UT MARTIN CLAIMS 25 HONORS AS ALL-OVC AND MAJOR AWARDS ARE ANNOUNCED; FORD AND FRANKLIN GARNER PREMIER AWARDS
11/22/2022 12:20:00 PM | Football
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – Coming off back-to-back Ohio Valley Conference championships, the University of Tennessee at Martin football team was well represented with postseason honors as the team garnered a record-setting 25 accolades as the 2022 All-Ohio Valley Conference teams were announced on Tuesday along with the major award winners.
Headlining the list of awards as voted on by the league's head coaches and sports information directors was John H. Ford II who became the first player in program history to be named OVC Defensive Player of the Year. Meanwhile, Sam Franklin became the third player in program history to garner OVC Freshman of the Year honors. UT Martin led the way with 23 selections across the three teams, including 13 first-team and seven second-team selections
UT Martin placed 13 players on the All-OVC first team including running back Zak Wallace, wide receiver Colton Dowell, tight end DJ Nelson, offensive center Matthan Hatchie, offensive tackle Gavin Olson and offensive guard D'Marius Warren on offense. On the defensive side, defensive end Daylan Dotson, outside linebacker/jack TJ Neal, linebacker John H. Ford II, linebacker Rob Hicks, cornerback Shaun Lewis and safety Deven Sims were named to the first team. Meanwhile, long snapper Brock Powers also garnered first team honors.
The Skyhawks had seven All-OVC second team selections quarterback Dresser Winn, running back Sam Franklin, wide receiver DeVonte Tanksley, offensive tackle Lamar Morgan and offensive guard Jarod Russell represented the offense. Meanwhile safety Ty Woods and punter Tyler Larco garnered second team honors.
Rounding out the team's postseason honors were three selections to the All-Newcomer team as Franklin, Nelson and Tanksley earned spots on the 11-man list.
A six-year member of the Skyhawks, Ford was tabbed the OVC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and made that prediction come true after helping lead UT Martin to a share of its second-straight and third overall OVC Championship. A three-time All-OVC selection, Ford is the program's first OVC Defensive Player of the Year while joining Danny Watkins (1976) and Emanuel McNeil (1988) as the program's previous player of the year honorees. The Nashville, Tenn. native tallied 105 tackles, including 10.5 for loss, 5.0 sacks, an interception, two pass breakups, four quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and fumble recovery. He ranked third in the OVC in tackles (9.5/game), second in sacks (0.45/game) and third in tackles for loss (0.95/game). Ford, a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, helped UT Martin rank first nationally in turnovers gained (28) and in the Top 20 nationally in tackles for loss (17th) and sacks (20th). He had double-digit tackles in five games, including a season-high 13 stops in wins over Western Illinois and Murray State.
A native of Little Rock, Ark., Franklin was part of a two-headed rushing attack for UT Martin, spelling first-team All-OVC selection Wallace for a change of pace. Along with being named OVC Freshman of the Year, he also earned a spot on the All-OVC second team and All-Newcomer squad. Franklin ranked fifth in the OVC in total rushing yards (676) despite having almost 25 less carries than any player who ranked ahead of him. He finished the season with 85 rushes to average 8.0 yards/carry, while scoring eight touchdowns. Franklin also caught 12 passes for 55 yards. A finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, Franklin scored a season-best three touchdowns in a win over Lindenwood while adding two scores and a season-high 157 rushing yards against Murray State. He also had 139 yards in a win at Houston Christian. He is the third UTM player to win this award, joining Don Chapman (2004) and John Bachus III (2019).
Wallace earned his second All-OVC honor of his career after ranking as one of the league's elite running backs. He tallied 169 carries for 1,012 yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. The Bentonville, Ark. native ranked amongst the nation's leaders in rushing touchdowns (16, fifth), total touchdowns (16, eighth), scoring (8.7 ppg, 16th), rush yards per carry (5.9, 23rd) and rushing yards (1,011, 23rd). He became just the eighth individual in program history to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards on the season while tallying five games with at 100 yards on the ground. His best game came against Lindenwood when he had 204 yards on 11 carries while scoring a pair of touchdowns. He scored multiple touchdowns in five contest – including a four-touchdown performance against Houston Christian.
