Oshae Baker
A first team Big South-OVC safety and return man, Baker is a rangy playmaker that brings secure tackling to any team that gets him. Baker, a senior safety and return man from Sanford, Florida, declared for the NFL draft on December 10, last year following the end of his senior season. Baker is joined by several Skyhawks that have cast put their name in the draft pool and will chase their dreams to make it in the NFL.
Finishing last season with a strong 48 tackles, six passes defended and three interceptions including a pick-six. The season is just the tail end of an outstanding Skyhawk career for Baker who was a 2021 Freshman All-American, a 2023 All-Conference player and a 2024 preseason All-American to go along with his first team All-Conference selection in 2024. Baker finishes first all-time in passes defended and fourth all-time in interceptions the Skyhawks.
Baker recently signed with Dotted Line Sports who will represent him through the draft process and into the season.
Tevin Shipp
A five-year player for the Skyhawks, graduate linebacker Tevin Shipp from Smyrna, Tennessee has waited for his opportunity in the UT Martin program for several years. Building off of his All-Conference fourth team season in 2023, Shipp took full advantage of his opportunity in 2024. Shipp declared for the draft on December 12, last year after showing off his athleticism running down ball carriers and defending tight ends on his way to 77 tackles, two sacks and three interceptions including two pick sixes.
“My journey has never been an easy one. Playing D1 football was always my dream and going from a walk-on to an All-Conference player is surreal…I am blessed to announce that I can continue my dream of playing professional football, and I will be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft,” said Shipp in his draft declaration.
Jaylon Sharpe
Another graduate linebacker, Jaylon Sharpe, who transferred from his hometown team the Charlotte 49ers in 2022, was the leading tackler for the Skyhawks two years in a row and has been named to the second team All-Conference in 2023. Sharpe posted a strong senior campaign with 81 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions with one going for a touchdown. Sharpe declared for the draft on December 13, saying, “Thank you to Skyhawks nation for taking in a city kid with a dream.”
The senior is a powerful run stuffing middle linebacker that has set the tone for the Skyhawks defense for the past couple of years. Sharpe’s instincts in the run game has helped him lead the conference in tackles for loss for two seasons in a row.
As we approach draft day on April 24, watch out for these Skyhawks to get their opportunity in the league.
