ranking in program history. UT Martin won the Sgt. York Championship (contested between the four OVC schools in the state of Tennessee), went undefeated at home and picked up four non-conference victories. Simpson has also been named a finalist for the Eddie Robinson National Coach of the Year award for the fourth time in his career.FB: Congratulations to @UTM_Football head coach Jason Simpson on being named the 2021 Roy Kidd OVC Coach of the Year for the second time in his career!
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) November 23, 2021
🏈9-game winning streak (program record)
🏈2nd OVC Championship
🏈Ninth Sgt. York Trophy Title#MartinMade | #OVCit pic.twitter.com/CUkIONOG2I
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_Football quarterback Keon Howard on being named the 2021 OVC Offensive Player of the Year!
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) November 23, 2021
🏈2nd Player in Program History to Win Award
🏈2,283 yards of total offense | 25 touchdowns
🏈Total of seven OVC weekly honors#MartinMade | #OVCit pic.twitter.com/2FBHmMqhm9
In his first year after transferring from Tulane, Howard accounted for 2,285 yards of total offense and 25 touchdowns. Howard, a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, completed 59.7 percent of his passes for 1,811 yard and 15 touchdowns and carried the ball 95 times for 474 yards (5.0 ypc) and 10 scores. He ran for multiple touchdowns in four games and threw for multiple scores in four contests. He was named OVC Offensive Player of the Week twice during the year and OVC Newcomer of the Week five times. Howard currently ranks 24th nationally in rushing touchdowns, 27th in points responsible for/game (13.6), 40th in passing touchdowns and 50th in total offense (207.7 yards/game). He is the fourth player in program history to earn Offensive Player of the Year honors and just the second since the Skyhawks joined the OVC in 1992, joining running back Don Chapman (2006).
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_Football quarterback Keon Howard on being named to the All-OVC first team!
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) November 23, 2021
🏈1811 passing yards, 15 touchdowns
🏈472 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns
🏈2x OVC Player of the Week | 5x Newcomer#MartinMade | #OVCit pic.twitter.com/z6Rj3AEze9
Logan earned his second career All-OVC honor after tallying 131 carries for 982 yards and three touchdowns while also recording 24 receptions for 242 yards and three scores. He ranks second in the OVC with 89.3 yards per game while his 7.5 yards per carry ranks second nationally. He has tallied seven 100-yard rushing performances in his career – including three this season on his way to a pair of OVC Offensive Player of the Week selections. His best rushing performance came against Northwestern State (Sept. 18) when he racked up a career-high 179 yards while adding a 53-yard rushing touchdown. He also posted a two-touchdown receiving night in the home opener against Samford (Sept. 11) to complete a thrilling comeback victory. While he sits 18 yards away from becoming the 10th player to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards in a single season, he has accumulated 2,466 career rushing yards to rank third in program history.
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_Football running back Peyton Logan on being named to the All-OVC first team!
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) November 23, 2021
🏈982 yards (2nd in OVC) | 7.5 ypc (2nd in NCAA)
🏈3 Rushing TDs | 3 Receiving TDs
🏈2x All-OVC selection#MartinMade | #OVCit pic.twitter.com/5nAFnDv6sN
Wallace has been a breakout performer in his redshirt-freshman season, tallying 126 carries for 745 yards and 14 touchdowns. The tailback ranks second in the league amongst running backs in yards per carry (5.9 ypc) to his teammate Logan while ranking first in the league and seventh nationally with 14 rushing touchdowns. He currently ranks fourth in program single-season history with his 14 scores while tallying multiple scores in four contests. He became the first Skyhawk to tally at least three touchdowns in a game since 2014 when he ran for three in a win over Murray State (Oct. 9) while also tallying two against Eastern Illinois (Oct. 16), Tennessee State (Nov. 6) and Tennessee Tech (Nov. 13).
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_Football running back Zak Wallace on being named to the All-OVC first team!
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) November 23, 2021
🏈745 yards (5.9 ypc) | 14 TDs
🏈14 touchdowns (1st in OVC | 7th in NCAA)
🏈Ranks 4th in program history in rushing TDs#MartinMade | #OVCit pic.twitter.com/tT65HwoImQ
Hatchie earned his second straight All-OVC honor after once again anchoring an impressive offensive line at the center position. He graded out at 89 percent or better in each game while tallying 97 knockdowns. In the middle of an offensive unit which ranked eighth nationally in sacks allowed, he gave up only one sack in 288 attempts. The durable standout played every snap except for mop-up time against Murray State (Oct. 9) while serving as a leader of the group with his toughness and makeup. Offensively, the unit led a team which ranks eighth nationally with 231.3 rushing yards per game.
