Tn - Martin Update

[Buller64]

MARTIN, Tenn. - The University of Tennessee at Martin football team is getting some national attention in two preseason football polls, Phil Steele's Football Magazine and the Sports Media Entertainment (SME) Network Preseason Top 25 Broadcasters' Poll.

UT Martin is ranked 21st in Phil Steele's publication, while Ohio Valley Conference foe Eastern Illinois is ranked 23rd.

Phil Steele's preseason Top 25 had James Madison at No. 1 followed by three-time defending National Champion Appalachian State at No. 2. Richmond was third followed by Delaware and Massachusetts at four and five.

Eastern Washington was sixth with Youngstown State, Northern Iowa, North Dakota State and Cal Poly rounding out the Top 10.

New Hampshire led teams 11 through 20 followed by Montana, Central Arkansas, McNeese State, Wofford, The Citadel, Elon, Southern Illinois, Georgia Southern and Colgate.

Rounding out the top 25 was UT Martin at 21, Harvard at 22, Eastern Illinois 23rd, Weber State 24th and Furman 25th.

While Eastern Illinois and Eastern Kentucky were ranked in the Sports Media Entertainment (SME) Network Preseason Top 25 Broadcasters' Poll, UT Martin and Jacksonville State were among the other schools receiving votes.

Twenty broadcasters from around the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) will take part in the rankings which will be released each Monday.

The two other national polls - the Sports Network and FCS Coaches Poll - have not yet released a 2008 poll.

Eastern Illinois, who was an at-large selection in the FCS Playoffs last season, was tabbed No. 16 in the SME poll. They were five spots ahead of defending OVC Champion Eastern Kentucky who was picked 21st.

UT Martin and Jacksonville State were among the 24 FCS schools in the others receiving votes category.

Three-time defending national champion Appalachian State received 19 of the 20 top votes and was tabbed preseason No. 1 nationally.

The SME voters consist of radio and television broadcasters from around the FCS.

http://www.utmsports.com/fullstory.cfm?id=3261&sport=Football

[Buller64]

UT MARTIN FOOTBALL TEAM REPORTS FOR FALL CAMP

August 3, 2008

MARTIN, Tenn. - When the University of Tennessee at Martin football team reported for fall camp Sunday afternoon, third-year head coach Jason Simpson introduced his team to "DASH."

"DASH" is not the team's new mascot. It's not a new pet dog. And it is not a stray cat the team adopted.

"DASH" is a homespun acronym that Simpson read about in a coaching magazine this past spring. The D is for discipline. A is for attitude. S is for sacrifice, and H is for habits.

The Skyhawks' team motto for 2008 is "Control your DASH" - it is a reminder to work hard and make good decisions.

Simpson and his staff, which includes newcomers Adam Beauchamp, Anthony Blevins, Gerad Parker and Cesar Rivas-Sandoval, want to build this season on "DASH" and return the team to postseason play.

The team's first practice is scheduled for 3:40 p.m., Monday, Aug. 4 at the practice field adjacent to Hardy M. Graham Stadium on campus.

Fall camp will run through Saturday, August 23. It will include 25 practices in 20 days, all in preparation for a 12-game regular season that includes home games against Tennessee State, Eastern Illinois, Jacksonville State and Eastern Kentucky. The Skyhawks will also travel to South Florida and Southeastern Conference foe Auburn.

Skyhawk football players will start every day of camp this week at 6:30 a.m. with a session called Skyhawk Accountability - DASH. Each day will include team meetings, position meetings, a walk-thru and at least one practice sessions.

The Skyhawks open their 2008 season Saturday, Aug. 30 in Tampa, against Big East Conference host South Florida, a BCS team ranked among the top 25 in the nation in preseason polls released last week.

http://www.utmsports.com/fullstory.cfm?id=3265&sport=Football

[BullsWinBucsWin]

We need to bludgeon these guys.  None of this McNeese State, FIU garbage.  National media is now watching us closely, and how well we pound teams like this has an impact on our ranking.  No mercy!!

[Buller64]

MARTIN, Tenn. - The University of Tennessee at Martin football team's Wednesday night practice started differently than most have since the open of camp Sunday afternoon. Today when Skyhawk head coach Jason Simpson huddled the team on the field at the start of practice he stepped back and introduced a special guest named Steve McNair, formerly of the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens. McNair shared a few words of wisdom with the team about what to focus on as they work through preseason camp, both on and off the field.

