By Alex Boggis, UT Martin Assistant Sports Information Director
MARTIN, Tenn. – More postseason honors have trickled in, and the two-time defending Ohio Valley Conference champion University of Tennessee at Martin football team is all over it as 24 players garnered all-conference honors by Phil Steele.
Headlining the honors was All-American center Matthan Hatchie being tabbed OVC Offensive Lineman of the Year while Jerry Rice Award finalist Sam Franklin was named OVC Freshman of the Year – mirroring the league’s postseason selection.
UT Martin had 10 players earn first team honors. The offensive unit was represented by running back Zak Wallace, wide receiver Colton Dowell, tight end DJ Nelson, offensive center Matthan Hatchie and offensive tackle Gavin Olson. Defensively, defensive end Daylan Dotson, linebacker Rob Hicks, linebacker John H. Ford II and cornerback Shaun Lewis also received first team honors along with long snapper Brock Powers.
The Skyhawks also had 10 players earn second team honors with quarterback Dresser Winn, running back/all-purpose performer Sam Franklin, offensive guard D’Marius Warren, offensive tackle Lamar Morgan, offensive guard Jarod Russell, jack/linebacker TJ Neal, safety Deven Sims, punter Tyler Larco and kick returner Oshae Baker.
The third team had a pair of honorees in wide receiver DeVonte Tanksley and safety Ty Woods. Rounding out the all-conference honors were fourth team selections for wide receiver EJ Smoot, nickel Carson Evans, cornerback Tyler Gore and defensive back Oshae Baker.
OVC Offensive Lineman of the Year: Matthan Hatchie (Center)
OVC Freshman of the Year: Sam Franklin (Running Back)
First Team
RB: Zak Wallace
WR: Colton Dowell
TE: DJ Nelson
OL: Matthan Hatchie
OL: Gavin Olson
DL: Daylan Dotson
LB: Rob Hicks
LB: John H. Ford II
DB: Shaun Lewis
LS: Brock Powers
Second Team
QB: Dresser Winn
RB: Sam Franklin
OL: D’Marius Warren
OL: Lamar Morgan
OL: Jarod Russell
LB: TJ Neal
DB: Deven Sims
K: Tyler Larco
KR: Oshae Baker
AP: Sam Franklin
Third Team
WR: DeVonte Tanksley
DB: Ty Woods
Fourth Team
WR: EJ Smoot
DB: Carson Evans
DB: Tyler Gore
DB: Oshae Baker
Graphic courtesy of UT Martin Sports Information