Dowell picked up his fourth All-OVC selection in a record-setting campaign. The Lebanon, Tenn. native recorded 67 catches for 1,036 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged 94.1 receiving yards per game while tallying six games with at least a 100 receiving yards. His 1,036 receiving yards rank eighth in the nation while also siting in the Top 20 nationally in receiving yards per game (94.2, 10th) and receptions per game (6.1, 20th). Along with becoming just the fourth player in program history to eclipse 1,000 yards, he broke a 34-year-old program record after accumulating 2,796 career receiving yards. He also ranks third all-time in program history with 19 career touchdowns and 177 receptions.
After redshirting last season, Nelson burst onto the scene in his first full season as a Skyhawk contributor to claim All-OVC first team and All-Newcomer honors. The York, Ala. native led all tight ends in the OVC with 21 receptions, 267 yards and six touchdowns. His six touchdowns ranked tied fourth in the OVC. The best game of his young career came against Tennessee Tech when he recorded career-highs in yards (95) and touchdowns (two).
Hatchie earned his third straight All-OVC honor after once again anchoring an impressive offensive line at both the center and guard positions. The Haleiwa, Hawai'i native graded out at 85 percent or better in each game while tallying 71 knockdowns. In the middle of an offensive unit which ranked sixth nationally in sacks allowed, he did not give up a sack in 401 attempts. The durable standout played 709 snaps while serving as a leader of the group with his toughness and makeup. Offensively, the unit led a team which ranked 19th in passing offense (269.4 ypg) and 20th in scoring offense (34.7).
Olson is a four-year starter and two-time All-OVC performer after starting all 11 games this season at left tackle. He graded out at 86 percent or better in each game while tallying 82 knockdowns. The Memphis native helped anchor an offensive unit which ranked sixth nationally in sacks allowed while allowing just two sacks on 401 dropbacks. The junior tackle transitioned from guard back outside and has been a mainstay on the unit by starting since he was a true freshman while playing 793 snaps this season. As a whole the unit leads the way for an offense which ranked 19th in passing offense (269.4 ypg) and 20th in scoring offense (34.7).
Warren, a native of Kennett, Mo., burst onto the scene for the Skyhawks in his debut season en route to All-OVC first team honors. Playing and starting in 10 games at right tackle, he asserted his physicality on opposing defenses. He graded out at 84 percent or better in each game while tallying 75 knockdowns. He played 665 snaps while allowing one sack in 401 dropbacks. The offensive line ranked sixth nationally in sacks allowed while the team ranked 19th in passing offense (269.4 ypg) and 20th in scoring offense (34.7).
Dotson had a breakout season en route to earning All-OVC first team honors. He was ferocious in the backfield after tallying 48 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. He also notched 15 quarterback hurries, five forced fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries. The Savannah, Ga. native ranked ninth nationally in sacks (9.5) and 14th in tackles for loss (14.5). He was named FCS National Defensive Player of the Week after tallying 2.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks, two force fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries in a road win at Houston Christian. The defensive end also recorded a career-high 14 tackles against Kennesaw State while notching another standout performance with a career-best 3.0 tackles for loss against Eastern Illinois in the season finale.
Hailing from Nashville, Tenn., Neal was a breakout performer in his lone season as a Skyhawks on his way to an All-OVC first team selection. The graduate transfer recorded 49 tackles on the season while notching 7.5 tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and an interception. He ranked 10th in the OVC with 7.5 tackles for loss while posting a season-high 2.5 TFLs against Boise State. He also recorded a pair of TFLs in the team's road win at Tennessee State while posting a season-high nine tackles against Houston Christian and Eastern Illinois.
Hicks proved to be a dominant force in his second year with the Skyhawks to earn All-OVC first team honors. Hicks not only led the team but the OVC with 113 total tackles – including 41 solo stops. He eclipsed 10 or more tackles in six games while earning FCS National Defensive Player of the Week honors after setting a program Division I record with 26 tackles against Kennesaw State. He ranked ninth nationally with 10.2 tackles per game while tallying the sixth most in the program's Division I history.
Another graduate transfer played a big role for the Skyhawks as Lewis earned All-OVC first team honors despite having his season cut short due to injury after eight games. The Houston, Texas native tallied 40 tackles on the season – including 28 solo stops – while recording one tackle for loss. A two-time OVC Defensive Player of the Week, Lewis led the OVC with four interception – including one returned for a touchdown – while ranking 13th in FCS. His contributions played a big factor in why the Skyhawks ranked first nationally with 17 interceptions and turnovers gained (28) while sitting fifth in turnover margin (1.09). He tallied a season-high 11 tackles along with a 44-yard interception return for a touchdown against Tennessee Tech. He also had a pair of interceptions in the Week 1 victory over Western Illinois.
