OVC FOOTBALL MEDIA DAY REWIND
7/23/2021 9:27:00 AM | Football
Interviews
UT Martin Head Coach Jason SimpsonUT Martin All-OVC Wide Receiver Colton Dowell
UT Martin All-OVC Tight End Rodney Williams II
OVC Commissioner Beth DeBauche
Photo Gallery
General Articles | Information
- OVC Composite Schedule
- Preseason All-OVC Team and Predicted Order of Finish
- Six Skyhawk Football Standouts Tabbed as Preseason All-OVC; UT Martin Picked To Finish Fourth - UTMSports.com
- OVC Media Day Spotlight: Jason Simpson - UTMSports.com
- OVC Media Day Spotlight: Colton Dowell - UTMSports.com
- OVC Media Day Spotlight: Rodney Williams II - UTMSports.com
- Preseason All-OVC Team Story - OVCSports.com
- Preseason Predicted Order of Finish Story - OVCSports.com
- Preparations in Place for Quick Turnaround from Spring FCS Season to Fall - Dan Verdun, Prairie State Pigskin
- OVC Exploring Possible Additions for Departed Members - Dan Verdun, Prairie State Pigskin
The University of Tennessee at Martin football unofficially kicked off its season on Monday with its annual participation in the league's Ohio Valley Conference Football Media Day presented by Delta Dental which was held as a virtual event. Head coaches and student-athletes of the seven OVC schools spoke with members of the media to preview the 2021 season.
Murray State was picked as the preseason favorite for the first time since 1996 with a total of 64 points to finish just ahead of Austin Peay and Southeast Missouri, who tied for second-place with 60 points. UT Martin was tabbed fourth (38) and followed by Tennessee State (32), Tennessee Tech (28) and Eastern Illinois (12).
The 2021 season marks the 16th for head coach Jason Simpson who has 90 victories during his Skyhawk career, which is just two away from fifth place in OVC history. Overall Simpson is one of just 16 coaches in league history to coach 10 or more seasons at the same school. This season the Skyhawks return a plethora of talented receivers including All-American tight end Rodney Williams II. Williams made the move from wide receiver to tight end before last season and tallied 30 catches for 327 yards and four touchdowns in seven games. Also back is Colton Dowell, who switched from tight end to wideout and made 40 catches last year, Donnell Williams (29 catches), Marqwell Odom (19 catches) and running back Peyton Logan (30 catches out of the backfield). On the defensive side of the ball, UTM has two Preseason All-OVC defensive back returning in cornerback Jay Woods (23 tackles, nine pass breakups) and safety Deven Sims (team-best 9 tackles, four pass breakups).
The Skyhawks will open the season with six Preseason All-OVC honorees on its squad, including wide receiver Colton Dowell, wide receiver Donnell Williams, tight end Rodney Williams II, offensive lineman Matthan Hatchie, defensive back Jay Woods and safety Deven Sims. Overall, UT Martin returns nine starters on offense and nine starters on defense along with three key contributors on the specialist unit.
UT Martin opens the season on Thursday, Sept. 2 when traveling to Football Bowl Subdivision foe Western Kentucky. The Skyhawks will then make their home debut at Hardy M. Graham Stadium for Family Weekend on Saturday, Sept. 11 against Samford.
Single game and season ticket packages are available to be purchased online at www.UTMSports.com/tickets, through the UT Martin Ticket Office by calling 731-881-7207 or by emailing athletic.events@utm.edu.
2021 OVC Preseason Football Team
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Draylen Ellis (QB), Austin Peay
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Kordell Jackson (NB), Austin Peay
OFFENSEQB - Preston Rice, Murray State
QB - Draylen Ellis, Austin Peay
RB - Devon Starling, Tennessee State
RB - Geno Hess, Southeast Missouri
FB - Benjamin Johnson, Tennessee State
WR - Zack Smith, Southeast Missouri
WR - Colton Dowell, UT Martin
WR - LaMartez Brooks, Murray State
WR - Donnell Williams, UT Martin
WR - Cam Wyche, Tennessee State
WR - Jacob Bell, Murray State
TE - Rodney Williams II, UT Martin
OL - Cam Durley, Tennessee State
OL - Bucky Williams, Austin Peay
OL - Jaden Rosenthall, Southeast Missouri
OL - Levi Nesler, Murray State
OL - Jacob Vance, Murray State
OL - Shyron Rodgers, Southeast Missouri
OL - Matthan Hatchie, UT Martin
OL - Colby McKee, Austin Peay
OL - Seth Johnson, Austin Peay
DEFENSE
DT - Bryson Donnell, Southeast Missouri
DT - Davoan Hawkins, Tennessee State
DE - Chris Tucker, Tennessee Tech
DE - Ethan Edmondson, Murray State
OLB - Omardrick Douglas, Southeast Missouri
OLB - Scotty Humpich, Murray State
OLB - James Green, Tennessee State
ILB - Eric Samuta, Murray State
ILB - Jason Johnson, Eastern Illinois
ILB - Jack McDonald, Austin Peay
CB - Marcis Floyd, Murray State
CB - Jay Woods, UT Martin
S - Deven Sims, UT Martin
S - Josh Reliford, Tennessee Tech
S - Josh Green, Tennessee State
NB - Kordell Jackson, Austin Peay
SPECIALISTS
K - Antonio Zita, Tennessee State
P - Zach Haynes, Southeast Missouri
KR - Matt Judd, Eastern Illinois
PR - Malik Honeycutt, Murray State
OVC Notables
• Every current OVC team has been ranked in the Top 25 polls for at least one week over the past five years (2016-20).• Last year three teams were ranked in the final Stats Perform Top 25, the first time since the 2013 season three OVC teams finished the season ranked in that poll.
