By Alex Boggis, UT Martin Assistant Sports Information Director
MARTIN, Tenn. – Three University of Tennessee at Martin football standouts garnered additional postseason honors as junior offensive lineman Matthan Hatchie was named to the 2021 Phil Steele FCS All-America third team while both running back Zak Wallace (second team) and Oshae Baker (third team) were tabbed to their respective FCS Freshman All-America teams.
Hatchie added his second All-American honor this postseason after being named an All-OVC first team selection this season as the anchor of an impressive offensive line at the center position. He graded out at 89 percent or better in each game while tallying 101 knockdowns. In the middle of an offensive unit which ranked eighth nationally in sacks allowed in the regular season, he gave up only one sack in 362 attempts. The durable standout played every snap except for mop-up time against Murray State (Oct. 9) while leading a team which ranked 15th nationally with 207.6 rushing yards per game.
Wallace also added another Freshman All-American accolade to his resume with after a breakout campaign along with All-OVC first team honors. The running back tallied 142 carries for 788 yards while rushing for 15 touchdowns. He ranked in the top-10 in the OVC with 62.1 rushing yards per game while his 5.45 yards per carry ranked third. Additionally, his 15 rushing touchdowns ranked sixth nationally while also sitting 10th in total touchdowns. He tallied four games with multiple rushing touchdowns, including a career-high three touchdown day against Murray State (Oct. 9) along with three 100-yard performances.
Baker earned his All-American honor after playing in all 13 games for the Skyhawks and starting at several positions in the secondary. He compiled 72 total tackles, including 38 solo and 29 assisted stops. He ranked second in the OVC in interceptions (four) and third in passes defended (13). Additionally, he notched 3.5 tackles for loss totaling 10 yards while tallying a pair of sacks. He finished the season by tallying interceptions in three consecutive games against Tennessee Tech, Southeast Missouri and Missouri State while posting a career-high nine tackles against Austin Peay and No. 8 Montana State.
Graphic courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information