Sims earned his third straight All-OVC first team selection after tallying 65 total tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss in his final campaign. A sixth-year graduate, Sims ranked as the team's active career tackle leader with 259 career stops over 49 games. The Smyrna, Tenn. native narrowly missed out on double-digit tackle performances in three games with nine stops against Boise State, Lindenwood and Kennesaw State. He also recorded a tackle for loss in six consecutive games – including 1.5 against Lindenwood. His lone interception of the season came against Murray State while also notching three pass breakups and two quarterback hurries on the year.
Hailing from Cornersville, Tenn., Powers earned his first All-OVC selection after playing a critical role as the team's long snapper for the past five seasons. Powers serves as the long snapper for both field goal chances and punt attempts while breaking the program record by appearing in 54 career games. During his tenure he has snapped for a pair of All-OVC performers and recovered a pair of fumbles.
Winn put the finishing touches on a career which embodied perseverance and commitment to the Skyhawks on his way to All-OVC second team honors. After seeing much of his previous three seasons detoured by injuries, Winn returned to the starting quarterback position and led his team to back-to-back OVC regular season championships. He completed 232-of-379 passes attempts for 2,928 yards while tossing 18 touchdowns. He averaged 266.1 passing yards per game while tossing multiple touchdowns in six contests and eclipsing 300 yards in five outings. The Dresden, Tenn. native also rushed for three scores on the season. He leaves UT Martin in the program's top five in single season passing yards (2928, fourth), career total offense (5964, fifth), career passing yards (5800, fifth) and passing touchdowns (37, fifth).
After missing last season due to injury, Tanksley played a big role for the Skyhawks on his way to All-OVC second team and All-Newcomer honors. He tallied 53 receptions for 653 yards while catching one touchdown. He ranked sixth in the OVC with 653 yards while averaging 12.3 yards per reception and 65.3 yards per game. The Belle Glade, Fla. native's best game came at Murray State where he set a program Division I record with 220 yards on nine catches.
Morgan earned his second consecutive All-OVC honor after playing 793 snaps and starting in all 11 games at right tackle. The Detroit, Mich. native graded out at 81 percent or better in each game while tallying 62 knockdowns. He helped anchor an offensive unit which ranked sixth nationally in sacks allowed while sitting 19th in passing offense (269.4 ypg) and 20th in scoring offense (34.7).
A native of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Russell started in 10 games for the Skyhawks at left guard. While playing 702 snaps, he graded out at 83 percent or better throughout the season while tallying 68 knockdowns. The offensive line ranked sixth nationally in sacks allowed while sitting 19th in passing offense (269.4 ypg) and 20th in scoring offense (34.7).
Woods was another key contributor who joined the Skyhawks as a graduate transfer for his final season before earning an All-OVC second team selection. A native of Birmingham, Ala., Woods got stronger as the season went on before starting the final three games of the year. He tallied 44 tackles on the season along with 2.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions. He recorded interceptions against Murray State, Tennessee and Tennessee State while returning the final one 39 yards for a touchdown to earn OVC Defensive Player of the Week and Newcomer of the Week honors. His three interceptions ranked third in the OVC while tallying nine passes defended with ranked fifth.
A Miami, Fla. native, Larco earned his second All-OVC second team honor of his career after ranking amongst the nation's leaders in punting. A two-time OVC Specialist of the Week, Larco averaged 43.6 yards per punt while placing 15 kicks inside the 20-yard line. He booted 11 punts over 50 yards, including a season-long 75-yard kick against Kennesaw State. He ranked second in the OVC and ninth nationally with 43.6 yards per attempt. One of his best performances came against Tennessee Tech where he booted seven punts for an average of 57.1 yards per kick – including a game-long 66 blast.
