Welcome to the 2022 FCS Jersey Countdown. Leading up to the start of weekly college football odds and Week 0 games on Aug. 27, HERO Sports will name the best returning FCS player by jersey number, 99-0. Due to rosters being updated at different times for teams across the country and to keep things consistent, jersey numbers are based on last season’s rosters.
The 99-0 countdown central page can be found here.
Note: Jersey numbers are based on 2021 rosters.
54: Matthan Hatchie, OL (Sr.) — UT Martin
Hatchie has quickly become a top FCS offensive lineman after transferring to UT Martin from Garden City Community College before the 2020-21 season.
The 6-foot-2, 310-pound Hawaii native was named to the All-OVC Second Team in the spring after playing every offensive snap and tallying 60 knockdowns in seven games. Hatchie took another step and was a force last season at his center position. He allowed just one sack and graded out at 89 percent or more in every game, recording 101 knockdowns. Hatchie earned All-Conference First Team honors and was named a Stats Perform Second Team All-American.
Hatchie anchored a great rushing attack as UT Martin finished 10-3 with a first-round playoff win at Missouri State. Peyton Logan ran for 1,121 yards and four TDs, and Zak Wallace rushed for 807 yards and 15 TDs. Wallace is the No. 16 returning FCS running back. The Skyhawks ranked 15th in FCS rushing offense (207.6 YPG) and 14th in sacks allowed (1.15 per game).
UT Martin has become the team to beat in the OVC, and it looks to build off last season’s impressive playoff win. HERO Sports ranks the Skyhawks No. 14 in our preseason Top 25.
Hatchie will play an integral part in UT Martin maintaining its status as a top rushing offense. He has already gained three preseason All-American accolades this summer from Athlon, The Bluebloods, and Lindy’s Magazine.