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_Football offensive center Matthan Hatchie on being named to the All-OVC first team!
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) November 23, 2021
🏈Graded out at >89%
🏈2x time All-OVC selection
🏈97 knockdowns | 1 sack allowed#MartinMade | #OVCit pic.twitter.com/g8KjTDogvh
Shanahan played and started all 11 games on an impressive offensive line at left tackle. He graded out at 87 percent or better in each game while tallying 91 knockdowns. Protecting the blindside of the OVC Offensive Player of the Year, Shanahan anchored an offensive unit which ranked eighth nationally in sacks allowed, while he gave up only one sack in 288 attempts. The durable tackle has played every snap for a team which ranks eighth nationally with 231.3 rushing yards per game by playing with toughness and finishing blocks.
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_Football offensive tackle Michael Shanahan on being named to the All-OVC first team!
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) November 23, 2021
🏈Graded out at >87%
🏈91 knockdowns
🏈1 sack allowed in 288 attempts#MartinMade | #OVCit pic.twitter.com/ALOeIeIrcB
Pickett earned his second All-OVC first team selection after tallying 28 combined tackles – including eight solo and 20 assists – while notching 5.5 tackles for loss totaling 20 yards. He has made a habit of flushing the quarterback with five hurries while recording a sack of nine yards and tallying a forced fumble against Northwestern State (Sept. 18). The veteran defensive tackle has played in 40 games while earning 36 career starts. Arguably his best game this season came against Austin Peay (Oct. 30) when he tallied three tackles – including 1.5 tackles for loss – in the comeback win.
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_Football defensive tackle Austin Pickett on being named to the All-OVC first team!
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) November 23, 2021
🏈28 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 1.0 sack, 5 QBH, 1 FF
🏈2x time All-OVC first team selection
🏈Started in 36 career games#MartinMade | #OVCit pic.twitter.com/Z5BrXM8gx2
DuBose made his first All-OVC team after starting in 18 games this calendar year between the abbreviated 2020-21 campaign and full 2021 season at defensive end. A six-year member of the program, DuBose has played in 23 games for the Skyhawks while tallying 29 combined tackles – including six solo and 23 assists. He has notched 4.5 tackles for loss this season while forcing three quarterback hurries. He also left his mark on special teams where he blocked a punt against Eastern Illinois (Oct. 16) and rushed 29 yards on a fake punt attempt against Tennessee State (Nov. 6).
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_Football defensive end David DuBose on being named to the All-OVC first team!
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) November 23, 2021
🏈29 tackles, 4.5 TFL, 3 QBH, 1 Blocked Kick
🏈Blocked Punt at EIU
🏈Started last 18 games#MartinMade | #OVCit pic.twitter.com/TSx9VSHHWO
Ford posted a big year en route to his first All-OVC selection by combining for 74 tackles – including 35 solo and 39 assists – while notching 5.0 tackles for loss totaling 17 yards. The ball-hawk defender tallied three interceptions – ranking fourth in the OVC – while returning one 75 yards for a touchdown against Tennessee State (Nov. 6). He also registered three quarterback hurries and three pass breakups. He has shown the ability to rack up tackles in bunches to sit eighth in the OVC, tallying three double-digit tackle performances against Eastern Illinois (Oct. 16), Tennessee State (Nov. 6) and Southeast Missouri (Nov. 20).
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_Football inside linebacker John Ford on being named to the All-OVC first team!
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) November 23, 2021
🏈74 tackles, 5.0 TFL, 3 INT, 3 PBU, 3 QBH
🏈3 interceptions (4th in OVC)
🏈74 tackles (8th in OVC)#MartinMade | #OVCit pic.twitter.com/cGKPonfpfU
Sims earned his second straight All-OVC first team selection after leading the team with 80 total tackles – including 37 solo and 43 assisted stops – while notching 5.5 tackles for loss totaling 22 yards. He also recorded an interception, two pass breakups and two quarterback hurries. The team leader in tackles for the past two seasons has recorded six games in double figures in his career – including four this season against Western Kentucky (Sept. 2), Murray State (Oct. 9), Austin Peay (Oct. 30) and Southeast Missouri (Nov. 20).