• The OVC has placed multiple teams in the FCS Playoffs seven times in the past 11 years.
• OVC teams have 12 playoff wins since 2013, including five Quarterfinal appearances and one National Championship game appearance.
• Since 2013, the OVC has produced one Walter Payton Award Winner, two Buck Buchanan Award Winners, an Eddie Robinson Award Winner and a Deacon Jones Trophy winner. In addition, the league has had two Doris Robinson Award Winners, as the National Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
• In 7 of the past 11 years, an OVC team has defeated a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponent.
• The OVC has produced at least one NFL Draft Pick in 10 of the past 14 years.
• In January 2020, OVC alum Jimmy Garoppolo became just the eighth former FCS quarterback to start a Super Bowl, doing so with the San Francisco 49ers. Last season 11 former OVC players were on active rosters at the end of the season.
• Former EIU quarterback Tony Romo was selected to the 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Class. He is the third former OVC player to be inducted (Jim Youngblood, George Floyd Jr.); in addition, there are also three former OVC coaches (Roy Kidd, Boots Donnelly, Frank Beamer) already enshrined.
• Over the previous 73 years, 15 of 18 teams that have competed have claimed at least one league championship.
Social Media Buzz
.@CraigHaley on @OVCSports preseason poll:
— FCS Football (@FCS_STATS) July 19, 2021
1. Murray St, 64 pts (7 1st-place votes)
T2. Austin Peay, 60 (4)
T2. SE Missouri, 60 (3)
4. UT Martin, 38
5. Tenn St, 32
6. Tenn Tech, 28
7. E Illinois, 12
Off POY: Draylen Ellis, Austin Peay QB
Def POY: Kordell Jackson, Austin Peay DB pic.twitter.com/L7zW0Kr4sY
We are counting down to the start of the 2021 football 🏈 season, the 74th year of football in the OVC.
— OhioValleyConference (@OVCSports) July 18, 2021
Check out some facts on @UTM_Football and then click below for our digital preview of the team.
Preview: https://t.co/Pywak4upxx | #MartinMade pic.twitter.com/57OI6uV8cm
As we countdown to the 2021 football 🏈 season, we are releasing team-by-team digital previews presented by @DeltaDentalTN.
— OhioValleyConference (@OVCSports) July 18, 2021
Check out @UTM_FOOTBALL who begins its 16th season under @Coach_JSimpson. https://t.co/Pywak4cO8X | #MartinMade pic.twitter.com/g2gpzS1Pgt
The results of the 2021 Preseason OVC Football 🏈 Poll, as voted on by league coaches/communications directors, are below.
— OhioValleyConference (@OVCSports) July 19, 2021
Click here for a complete season preview: https://t.co/AtAfBJpZTh#OVCMediaDay pic.twitter.com/EVGWNpeSqf
FB: @UTM_FOOTBALL has been picked to finish fourth in the annual #OVCMediaDay Preseason Poll as voted on by the league's head coaches and sports information directors. #MartinMade pic.twitter.com/UpsQpIQFWM
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) July 19, 2021
Here is a look at the 21-person 2021 Preseason All-OVC Offense. 🏈
— OhioValleyConference (@OVCSports) July 19, 2021
The team includes 11 players who were first-team All-OVC picks last season.#OVCMediaDay pic.twitter.com/FAhcLINpdn
Here is a look at the 16-person 2021 Preseason All-OVC Defense. 🏈
— OhioValleyConference (@OVCSports) July 19, 2021
The team includes 11 players who were first-team All-OVC picks last season.#OVCMediaDay pic.twitter.com/ooeoXZQ9y1
FB: Six @UTM_Football standouts tabbed as Preseason All-OVC selections; Skyhawks picked to finish fourth in preseason poll https://t.co/OJNEy35BZj
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) July 19, 2021
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_FOOTBALL wide receiver Colton Dowell on being named to the Preseason All-OVC team for the second straight year.