2022 All-OVC Football Team and Awards
OVC Offensive Player of the Year: Geno Hess (RB), Southeast Missouri
OVC Defensive Player of the Year: John H. Ford II (LB), UT Martin
OVC Freshman of the Year: Sam Franklin (RB), UT Martin
OVC Coach of the Year: Tom Matukewicz, Southeast Missouri
FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE
QB - Cade Brister, Lindenwood
RB - Geno Hess, Southeast Missouri
RB - Zak Wallace, UT Martin
WR - Payton Rose, Lindenwood
WR - Ryan Flournoy, Southeast Missouri
WR - Johnny King, Southeast Missouri
WR - Colton Dowell, UT Martin
TE - DJ Nelson, UT Martin
OC - Zach Gieg, Southeast Missouri
OC - Matthan Hatchie, UT Martin
LT - Gavin Olson, UT Martin
LT - Blake Rogenhofer, Lindenwood
RT - Nate Korte, Southeast Missouri
LG - Shyron Rodgers, Southeast Missouri
RG - D'Marius Warren, UT Martin
FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE
DE - Daylan Dotson, UT Martin
DT - Terray Jones, Tennessee State
DT - Cameron Leach, Eastern Illinois
DE - Terrell Allen, Tennessee State
OLB - TJ Neal, UT Martin
ILB - John H. Ford II, UT Martin
ILB - Bryce Norman, Southeast Missouri
ILB - Rob Hicks, UT Martin
OLB - Elijawah Tolbert, Eastern Illinois
CB - Shaun Lewis, UT Martin
SAF - Josh Reliford, Tennessee Tech
SAF - Deven Sims, UT Martin
CB - Darion Bolden, Lindenwood
NICKEL - Lawrence Johnson, Southeast Missouri
FIRST-TEAM SPECIALISTS
K - Stone Galloway, Eastern Illinois
P - Trey Wilhoit, Eastern Illinois
KR - Dalyn McDonald, Southeast Missouri
PR - Dalyn McDonald, Southeast Missouri
LS - Brock Powers, UT Martin
SECOND-TEAM OFFENSE
QB - Dresser Winn, UT Martin
RB - David Gist, Tennessee Tech
RB - Sam Franklin, UT Martin
WR - Kobe Smith, Lindenwood
WR - DeVonte Tanksley, UT Martin
WR - Taylor Shields, Murray State
WR - JJ Holloman, Tennessee State
TE - Will Weidemann, Southeast Missouri
OC - Levi Nesler, Murray State
OC/OG - Nate Hodnett, Tennessee Tech
RT - Lamar Morgan, UT Martin
LT - Chad Strickland, Eastern Illinois
RT - Ethan Johnson, Lindenwood
LG - Jared Russell, UT Martin
LG - Gareth Warren, Lindenwood
SECOND-TEAM DEFENSE
DE - Sterlin Williams, Lindenwood
DT - Steven Lewis, Southeast Missouri
DT - Kail Dava, Tennessee Tech
DE - Kobe McClendon, Lindenwood
OLB - Keandre Booker, Southeast Missouri
ILB - Colin Bohanek, Eastern Illinois
ILB - Eric Samuta, Murray State #&
ILB - Jahsun Bryant, Tennessee State
ILB - Seth Carlisle, Tennessee Tech
OLB - Cade Shupperd, Murray State
OLB - K'Vaughan Pope, Tennessee State
CB - Ty Leonard, Southeast Missouri
SAF - Jordan Vincent, Eastern Illinois
SAF - Ty Woods, UT Martin
CB - Bryce Phillips, Tennessee State
NICKEL - Nick Coates, Eastern Illinois
SECOND-TEAM SPECIALISTS
K - Logan Seibert, Lindenwood
K - Kaleb Mosley, Tennessee State
P - Tyler Larco, UT Martin
KR - Mark Aitken, Eastern Illinois
PR - Cooper Willman, Eastern Illinois
LS - Jack Valente, Eastern Illinois
ALL-NEWCOMER TEAM
P - Trey Wilhoit, Eastern Illinois
WR - Kobe Smith, Lindenwood
DE - Kobe McClendon, Lindenwood
LB - Cody Goatley, Murray State
QB - Paxton DeLaurent, Southeast Missouri
CB - Bryce Phillips, Tennessee State
LB - K'Vaughan Pope, Tennessee State
LB - Jacquez McGowan, Tennessee Tech
RB - Sam Franklin, UT Martin
WR - DeVonte Tanksley, UT Martin
TE - DJ Nelson, UT Martin
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 2021) or first-year transfers. The team consists of 11 total players and is not voted on by position.
There were 6 players on the All-OVC second-team specialists (2 K's) and 16 players on the second-team defense (4 ILB's, 3 OLB's) due to ties in voting.
NOTE: Offensive line is not voted on by specific position.