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_Football safety Deven Sims on being named to the All-OVC first team!
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) November 23, 2021
🏈80 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 1 INT, 2 PBU, 2 QBH
🏈2x All-OVC first team selection
🏈6 career double-figure tackle performances#MartinMade | #OVCit pic.twitter.com/VNo3xKbnTU
Dowell picked up his third All-OVC selection despite seeing his season shortened due to injury after just six games. Even with limited action he still ranked amongst the best receivers in the league with 22 receptions for 398 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 66.3 yards per game and 18.1 yards per receptions to lead the team in both categories. He began the season with his sixth career 100-yard receiving performance against Western Kentucky, tallying six catches for 102 yards and a touchdown. He added another touchdown in a road win over nationally ranked Jacksonville State. For his career he ranks ninth in program history with 1,760 receiving yards.
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_Football wide receiver Colton Dowell on being named to the All-OVC second team!
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) November 23, 2021
🏈22 catches, 398 yards, 2 TDs (6 games)
🏈3x All-OVC selection
🏈6 career 100-yard games#MartinMade | #OVCit pic.twitter.com/aGpEJB8gAy
Williams garnered back-to-back All-OVC second team honors after tallying 25 receptions for 333 yards and three touchdowns at tight end. The sixth-year standout averaged 30.3 yards per game and 13.3 yards per catch. He hauled in touchdown receptions against Northwestern State (Sept. 18), Southeast Missouri (Oct. 23) and Tennessee Tech (Nov. 13). He also worked heavily in the running game as a blocker for a team which ranked eighth nationally by averaging 231.3 yards per game.
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_Football tight end Rodney Williams II on being named to the All-OVC second team!
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) November 23, 2021
🏈25 rec, 333 yards, 3 TDs
🏈2x All-OVC selection
🏈1,133 yards | 7 TDs for career#MartinMade | #OVCit pic.twitter.com/c8kgjNJoxB
Jackson played and started in the first 10 games of the season before suffering a season-ending injury at left guard. He graded out at 85 percent or better in each game while tallying 88 knockdowns. He helped anchor an offensive unit which ranked eighth nationally in sacks allowed. The veteran guard played every snap for the team before his injury which ranks eighth nationally with 231.3 rushing yards per game while appearing in 39 games for his career.
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_Football offensive guard Chris Jackson on being named to the All-OVC second team!
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) November 23, 2021
🏈Graded at >85%
🏈88 knockdowns
🏈Did not miss a snap in first 10 games
🏈21 career starts#MartinMade | #OVCit pic.twitter.com/XrpXz68DhY
Olson has played and started in all 11 games this season at right guard. He graded out at 84 percent or better in each game while tallying 88 knockdowns. He helped anchor an offensive unit which ranked eighth nationally in sacks allowed. The sophomore guard transitioned from tackle inside to be right guard and has been a mainstay on the unit starting since he was a true freshman. As a whole the unit leads the way for an offense which ranks eighth nationally with 231.3 rushing yards per game.
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_Football offensive guard Gavin Olson on being named to the All-OVC second team!
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) November 23, 2021
🏈Graded at >84%
🏈88 knockdowns
🏈26 career starts#MartinMade | #OVCit pic.twitter.com/1zzNtnKTvy
Morgan has played in 10 games while starting in eight games this season despite battling injuries at right tackle. He graded out at 84 percent or better in each game while tallying 68 knockdowns. He helped anchor an offensive unit which ranked eighth nationally in sacks allowed. The newcomer helped a unit which ranks eighth nationally with 231.3 rushing yards per game.
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_Football offensive tackle Lamar Morgan on being named to the All-OVC second team and All-Newcomer team!
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) November 23, 2021
🏈Graded at >84%
🏈68 knockdowns
🏈Eight starts at RT#MartinMade | #OVCit pic.twitter.com/zqtwFyyXXt
Akins earned his third All-OVC honor of his career after tallying 33 combined tackles – including 15 solo and 18 assisted stops. He recorded 6.0 tackles for loss totaling 20 yards along with three sacks. He also forced a fumble, had a quarterback hurry and recorded a safety. His best game of the season came in the home opener against Samford (Sept. 11) when he tallied two sacks, a forced fumble and safety in the comeback victory. He also posted a season-high seven tackles in the win over Murray State (Oct. 9).