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) July 19, 2021
🏈2x All-OVC honoree
🏈40 catches (1st OVC)
🏈459 yards (2nd OVC)
🏈4 TDs (2nd OVC) pic.twitter.com/ggvsrZmjox
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_FOOTBALL wide receiver Donnell Williams on being named to the Preseason All-OVC team. #MartinMade
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) July 19, 2021
🏈74.2 yards/gm (2nd OVC)
🏈445 yards (4th OVC)
🏈4.88 rec/gm (5th OVC)
🏈3 TDs (7th OVC) pic.twitter.com/1RgCLBC42d
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_FOOTBALL tight end Rodney Williams II on being named to the Preseason All-OVC team. #MartinMade
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) July 19, 2021
🏈'20-21 All-American
🏈4 TDs (2nd OVC)
🏈30 catches (5th OVC)
🏈327 yards (8th OVC) pic.twitter.com/QaKaZWiTUg
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_FOOTBALL offensive lineman Matthan Hatchie on being named to the Preseason All-OVC team. #MartinMade
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) July 19, 2021
🏈Graded at >84%/gm
🏈Played every snap last season
🏈60 knockdowns pic.twitter.com/UmZx9ZY1Ah
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_FOOTBALL defensive back Jay Woods on being named to the Preseason All-OVC team. #MartinMade
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) July 19, 2021
🏈9 pass breakups (1st OVC)
🏈9 passes defended (2nd OVC)
🏈1 fumble recovery (2nd OVC)
🏈23 tackles pic.twitter.com/ELuLO7pfFf
FB: Congratulations to @UTM_FOOTBALL safety Deven Sims on being named to the Preseason All-OVC team. #MartinMade
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) July 19, 2021
🏈60 tackles (4th OVC)
🏈29 solo tackles (4th OVC)
🏈8.6 tackles per game (5th OVC)
🏈1 forced fumble (2nd OVC) pic.twitter.com/6Q1EiIFP8R
Individual awards are great, but success is not carried on the backs of few, but many! We cannot become complacent.. We have whole lot more to prove as a TEAM! @UTM_FOOTBALL https://t.co/63JlbfqQaT
— Colton Dowell (@ColtonDowell2) July 19, 2021
Thanks to all the @OVCSports football coaches and student-athletes that participated in OVC Football Media Day. So much excitement and anticipation. Season starts in 40 days!
— Beth DeBauche (@BethDeBauche) July 19, 2021
FB: With 72 conference wins since 2006, @UTM_Football is the active leader in @OVCSports victories over the past 15 seasons under the direction of head coach Jason Simpson. #MartinMade pic.twitter.com/bdjt8HNLlq
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) July 20, 2021
OVC football 🏈 coaches took part in the annual #OVCMediaDay on Monday.
— OhioValleyConference (@OVCSports) July 21, 2021
Now in his 16th season, @UTM_FOOTBALL's @Coach_JSimpson anticipates that this year the talent level in the OVC will be at an all-time high. #MartinMade | @DeltaDentalTN pic.twitter.com/qf197t970c
Hear from @UTM_Football tight end Rodney Williams II as he shares why the team's receiving core is such a dynamic characteristic to the 2021 team. #MartinMade pic.twitter.com/M0OuazOE4X
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) July 21, 2021
Earlier this week @UTM_Football wide receiver Colton Dowell had a message to anyone who has a doubt about the quality of play in the @OVCSports. #MartinMade pic.twitter.com/A71AsvkLQb
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) July 22, 2021
"To me football is not a game...college football - in particular - is life. You learn how to be a teammate, how to talk to people and how to motivate people. Football is a teacher. It gives you the blueprint to have a successful life."
— UT Martin Athletics (@UTMSports) July 22, 2021
- @UTM_FOOTBALL WR Colton Dowell pic.twitter.com/P5FPFFOTlG
Some strong words from Preseason All-OVC selection @ColtonDowell2.#OVCinspires https://t.co/yyVklQ2MQ3
— OhioValleyConference (@OVCSports) July 22, 2021
● WR Spotlight ●
— NCAAF Nation (@NCAAFNation247) July 22, 2021
Colton Dowell - UT Martin
• Dowell is one of the best WRs in the #FCS. In his career he's caught 88 passes for 1,362 yards 11 Touchdowns averaging 15.5 yards per catch. pic.twitter.com/QscShVg6iT
● WR Spotlight ●
— NCAAF Nation (@NCAAFNation247) July 22, 2021
Donnell Williams - UT Martin
• Williams has caught 53 passes for 704 yards 6 Touchdowns in his career. Williams was a 2020-2021 All-OVC second team player. pic.twitter.com/hMqoRov613
The Best Returning #FCS Tight Ends https://t.co/yFy0BuI8tV
— HERO Sports FCS (@HEROSports_FCS) July 22, 2021
Next up in our "Get to Know the FCS" Weekly Series is the OVC!https://t.co/znP2odtamS
— RedditFCS (@Reddit_FCS) July 19, 2021