Headlining the list of awards as voted on by the league's head coaches and sports information directors was John H. Ford II who became the first player in program history to be named OVC Defensive Player of the Year. Meanwhile, Sam Franklin became the third player in program history to garner OVC Freshman of the Year honors. UT Martin led the way with 23 selections across the three teams, including 13 first-team and seven second-team selections
UT Martin placed 13 players on the All-OVC first team including running back Zak Wallace, wide receiver Colton Dowell, tight end DJ Nelson, offensive center Matthan Hatchie, offensive tackle Gavin Olson and offensive guard D'Marius Warren on offense. On the defensive side, defensive end Daylan Dotson, outside linebacker/jack TJ Neal, linebacker John H. Ford II, linebacker Rob Hicks, cornerback Shaun Lewis and safety Deven Sims were named to the first team. Meanwhile, long snapper Brock Powers also garnered first team honors.
The Skyhawks had seven All-OVC second team selections quarterback Dresser Winn, running back Sam Franklin, wide receiver DeVonte Tanksley, offensive tackle Lamar Morgan and offensive guard Jarod Russell represented the offense. Meanwhile safety Ty Woods and punter Tyler Larco garnered second team honors.
Rounding out the team's postseason honors were three selections to the All-Newcomer team as Franklin, Nelson and Tanksley earned spots on the 11-man list.
A six-year member of the Skyhawks, Ford was tabbed the OVC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year and made that prediction come true after helping lead UT Martin to a share of its second-straight and third overall OVC Championship. A three-time All-OVC selection, Ford is the program's first OVC Defensive Player of the Year while joining Danny Watkins (1976) and Emanuel McNeil (1988) as the program's previous player of the year honorees. The Nashville, Tenn. native tallied 105 tackles, including 10.5 for loss, 5.0 sacks, an interception, two pass breakups, four quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and fumble recovery. He ranked third in the OVC in tackles (9.5/game), second in sacks (0.45/game) and third in tackles for loss (0.95/game). Ford, a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, helped UT Martin rank first nationally in turnovers gained (28) and in the Top 20 nationally in tackles for loss (17th) and sacks (20th). He had double-digit tackles in five games, including a season-high 13 stops in wins over Western Illinois and Murray State.
A native of Little Rock, Ark., Franklin was part of a two-headed rushing attack for UT Martin, spelling first-team All-OVC selection Wallace for a change of pace. Along with being named OVC Freshman of the Year, he also earned a spot on the All-OVC second team and All-Newcomer squad. Franklin ranked fifth in the OVC in total rushing yards (676) despite having almost 25 less carries than any player who ranked ahead of him. He finished the season with 85 rushes to average 8.0 yards/carry, while scoring eight touchdowns. Franklin also caught 12 passes for 55 yards. A finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, Franklin scored a season-best three touchdowns in a win over Lindenwood while adding two scores and a season-high 157 rushing yards against Murray State. He also had 139 yards in a win at Houston Christian. He is the third UTM player to win this award, joining Don Chapman (2004) and John Bachus III (2019).
Wallace earned his second All-OVC honor of his career after ranking as one of the league's elite running backs. He tallied 169 carries for 1,012 yards and 16 rushing touchdowns. The Bentonville, Ark. native ranked amongst the nation's leaders in rushing touchdowns (16, fifth), total touchdowns (16, eighth), scoring (8.7 ppg, 16th), rush yards per carry (5.9, 23rd) and rushing yards (1,011, 23rd). He became just the eighth individual in program history to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards on the season while tallying five games with at 100 yards on the ground. His best game came against Lindenwood when he had 204 yards on 11 carries while scoring a pair of touchdowns. He scored multiple touchdowns in five contest – including a four-touchdown performance against Houston Christian.
Dowell picked up his fourth All-OVC selection in a record-setting campaign. The Lebanon, Tenn. native recorded 67 catches for 1,036 yards and six touchdowns. He averaged 94.1 receiving yards per game while tallying six games with at least a 100 receiving yards. His 1,036 receiving yards rank eighth in the nation while also siting in the Top 20 nationally in receiving yards per game (94.2, 10th) and receptions per game (6.1, 20th). Along with becoming just the fourth player in program history to eclipse 1,000 yards, he broke a 34-year-old program record after accumulating 2,796 career receiving yards. He also ranks third all-time in program history with 19 career touchdowns and 177 receptions.