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_Football outside linebacker JaQuez Akins on being named to the All-OVC second team!
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) November 23, 2021
🏈33 tackles, 6.0 TFL, 3.0 sacks, 1 FF
🏈3x All-OVC selection
🏈3.0 sacks (9th in OVC)#MartinMade | #OVCit pic.twitter.com/ULkvu3nuji
Woods garnered his second All-OVC selection in as many years after combining for 28 total tackles – including 17 solo and 18 assists stops. He also notched 5.0 tackles for loss totaling 47 yards while forcing a fumble. He led the secondary and ranked amongst OVC leaders in both pass breakups (9, second) and passes defended (11, fourth). He recorded interceptions against Western Kentucky (Sept. 2) and Southeast Missouri (Nov. 20) while setting a season-high with three pass breakups against Tennessee State (Nov. 6). For his Skyhawk career he has tallied 18 pass breakups to rank ninth in program history.
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_Football cornerback Jay Woods on being named to the All-OVC second team!
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) November 23, 2021
🏈28 tackles, 5.0 TFL, 2 INT, 9 PBU, 1 FF
🏈9 Pass Breakups (2nd in OVC)
🏈11 Passes Defended (4th in OVC)#MartinMade | #OVCit pic.twitter.com/TuigNoAdUo
Shamburger settled into a consistent role for the Skyhawks in the secondary to tally 29 combined tackles – including 13 solo and 16 assists – while notching 0.5 tackle for loss. He ranked fifth in the OVC in passes defended with nine while his seven pass breakups during OVC play ranked tied for first. The defensive playmaker tallied three games with multiple pass breakups against Murray State (Oct. 9), Tennessee Tech (Nov. 13) and Southeast Missouri (Nov. 20). He registered one interception against Southeast Missouri (Oct. 23) while posting a season-high eight tackles in the road matchup against Southeast Missouri (Nov. 20).
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_Football cornerback Shawn Shamburger on being named to the All-OVC second team!
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) November 23, 2021
🏈29 tackles, 8 PBU, 1 INT
🏈9 Passes Defended (5th in OVC)
🏈7 Pass Breakups in OVC Play (T-1st)#MartinMade | #OVCit pic.twitter.com/9lxLTuGFdz
Anoma has made a big impact in his debut season with the Skyhawks, tallying 30 combined tackles – including 12 solo and 18 assists – while notching 9.5 tackles for loss totaling 53 yards. The former Alabama product not only leads the team but sits atop the OVC leaderboard with 6.0 sacks on the seasons while his 8.0 tackles for loss during conference play ranks second. His best game of the season came against Austin Peay (Oct. 30) when he tallied eight tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks and blocked a potential go-ahead field goal in the final seconds to claim Stats Perform FCS National Defensive Player of the Week honors along with OVC Defensive Player and Newcomer of the Week accolades. He also posted a multi-sack performance against Eastern Illinois (Oct. 16) on back-to-back plays.
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_Football outside linebacker (jack) Eyabi Anoma on being named to the OVC All-Newcomer team!