McNair was in town to see his nephews Jason and Julius McNair, who are both freshmen for the Skyhawks' football team this year. McNair stressed to the attentive Skyhawk team that the time in preseason camp is when you decide if you are going to win or lose games during the season. He shared personal stories from his college and NFL days about when he wanted to give up, but had to fight through the pain and injuries in order to be successful.

"It is the work you put in now that determines if you are ready to make that final play in the fourth quarter when it counts," said McNair.

McNair didn't spend the whole time talking football with the Skyhawks. He also added that the time spent in camp is about also growing closer with your teammates and developing the friendships that will last for a lifetime. He closed his remarks to the team by reminding them that while football is a big part of their college lives, it is not the most important job they have while at UT Martin. The most important job they have is to continue working on their education and finish with a degree in hand.

Simpson said of McNair's visit that, "it is always good for the guys on the team to see a guy like McNair in person and hear from him what it takes to be successful. Hopefully this will inspire our guys to keep working hard for the rest of camp and continue it as we get into the season."

http://www.utmsports.com/fullstory.cfm?id=3267&sport=Football

[Bull Martin]

MARTIN, Tenn. - The University of Tennessee at Martin football team's Wednesday night practice started differently than most have since the open of camp Sunday afternoon. Today when Skyhawk head coach Jason Simpson huddled the team on the field at the start of practice he stepped back and introduced a special guest named Steve McNair, formerly of the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens. McNair shared a few words of wisdom with the team about what to focus on as they work through preseason camp, both on and off the field.

McNair was in town to see his nephews Jason and Julius McNair, who are both freshmen for the Skyhawks' football team this year. McNair stressed to the attentive Skyhawk team that the time in preseason camp is when you decide if you are going to win or lose games during the season. He shared personal stories from his college and NFL days about when he wanted to give up, but had to fight through the pain and injuries in order to be successful.

"It is the work you put in now that determines if you are ready to make that final play in the fourth quarter when it counts," said McNair.

McNair didn't spend the whole time talking football with the Skyhawks. He also added that the time spent in camp is about also growing closer with your teammates and developing the friendships that will last for a lifetime. He closed his remarks to the team by reminding them that while football is a big part of their college lives, it is not the most important job they have while at UT Martin. The most important job they have is to continue working on their education and finish with a degree in hand.

Simpson said of McNair's visit that, "it is always good for the guys on the team to see a guy like McNair in person and hear from him what it takes to be successful. Hopefully this will inspire our guys to keep working hard for the rest of camp and continue it as we get into the season."

http://www.utmsports.com/fullstory.cfm?id=3267&sport=Football

That's pretty awesome.

[BULLfreak]

Skyhawk Football Roster

#45  Acker, Brent  Picayuna, MS Junior LB  6' 1" - 225 lbs. 

#86  Akbar, Jamaal  Cincinnatti, OH Senior WR  6' 1" - 195 lbs. 

#4  Anoka, Dexter  Atlanta, GA Junior QB  5' 10" - 175 lbs. 

#50  Austin, Chris  Pleasant View, TN Junior LB  6' 2" - 205 lbs. 

#7  Bailey, Michael  Millington, TN Sophomore QB  6' 0" - 180 lbs. 

#79  Bannon, Kevin  Wentzville, MO Senior OL  6' 3" - 290 lbs. 

#30  Barnes, Miguel  Millington, TN Junior RB  5' 11" - 200 lbs. 

#11  Bey, Josh  Springfield, TN Sophomore LB  6' 0" - 215 lbs. 

#2  Bourne, Daryl  Hattiesburg, MS Freshman RB  5' 10" - 175 lbs. 

#51  Bratton, Roscoe  Cincinnatti, OH Senior DE  6' 2" - 225 lbs. 

#80  Buchanan, Jeremy  Antioch, TN Sophomore TE  6' 4" - 250 lbs. 

#40  Byrd, Tirrdell  Cincinnatti, OH Senior DE  6' 0" - 220 lbs. 

#96  Calvin, Joe  Memphis, TN Freshman DT  6' 1" - 280 lbs. 

#57  Carney, Aaron  Brownsville, TN Junior LB  5' 11" - 220 lbs. 

#15  Carr, Derek  McKenzie, TN Freshman QB  6' 1" - 195 lbs. 

#52  Cody, Josh  St. Louis, MO Sophomore DE  6' 2" - 240 lbs. 

#95  Cox, Brandon  Memphis, TN Junior DL  6' 1" - 275 lbs. 