After redshirting last season, Nelson burst onto the scene in his first full season as a Skyhawk contributor to claim All-OVC first team and All-Newcomer honors. The York, Ala. native led all tight ends in the OVC with 21 receptions, 267 yards and six touchdowns. His six touchdowns ranked tied fourth in the OVC. The best game of his young career came against Tennessee Tech when he recorded career-highs in yards (95) and touchdowns (two).
Hatchie earned his third straight All-OVC honor after once again anchoring an impressive offensive line at both the center and guard positions. The Haleiwa, Hawai'i native graded out at 85 percent or better in each game while tallying 71 knockdowns. In the middle of an offensive unit which ranked sixth nationally in sacks allowed, he did not give up a sack in 401 attempts. The durable standout played 709 snaps while serving as a leader of the group with his toughness and makeup. Offensively, the unit led a team which ranked 19th in passing offense (269.4 ypg) and 20th in scoring offense (34.7).
Olson is a four-year starter and two-time All-OVC performer after starting all 11 games this season at left tackle. He graded out at 86 percent or better in each game while tallying 82 knockdowns. The Memphis native helped anchor an offensive unit which ranked sixth nationally in sacks allowed while allowing just two sacks on 401 dropbacks. The junior tackle transitioned from guard back outside and has been a mainstay on the unit by starting since he was a true freshman while playing 793 snaps this season. As a whole the unit leads the way for an offense which ranked 19th in passing offense (269.4 ypg) and 20th in scoring offense (34.7).
Warren, a native of Kennett, Mo., burst onto the scene for the Skyhawks in his debut season en route to All-OVC first team honors. Playing and starting in 10 games at right tackle, he asserted his physicality on opposing defenses. He graded out at 84 percent or better in each game while tallying 75 knockdowns. He played 665 snaps while allowing one sack in 401 dropbacks. The offensive line ranked sixth nationally in sacks allowed while the team ranked 19th in passing offense (269.4 ypg) and 20th in scoring offense (34.7).
Dotson had a breakout season en route to earning All-OVC first team honors. He was ferocious in the backfield after tallying 48 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. He also notched 15 quarterback hurries, five forced fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries. The Savannah, Ga. native ranked ninth nationally in sacks (9.5) and 14th in tackles for loss (14.5). He was named FCS National Defensive Player of the Week after tallying 2.0 TFL, 2.0 sacks, two force fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries in a road win at Houston Christian. The defensive end also recorded a career-high 14 tackles against Kennesaw State while notching another standout performance with a career-best 3.0 tackles for loss against Eastern Illinois in the season finale.
Hailing from Nashville, Tenn., Neal was a breakout performer in his lone season as a Skyhawks on his way to an All-OVC first team selection. The graduate transfer recorded 49 tackles on the season while notching 7.5 tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and an interception. He ranked 10th in the OVC with 7.5 tackles for loss while posting a season-high 2.5 TFLs against Boise State. He also recorded a pair of TFLs in the team's road win at Tennessee State while posting a season-high nine tackles against Houston Christian and Eastern Illinois.
Hicks proved to be a dominant force in his second year with the Skyhawks to earn All-OVC first team honors. Hicks not only led the team but the OVC with 113 total tackles – including 41 solo stops. He eclipsed 10 or more tackles in six games while earning FCS National Defensive Player of the Week honors after setting a program Division I record with 26 tackles against Kennesaw State. He ranked ninth nationally with 10.2 tackles per game while tallying the sixth most in the program's Division I history.
Another graduate transfer played a big role for the Skyhawks as Lewis earned All-OVC first team honors despite having his season cut short due to injury after eight games. The Houston, Texas native tallied 40 tackles on the season – including 28 solo stops – while recording one tackle for loss. A two-time OVC Defensive Player of the Week, Lewis led the OVC with four interception – including one returned for a touchdown – while ranking 13th in FCS. His contributions played a big factor in why the Skyhawks ranked first nationally with 17 interceptions and turnovers gained (28) while sitting fifth in turnover margin (1.09). He tallied a season-high 11 tackles along with a 44-yard interception return for a touchdown against Tennessee Tech. He also had a pair of interceptions in the Week 1 victory over Western Illinois.
Sims earned his third straight All-OVC first team selection after tallying 65 total tackles and 6.5 tackles for loss in his final campaign. A sixth-year graduate, Sims ranked as the team's active career tackle leader with 259 career stops over 49 games. The Smyrna, Tenn. native narrowly missed out on double-digit tackle performances in three games with nine stops against Boise State, Lindenwood and Kennesaw State. He also recorded a tackle for loss in six consecutive games – including 1.5 against Lindenwood. His lone interception of the season came against Murray State while also notching three pass breakups and two quarterback hurries on the year.
