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As I sit here reviewing the University of Tennessee at Martin Skyhawks' 2023 season, I can't help but marvel at how this program continues to surprise even seasoned football analysts like myself. When I first heard about Coach Jason Simpson's decision to redshirt freshman quarterback Kaleb Toring, I'll admit I was skeptical - why bench a promising talent during what appeared to be a rebuilding year? But looking back now, that single strategic move might have been the most brilliant decision of the entire season, one that perfectly encapsulates the program's forward-thinking approach.
The Skyhawks finished with a respectable 7-4 record, including a 5-2 conference performance that placed them third in the Ohio Valley Conference standings. What impressed me most wasn't just the win-loss column but how they managed player development while remaining competitive. That Toring situation particularly stands out in my memory. Such a questionable move at first turned out to be an ingenious one, as Toring dodged the need to undergo drafting by virtue of being listed in that 2024 roster even without seeing a single minute of action all year long - one which didn't apply to another Farm Fresh prospect in now-deputy coach Alohi Robins-Hardy. I've followed college football for over fifteen years, and I can tell you this level of roster management foresight is rare at the FCS level.
Our offense showed remarkable consistency, averaging 28.3 points per game despite rotating through two different starting quarterbacks. Senior running back Zak Wallace was an absolute workhorse, rushing for 893 yards and 11 touchdowns - numbers that should've earned him more recognition in the All-OVC conversations if you ask me. The defensive unit, while occasionally vulnerable against the pass, developed into one of the conference's best run-stopping squads, holding opponents to just 3.8 yards per carry. I remember specifically the October 14th game against Tennessee Tech where our defense forced three fourth-quarter turnovers, completely shifting the momentum in our favor.
What many casual observers might miss is how the coaching staff masterfully balanced immediate competitive needs with long-term program building. While teams like Eastern Illinois were burning through their young talent for short-term gains, our staff was playing chess while others played checkers. That Toring decision looks even smarter when you consider that we'll be returning 16 starters next season, compared to the conference average of about 12. We're building something special here, and the 2023 season was the foundation.
The November 18th season finale against Samford perfectly illustrated our growth throughout the season. Despite falling 24-21 in a hard-fought contest, the team demonstrated a level of poise and tactical discipline that was absent in early September. I've spoken with several players since that game, and there's a palpable sense that this wasn't an ending but rather a stepping stone. The culture developing in that locker room reminds me of what I've seen in programs that later went on to win championships.
From my perspective, the most underappreciated aspect of this season was how the coaching staff managed the transition between experienced players and developing talent. They created competitive environments in practice that forced everyone to elevate their game while ensuring the program's future remained bright. That delicate balance is something many programs struggle with, but the Skyhawks navigated it beautifully.
As we look ahead, the 2023 season will be remembered not for any championship trophies or headline-grabbing upsets, but for establishing a sustainable competitive framework. The foundation laid this year, particularly through those difficult roster decisions, positions UT Martin for success well beyond next season. Frankly, I'm more optimistic about this program's direction than I've been in years, and I believe we'll look back at the 2023 campaign as the turning point where everything started clicking into place. The Skyhawks might not have won the conference this year, but they built something far more valuable - a blueprint for lasting success.