Shorter’s new head football coach, Aaron Kelton is putting together an outstanding Hawks’ Class of 2016, which includes Trion’s defensive star, Malik Martin (5’10, 200).
“I’m very happy because we hit about every position and it’s added both depth and quality,” said Kelton.
Martin and his family were extremely impressed with Coach Kelton and the facilities at Shorter. “I like the new things coach Kelton is doing to make sure Shorter is great,” said Malik.
Martin recently signed a scholarship to attend Shorter and play for the Hawks, Martin will be looking to play outside linebacker, a position he will bring a lot of depth to.
At Trion, Martin started all four years at the linebacker position and led the team in tackles all four years. It’s safe to say Malik Martin will be missed on the gridiron in Trion and welcomed when he arrives on “The Hill” to wear Shorter’s shade of blue.
His career stats rattle off like this: recorded 351 tackles, 4 interceptions, and 18 sacks. This season Malik had 88 tackles, 1 interception and four sacks. Offensively he rushed for 795 yards and 14 total touchdowns. “His ability to play in space for pass coverage and strength to play a run fit inside has made him a terror for opposing offenses,” Trion linebackers Coach Groce said.
The Hawks will open spring workouts on Thursday, March 17 at Ben Brady Field and hold 15 practices, with the final session taking place on Saturday, April 9.
Shorter kicks off the 2016 season making its first-ever trip to Chattanooga for a Thursday night showdown with the NCAA Div. I FCS Tennessee-Chattanooga Mocs on Sept. 1.