Hailing from Cornersville, Tenn., Powers earned his first All-OVC selection after playing a critical role as the team's long snapper for the past five seasons. Powers serves as the long snapper for both field goal chances and punt attempts while breaking the program record by appearing in 54 career games. During his tenure he has snapped for a pair of All-OVC performers and recovered a pair of fumbles.
Winn put the finishing touches on a career which embodied perseverance and commitment to the Skyhawks on his way to All-OVC second team honors. After seeing much of his previous three seasons detoured by injuries, Winn returned to the starting quarterback position and led his team to back-to-back OVC regular season championships. He completed 232-of-379 passes attempts for 2,928 yards while tossing 18 touchdowns. He averaged 266.1 passing yards per game while tossing multiple touchdowns in six contests and eclipsing 300 yards in five outings. The Dresden, Tenn. native also rushed for three scores on the season. He leaves UT Martin in the program's top five in single season passing yards (2928, fourth), career total offense (5964, fifth), career passing yards (5800, fifth) and passing touchdowns (37, fifth).
After missing last season due to injury, Tanksley played a big role for the Skyhawks on his way to All-OVC second team and All-Newcomer honors. He tallied 53 receptions for 653 yards while catching one touchdown. He ranked sixth in the OVC with 653 yards while averaging 12.3 yards per reception and 65.3 yards per game. The Belle Glade, Fla. native's best game came at Murray State where he set a program Division I record with 220 yards on nine catches.
Morgan earned his second consecutive All-OVC honor after playing 793 snaps and starting in all 11 games at right tackle. The Detroit, Mich. native graded out at 81 percent or better in each game while tallying 62 knockdowns. He helped anchor an offensive unit which ranked sixth nationally in sacks allowed while sitting 19th in passing offense (269.4 ypg) and 20th in scoring offense (34.7).
A native of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Russell started in 10 games for the Skyhawks at left guard. While playing 702 snaps, he graded out at 83 percent or better throughout the season while tallying 68 knockdowns. The offensive line ranked sixth nationally in sacks allowed while sitting 19th in passing offense (269.4 ypg) and 20th in scoring offense (34.7).
Woods was another key contributor who joined the Skyhawks as a graduate transfer for his final season before earning an All-OVC second team selection. A native of Birmingham, Ala., Woods got stronger as the season went on before starting the final three games of the year. He tallied 44 tackles on the season along with 2.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions. He recorded interceptions against Murray State, Tennessee and Tennessee State while returning the final one 39 yards for a touchdown to earn OVC Defensive Player of the Week and Newcomer of the Week honors. His three interceptions ranked third in the OVC while tallying nine passes defended with ranked fifth.
A Miami, Fla. native, Larco earned his second All-OVC second team honor of his career after ranking amongst the nation's leaders in punting. A two-time OVC Specialist of the Week, Larco averaged 43.6 yards per punt while placing 15 kicks inside the 20-yard line. He booted 11 punts over 50 yards, including a season-long 75-yard kick against Kennesaw State. He ranked second in the OVC and ninth nationally with 43.6 yards per attempt. One of his best performances came against Tennessee Tech where he booted seven punts for an average of 57.1 yards per kick – including a game-long 66 blast.
