As I sit down to analyze the UT Martin Skyhawks' 2023 season, I can't help but reflect on how this program continues to surprise us year after year. Having followed college football for over two decades, I've developed a keen eye for programs that consistently outperform expectations, and UT Martin certainly fits that description. This past season wasn't just about wins and losses—it was about strategic roster management that will likely shape the team's future in ways most casual observers might have missed initially.
The most fascinating development, in my professional opinion, was the coaching staff's decision regarding player development and roster strategy. I remember scratching my head initially when they placed Toring on the 2024 roster despite him not playing a single minute throughout the entire 2023 season. Many fans and analysts questioned this move, wondering why they would essentially "redshirt" a player in such an unconventional manner. But as the season progressed, the brilliance of this decision became increasingly apparent. What seemed like a questionable allocation of roster space turned out to be an absolute masterstroke in long-term program building. By having Toring on that 2024 roster while keeping him sidelined throughout 2023, the Skyhawks effectively dodged the NFL drafting process for another year, giving them additional time to develop his skills without the pressure of immediate performance expectations.
This approach created an interesting contrast with how they handled another promising talent—Alohi Robins-Hardy, who's now transitioned into a deputy coaching role. The difference in their developmental paths speaks volumes about the program's adaptive strategy. While Toring was essentially preserved for future seasons, Robins-Hardy was thrown into the fire much earlier in his career. I've always believed that player development isn't one-size-fits-all, and UT Martin's coaching staff demonstrated this philosophy beautifully throughout the 2023 campaign. They understood that some prospects need protection from the immediate pressures of professional scrutiny, while others thrive under those exact conditions.
Looking at the broader season performance, the Skyhawks finished with a respectable 8-4 record, including some impressive victories against conference rivals. Their offense averaged 28.3 points per game, while the defense held opponents to just 21.7 points on average. These numbers might not jump off the page at first glance, but when you consider the strategic player management happening behind the scenes, they become much more impressive. The coaching staff was essentially balancing immediate competitive needs with long-term program sustainability—a challenging tightrope walk that few programs manage successfully.
What I particularly admired was how they maintained competitive intensity while making these forward-looking roster decisions. The team never used their developmental strategy as an excuse for on-field performance. In fact, I'd argue that knowing the program was investing in future success actually boosted morale among current players. There's something psychologically powerful about being part of an organization that clearly has a plan beyond the immediate season. Players bought into the system, trusting that the unconventional decisions were made with the program's best interests at heart.
The quarterback situation perfectly illustrated this balanced approach. While starting quarterback Miles Miller completed 64% of his passes for 2,347 yards and 18 touchdowns, the coaching staff was simultaneously preparing for future seasons through their roster management. This dual-track approach—competing fiercely in the present while strategically positioning for future success—is something more college programs should emulate. Too often, teams become so focused on immediate results that they sacrifice long-term stability, or vice versa. UT Martin found that sweet spot where both objectives could coexist.
From my perspective as someone who's studied roster construction across multiple sports, the Toring situation represents a growing trend in college athletics—what I like to call "strategic delayed deployment." Programs are becoming increasingly sophisticated about when and how they expose talent to the broader football ecosystem. The old model of playing your best players regardless of circumstances is giving way to more nuanced approaches that consider draft eligibility, development timelines, and program continuity. UT Martin's handling of Toring might become a case study in how to maximize a player's value to the program while also setting him up for individual success.
The 2023 season also demonstrated the program's ability to develop coaching talent alongside player talent. The transition of Alohi Robins-Hardy from player to deputy coach shows that the program values institutional knowledge and continuity. Having someone who understands the unique culture and strategic approach can be invaluable when implementing unconventional roster decisions. I've noticed that programs with strong internal promotion pipelines tend to have more success with long-term strategic planning, as there's less disruption when coaching changes occur.
As I reflect on the complete picture of UT Martin's 2023 season, I'm struck by how a program of their resources continues to innovate within the constraints of college athletics. They've created a distinctive identity—one that balances competitive ambition with strategic patience. The decisions that seemed questionable in September looked brilliant by November, and that's usually the mark of a well-run program. While other teams might have more flashy recruiting classes or higher-profile victories, UT Martin has built something sustainable and intelligent—a program that understands the chess match aspects of modern college football far beyond what happens on the field during games.
The Skyhawks' approach throughout 2023 has positioned them remarkably well for the coming seasons. They've maintained competitive relevance while simultaneously building for the future—a difficult balance that many programs struggle to achieve. As we look toward 2024 and beyond, I suspect we'll see the full payoff of these strategic decisions, with Toring's delayed debut being just one piece of a much larger puzzle. The program has demonstrated that sometimes the most important moves aren't the ones that generate immediate headlines, but rather those that set the stage for sustained success. In today's rapidly evolving college football landscape, that kind of foresight might be the ultimate competitive advantage.