MARTIN, Tenn. – The three-time defending conference champion University of Tennessee at Martin football program wrapped up its spring practice slate with the team’s annual Navy and White Spring Game as the White team outmatched the Navy by a 56-42 margin.
With a weighted formula which credited points for offensive touchdowns, special teams conversions and defensive metrics, the White team (first team offense and second team defense) racked up enough total points to surge past the Navy team (first team defense and second team offense) and earn bragging rights heading into the offseason.
In front of a nice crowd which featured approximately 1,200 fans in Hardy Graham Stadium in conjunction with the program’s Junior Day and student pregame tailgate, UT Martin’s offense scored eight total touchdowns. The offensive units tallied six scoring attacks through the air while adding another two on the ground. On the defensive side of the ball, the Skyhawks had seven sacks on the night while also adding three additional tackles for loss. Then in the kicking game, Ryan Young went 3-for-4 on field goal attempts by converting kicks from 35, 32 and 38 yards, respectively, while also making all eight point after attempts.
“It was a good spring,” UT Martin head coach Jason Simpson said. “There were a lot of things we found out about ourselves. There are a lot of new players that we are trying to find out what they can do, teach them our culture and show them our schemes. We got better and a lot of individual players made great strides. There is certainly a long way to go this summer, but I am pleased.”
Incumbent quarterback Kinkead Dent led the White team to a thrilling victory after completing 16-of-23 pass attempts for 231 yards and three touchdowns. Dent found receivers Patrick Smith (five-yards), Asa Wondeh (43-yards) and Trevonte Rucker (12-yards) for touchdowns through the air to highlight the evening. Calling the signals for the Navy team was newcomer Kaiya Sheron who completed 11-of-14 pass attempts for 184 yards and three touchdown strikes. Sheron found big touchdown connections with Tyler Dostin (21-yards), Jeremiah Edwards (54-yards) and Shawn Hardy II (15-yards) on the night.
The ground attack was led by tailback Jordan Castleberry who toted six carries for 81 yards. Meanwhile, Terayon Sweet made the most of his three carries by racking up 41 yards – including a 20-yard touchdown scamper. Vanderbilt transfer Patrick Smith also had a nice night by scoring two touchdowns while finding the endzone through the air (five-yard reception) and on the ground (four-yard carry).
Seven players tallied multiple receptions for the team but it was Edwards who posted the biggest night after hauling in six receptions for 129 yards and a touchdown (54 yards). Zoe Roberts also enjoyed a nice evening with three catches for 76 yards while Wondeh ranked third on the team with 62 yards on three receptions.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Skyhawks did not force any turnovers but did get in the backfield and forced multiple three-and-outs. UT Martin racked up seven sacks on the night, including multiple sacks from Toby Camp, Jaden Moore and Michael Pleas, Jr. Cornerback Josh Hastings also had a nice night with four tackles and a pass breakup while Chris Hunter, Jr. recorded three stops.
UT Martin will officially open the 2024 campaign in 133 days when traveling to Big 12 member Kansas State on Saturday, Aug. 31 to kick-off a loaded 12-game schedule.