2022 All-OVC Football Team and Awards
OVC Offensive Player of the Year: Geno Hess (RB), Southeast Missouri
OVC Defensive Player of the Year: John H. Ford II (LB), UT Martin
OVC Freshman of the Year: Sam Franklin (RB), UT Martin
OVC Coach of the Year: Tom Matukewicz, Southeast Missouri
FIRST-TEAM OFFENSE
QB - Cade Brister, Lindenwood
RB - Geno Hess, Southeast Missouri
RB - Zak Wallace, UT Martin
WR - Payton Rose, Lindenwood
WR - Ryan Flournoy, Southeast Missouri
WR - Johnny King, Southeast Missouri
WR - Colton Dowell, UT Martin
TE - DJ Nelson, UT Martin
OC - Zach Gieg, Southeast Missouri
OC - Matthan Hatchie, UT Martin
LT - Gavin Olson, UT Martin
LT - Blake Rogenhofer, Lindenwood
RT - Nate Korte, Southeast Missouri
LG - Shyron Rodgers, Southeast Missouri
RG - D'Marius Warren, UT Martin
FIRST-TEAM DEFENSE
DE - Daylan Dotson, UT Martin
DT - Terray Jones, Tennessee State
DT - Cameron Leach, Eastern Illinois
DE - Terrell Allen, Tennessee State
OLB - TJ Neal, UT Martin
ILB - John H. Ford II, UT Martin
ILB - Bryce Norman, Southeast Missouri
ILB - Rob Hicks, UT Martin
OLB - Elijawah Tolbert, Eastern Illinois
CB - Shaun Lewis, UT Martin
SAF - Josh Reliford, Tennessee Tech
SAF - Deven Sims, UT Martin
CB - Darion Bolden, Lindenwood
NICKEL - Lawrence Johnson, Southeast Missouri
FIRST-TEAM SPECIALISTS
K - Stone Galloway, Eastern Illinois
P - Trey Wilhoit, Eastern Illinois
KR - Dalyn McDonald, Southeast Missouri
PR - Dalyn McDonald, Southeast Missouri
LS - Brock Powers, UT Martin
SECOND-TEAM OFFENSE
QB - Dresser Winn, UT Martin
RB - David Gist, Tennessee Tech
RB - Sam Franklin, UT Martin
WR - Kobe Smith, Lindenwood
WR - DeVonte Tanksley, UT Martin
WR - Taylor Shields, Murray State
WR - JJ Holloman, Tennessee State
TE - Will Weidemann, Southeast Missouri
OC - Levi Nesler, Murray State
OC/OG - Nate Hodnett, Tennessee Tech
RT - Lamar Morgan, UT Martin
LT - Chad Strickland, Eastern Illinois
RT - Ethan Johnson, Lindenwood
LG - Jared Russell, UT Martin
LG - Gareth Warren, Lindenwood
SECOND-TEAM DEFENSE
DE - Sterlin Williams, Lindenwood
DT - Steven Lewis, Southeast Missouri
DT - Kail Dava, Tennessee Tech
DE - Kobe McClendon, Lindenwood
OLB - Keandre Booker, Southeast Missouri
ILB - Colin Bohanek, Eastern Illinois
ILB - Eric Samuta, Murray State #&
ILB - Jahsun Bryant, Tennessee State
ILB - Seth Carlisle, Tennessee Tech
OLB - Cade Shupperd, Murray State
OLB - K'Vaughan Pope, Tennessee State
CB - Ty Leonard, Southeast Missouri
SAF - Jordan Vincent, Eastern Illinois
SAF - Ty Woods, UT Martin
CB - Bryce Phillips, Tennessee State
NICKEL - Nick Coates, Eastern Illinois
SECOND-TEAM SPECIALISTS
K - Logan Seibert, Lindenwood
K - Kaleb Mosley, Tennessee State
P - Tyler Larco, UT Martin
KR - Mark Aitken, Eastern Illinois
PR - Cooper Willman, Eastern Illinois
LS - Jack Valente, Eastern Illinois
ALL-NEWCOMER TEAM
P - Trey Wilhoit, Eastern Illinois
WR - Kobe Smith, Lindenwood
DE - Kobe McClendon, Lindenwood
LB - Cody Goatley, Murray State
QB - Paxton DeLaurent, Southeast Missouri
CB - Bryce Phillips, Tennessee State
LB - K'Vaughan Pope, Tennessee State
LB - Jacquez McGowan, Tennessee Tech
RB - Sam Franklin, UT Martin
WR - DeVonte Tanksley, UT Martin
TE - DJ Nelson, UT Martin
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 2021) or first-year transfers. The team consists of 11 total players and is not voted on by position.
There were 6 players on the All-OVC second-team specialists (2 K's) and 16 players on the second-team defense (4 ILB's, 3 OLB's) due to ties in voting.
NOTE: Offensive line is not voted on by specific position.
Players Mentioned
DE
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WR
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LB
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RB
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OL
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K/P
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CB
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OL
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OL
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LS
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OL
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S
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WR
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RB
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OL
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QB
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FB: UTEP Postgame Press Conference
Sunday, September 07
Skyhawk Sports Talk - Season 3, Episode 2
Tuesday, September 02
FB: Oklahoma State Postgame Press Conference
Friday, August 29
Skyhawk Sports Talk - Season 3, Episode 1
Monday, August 25