#27  Craig, Bryant  Memphis, TN Junior CB/S  6' 2" - 185 lbs. 

#6  Daniel, E.J.  Brundidge, AL Senior WR  6' 0" - 215 lbs. 

#36  Daniel, Erick  Fairfield, AL Sophomore S  5' 8" - 180 lbs. 

#65  DeJarnett, Tyler  Clearwater, FL Senior C  6' 1" - 260 lbs. 

#54  Doleman, Jarvis  Lawrence, KS Junior OG  6' 2" - 295 lbs. 

#23  Dunavant, Joseph  Pulaski, TN Sophomore S  5' 9" - 178 lbs. 

#49  Dunlap, Romiell  Shannon, MS Senior FB  6' 1" - 235 lbs. 

#84  Everett, Ben  Loudon, TN Freshman TE/LB  6' 2" - 210 lbs. 

#43  Fale'ofa, Sione  Oahu, HI Junior LB  6' 1" - 240 lbs. 

#61  Fizer, Darrren  Charlotte, TN Sophomore OL  6' 0" - 265 lbs. 

#31  Ford, Tyree  Nashville, TN Freshman DB  5' 7" - 160 lbs. 

#18  Frohock, Josh  Franklin, TN Sophomore LB  6' 1" - 220 lbs. 

#73  Gibbs, Joe  Brilliant, AL Junior OT  6' 5" - 225 lbs. 

#93  Grace, Jerrod  Lilburn, GA Senior NT  6' 1" - 285 lbs. 

#74  Gregory, Zac  Martin, TN Freshman OL  6' 5" - 285 lbs. 

#56  Groves, Quinton  Nashville, TN Sophomore C  6' 0" - 260 lbs. 

#29  Guffin, Gerald  Bartlett, TN Sophomore SS  5' 11" - 190 lbs. 

#28  Guy, Markei  Martin, TN Junior CB  5' 8" - 170 lbs. 

#39  Hansen, Tom  Powell, TN Junior PK  5' 10" - 175 lbs. 

#16  Hardegree, Bill  Jackson, TN Freshman QB  6' 3" - 195 lbs. 

#7  Harper, Kendal  Trenton, TN Freshman DB  6' 1" - 210 lbs. 

#22  Harrold, Dante  St. Louis, MO Senior DB  5' 11" - 187 lbs. 

#83  Hook, Joe  Cincinnatti, OH Freshman P  6' 0" - 170 lbs. 

#46  Howard, Gerrett  Blytheville, AR Freshman DB  6' 2" - 195 lbs. 

#70  Irvin, Rodney  Nashville, TN Freshman OL  6' 3" - 280 lbs. 

#44  Ivey, Adam  Mayfield, KY Senior P  6' 0" - 185 lbs. 

#21  Ivy, Anthony  St. Louis, MO Senior CB  6' 1" - 195 lbs. 

#26  Jackson, Avery  Muscle Shoals, AL Freshman DB  6' 3" - 195 lbs. 

#8  Johnson, Anthony  Cincinnatti, OH Senior WR  6' 2" - 180 lbs. 

#13  Jones, Garrick  Memphis, TN Freshman QB  6' 3" - 185 lbs. 

#24  Jones, Jimmy  Heidelburg, MS Junior CB  6' 3" - 200 lbs. 

#97  Jones, Karlos  Athens, AL Sophomore DL  6' 1" - 280 lbs. 

#34  Jones, Kenny  Knoxville, TN Freshman RB  6' 3" - 195 lbs. 

#91  Kola, Kunle  Pittsburg, KS Junior DT  6' 0" - 275 lbs. 

#68  Lawrence, Jamar  Fosters, AL Junior OL  6' 0" - 230 lbs. 

#41  Malone, Kyron  Cincinnatti, OH Junior DE  5' 10" - 225 lbs. 

#53  Mancini, Michael  Collerville, TN Freshman DL  6' 3" - 290 lbs. 

#47  Martin, Chip  Oxford, MS Senior LS  6' 0" - 210 lbs. 

#20  McDermott, Trace  Athens, TN Sophomore RB  5' 10" - 195 lbs. 

#25  McNair, Jason  Mount Olive, MS Freshman RB  5' 10" - 185 lbs. 

#38  McNair, Julius  Mount Olive, MS Freshman DB  6' 1" - 185 lbs. 

#14  Miller, D.J.  Demopolis, AL Junior S  5' 8" - 175 lbs. 

#90  Murray, Chris  Memphis, TN Sophomore DE  6' 2" - 235 lbs. 

