Preseason Release | OVC Media Guide | OVC Online Press Box
UT Martin was picked to finish sixth after going 6-5 overall and 5-3 in OVC play a season ago.
No coach has been more successful at UT Martin in the Division I era than Jason Simpson, who enters his sixth season with the Skyhawks in 2011. UTM has never had a losing season in OVC play under Simpson, who won the OVC Championship in his first season with the program (2006). In addition UT Martin won the Sgt. York Trophy, which goes to the winner of the quadrangular series between the four OVC schools from the state of Tennessee; UTM was a perfect 3-0 in those contests against its rivals in 2010.
Simpson will look to junior quarterback Derek Carr to lead the offense once again this season; last season Carr threw for an OVC-best 2,543 yards while also tossing 13 touchdowns in 11 games. Carr has a variety of offensive weapons at his disposal including wide receiver Stephen Shiver (36 catches, 634 yards, 5 TD's in 2010), running back Jason McNair (547 rushing yards, 199 receiving yards) and preseason All-OVC pick at tight end Kenny Jones (16 receptions, 248 yards). The team also returns preseason All-OVC defensive back Kendal Harper who had 42 tackles and three interceptions last year.
BELOW VIDEOS
Head Coach Jason Simpson
Quarterback Derek Carr
Defensive Back Kendal Harper (Preseason All-OVC)