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) November 23, 2021
🏈30 tackles, 9.5 TFL, 6.0 Sacks, 3 QBH, 1 Blk
🏈6.0 Sacks (1st in OVC)
🏈8.0 TFL (2nd in OVC-play)#MartinMade | #OVCit pic.twitter.com/V3e9hSgB5O
2021 All-OVC Teams and Award Winners
OVC Offensive Player of the Year: Keon Howard (QB), UT Martin
OVC Defensive Player of the Year: Koby Perry (SAF), Austin Peay
OVC Freshman of the Year: DJ Williams (QB), Murray State
Roy Kidd OVC Coach of the Year: Jason Simpson, UT Martin
FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE
QB - Keon Howard, UT Martin
RB - Geno Hess, Southeast Missouri
RB - Peyton Logan, UT Martin
RB - Zak Wallace, UT Martin
WR - Baniko Harley, Austin Peay
WR - Drae McCray, Austin Peay
WR - LaMartez Brooks, Murray State
WR - Eugene Minter, Austin Peay
TE - Rodell Rahmaan, Tennessee State
OC - Levi Nelser, Murray State
OC - Zack Gieg, Southeast Missouri
OC - Matthan Hatchie, UT Martin
OT - Michael Shanahan, UT Martin
OT - Jacob Vance, Murray State
OT - Bucky Williams, Austin Peay
OG - Robert Lacey, Tennessee State
FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE
DE - Chris Tucker, Tennessee Tech
DT - Bryson Donnell, Southeast Missouri
DT - Austin Pickett, UT Martin
DE - David DuBose, UT Martin
OLB - Omardrick Douglas, Southeast Missouri
ILB - John Ford, UT Martin
ILB - Jason Johnson, Eastern Illinois
ILB - Brandon Mincey, Southeast Missouri
OLB - James Green, Tennessee State
CB - Marcis Floyd, Murray State
SAF - Koby Perry, Austin Peay
SAF - Deven Sims, UT Martin
CB - Johnathon Edwards, Austin Peay
NICKEL - Kordell Jackson, Austin Peay
FIRST-TEAM SPECIALISTS
K - Kenny Doak, Southeast Missouri
P - Zach Haynes, Southeast Missouri
KR - Dayron Johnson, Tennessee State
PR - Dayron Johnson, Tennessee State
SECOND-TEAM OFFENSE
QB - Draylen Ellis, Austin Peay
QB - Geremy Hickbottom, Tennessee State
RB - Damonta Witherspoon, Murray State
RB - Devon Starling, Tennessee State
RB - David Gist, Tennessee Tech
WR - Colton Dowell, UT Martin
WR - Johnny King, Southeast Missouri
WR - Isaiah Hill, Eastern Illinois
WR - Zaire Thornton, Tennessee State
WR - Quinton Cross, Tennessee Tech
TE - Rodney Williams II, UT Martin
OT - Nate Korte, Southeast Missouri
OC - Kurt Huff, Tennessee Tech
OG - Chris Jackson, UT Martin
OG - Gavin Olson, UT Martin
OT - Lamar Morgan, UT Martin
OG - Colby McKee, Austin Peay
OT - Joe Ware, Austin Peay
SECOND-TEAM DEFENSE
DE - Ethan Edmondson, Murray State
DT - Terray Jones, Tennessee State
DT - Terrell Allen, Austin Peay
DE - Jordan Miles, Eastern Illinois
DE - Tim Varga, Eastern Illinois
OLB - JaQuez Akins, UT Martin
ILB - Jack McDonald, Austin Peay
ILB - Eric Samuta, Murray State
ILB - Bryce Norman, Southeast Missouri
OLB - Darnel Victor, Murray State
CB - Jay Woods, UT Martin
SAF - Cory Rahman, Tennessee State
SAF - Josh Reliford, Tennessee Tech
CB - Shawn Shamburger, UT Martin
NICKEL - Jordan Vincent, Eastern Illinois
SECOND-TEAM SPECIALISTS
K - Maddux Trujillo, Austin Peay
K - Aaron Baum, Murray State
P - Matt Rigney, Austin Peay
KR - Shabari Davis, Southeast Missouri
PR - Malik Honeycutt, Murray State
ALL-NEWCOMER TEAM
WR - Drae McCray, Austin Peay
K - Maddux Trujillo, Austin Peay
CB - Russell Dandy, Eastern Illinois
RB - Harrison Bey-Buie, Eastern Illinois
QB - DJ Williams, Murray State
QB - CJ Ogbonna, Southeast Missouri
OG - Zack Gieg, Southeast Missouri
LB - Bryce Norman, Southeast Missouri
OC - Jeremiah Frazier, Tennessee State
OLB - Eyabi Anoma, UT Martin
RT - Lamar Morgan, UT Martin
Notes: The All-Newcomer team is comprised of first-year players in the OVC - that can be either true freshmen, redshirt freshmen (four or less games played in 2020) or first-year transfers. The team consists of 11 total players and is not voted on by position. Graduate transfers are not permitted to be nominated for the All-Newcomer Team.
UT Martin will take its decorated roster on the road this weekend with a first round matchup in the NCAA Division I Football Championship against No. 10 ranked Missouri State on Saturday, Nov. 27. Kickoff from Robert W. Plaster Stadium is scheduled for 3 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