#99  Nalls, Darrin  Memphis, TN Freshman TE/LB  6' 1" - 230 lbs. 

  Nash, Darelle  Memphis, TN Freshman TE/LB  6' 1" - 230 lbs. 

#63  O'Rick, Nick  Mt. Juliet, TN Junior OL  6' 3" - 305 lbs. 

#62  Oteh, Chidi  Clayton, MO Junior OL  6' 3" - 300 lbs. 

#81  Patterson, Linzy  Amory, MS Senior TE  6' 4" - 225 lbs. 

#89  Payne, Shabree  McKenzie, TN Freshman WR  6' - 190 lbs. 

#10  Pendleton, Dorsett  Crystal Springs, MS Junior CB  5' 9" - 175 lbs. 

#64  Pope, Michael  Murfreesboro, TN Freshman OL  6' 2" - 250 lbs. 

#17  Pruitt, Adrian  Covington, TN Senior LB  6' 2" - 230 lbs. 

#2  Sanders, Johnny  Wesson, MS Junior S  6' 3" - 205 lbs. 

#88  Shiver, Stephen  Maryville, TN Freshman WR  6' 3" - 195 lbs. 

#76  Shufeldt, Dan  Columbia, MO Freshman OL  6' 4" - 320 lbs. 

#37  Smith, Trey  Murfreesboro, TN Freshman CB  5' 10" - 165 lbs. 

#19  Sommer, Brian  Knoxville, TN Freshman WR  6' 2" - 190 lbs. 

#19  Springer, Brandon  Tiptonville, TN Freshman WR  6' 2" - 190 lbs. 

#87  Stanley, Taylor  Clarksville, TN Freshman WR  5' 10" - 180 lbs. 

#53  Stigall, Blake  Martin, TN Freshman LS  5' 8" - 224 lbs. 

#94  Teamer, Ray  Covington, TN Sophomore DT  6' 2" - 265 lbs. 

#9  Thomas, Roren  St. Louis, MO Junior WR  6' 0" - 175 lbs. 

#12  Thompson, Cade  Maryville, TN Junior QB  6' 2" - 190 lbs. 

#75  Tillery, Taz  Russellville, AL Sophomore G  6' 3" - 281 lbs. 

#58  Toles, Trey  Oxford, MS Senior G  6' 0" - 270 lbs. 

#35  Utley, Jonathan  Springfleid, TN Sophomore LB  6' 1" - 220 lbs. 

#78  Vallee, Matt  Dresden, TN Freshman OT  6' 5" - 285 lbs. 

  Verge, Ladarrius  Murfreesboro, TN Freshman DL  6' 3" - 235 lbs. 

#59  Whitaker, Rod  Mt. Pleasant, TN Sophomore LB  6' 0" - 195 lbs. 

#84  White, Tom  Covington, TN Sophomore TE  6' 2" - 220 lbs. 

#92  Williams, Ray  Demopolis, AL Senior DT  6' 0" - 290 lbs. 

#55  Wilson, Nate  Clarksville, TN Senior DE  6' 2" - 230 lbs. 

#42  Worthen, Craig  Cincinnatti, OH Senior DE  6' 3" - 245 lbs. 

#5  Young, Brandyn  Stone Mountain, GA Junior RB  5' 8" - 205 lbs. 

NOT MUCH SIZE

[BULLfreak]

it seems that their base D is the 4-4 dont know how much of that they are going to run vs the USF Spreed

http://www.utm.edu/departments/athletics/football/2008%20Football%20Media%20Guide.pdf

[Bull Martin]

it seems that their base D is the 4-4 dont know how much of that they are going to run vs the USF Spreed

http://www.utm.edu/departments/athletics/football/2008%20Football%20Media%20Guide.pdf

If they try that against a fast spread offense they are done!  It'll be worse than the UCF game last year (notice I wasn't anticipating anyone being that bad).

Though I'd like to see our 3rd string QB throw more touchdowns than the 3rd stringer threw against UCF (ie. 2)

[TheBullies]

it seems that their base D is the 4-4 dont know how much of that they are going to run vs the USF Spreed

http://www.utm.edu/departments/athletics/football/2008%20Football%20Media%20Guide.pdf

Bullfreak, your sig reminds me of something I made for a bowl game against ECU... printed it on shirts

[CousinRicky]

I see a few guys close to 300 lbs on their O-Line and a couple near that for the D-Line.  Doesn't sound a whole lot different than our club the last few years.