Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Seven Blue Raiders on Phil Steele's All-C-USA team
6/22/2021 6:00:00 PM | Football
MURFREESBORO – Phil Steele's Preseason All-Conference USA team was announced today and Middle Tennessee had seven players honored by the highly popular football magazine. The Blue Raiders had four on defense and three on defense.
On offense the Blue Raiders were represented by wide receiver Jarrin Pierce, quarterback Bailey Hockman and offensive lineman Netori Johnson.
Pierce, a first team selection, was an honorable mention All-C-USA pick last year after leading MT with 59 receptions for 584 yards and three touchdowns. The senior started all nine games and had seven or more catches in a game four times.
Hockman, an NC State transfer, made third team after an impressive 2020 campaign with the Wolfpack. A redshirt junior, Hockman started nine games a year ago throwing for 2,088 yards and 13 touchdowns in leading the Wolfpack to the Gator Bowl.
Johnson, a transfer from Georgia, made his way onto the fourth team. A redshirt junior, Johnson played in 29 career games with the Bulldogs.
Defensively, defensive end Jordan Ferguson, safety Greg Grate, safety Reed Blankenship, and linebacker DQ Thomas were all honored.
Ferguson and Grate both earned second team recognition. Ferguson was fifth on the team last season with a career-best 43 tackles to go with 5.0 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, a team-best six hurries and a fumble recovery. Grate also turned in a career season to earn first team all-league honors after posting 74 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, four interceptions, three pass breakups and three forced fumbles.
Blankenship, a senior, returned from an injury in 2020 but still led the Blue Raiders with 76 tackles to earn a spot on the third team. He enters the 2021 season with 309 total stops and is on pace to become the all-time leader.
Thomas, a fourth team pick, had 67 tackles to go with 7.0 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, three hurries and two forced fumbles last season. He is currently ranked fifth all-time in sacks and tied for fourth in tackles for loss.
The Blue Raiders will report for fall camp on Aug. 5 with the first practice set for Aug. 6. The 2021 season opener is set for Sept. 4 at home against Monmouth. To purchase season tickets or find out all ticket information, please click HERE.
On offense the Blue Raiders were represented by wide receiver Jarrin Pierce, quarterback Bailey Hockman and offensive lineman Netori Johnson.
Pierce, a first team selection, was an honorable mention All-C-USA pick last year after leading MT with 59 receptions for 584 yards and three touchdowns. The senior started all nine games and had seven or more catches in a game four times.
Hockman, an NC State transfer, made third team after an impressive 2020 campaign with the Wolfpack. A redshirt junior, Hockman started nine games a year ago throwing for 2,088 yards and 13 touchdowns in leading the Wolfpack to the Gator Bowl.
Johnson, a transfer from Georgia, made his way onto the fourth team. A redshirt junior, Johnson played in 29 career games with the Bulldogs.
Defensively, defensive end Jordan Ferguson, safety Greg Grate, safety Reed Blankenship, and linebacker DQ Thomas were all honored.
Ferguson and Grate both earned second team recognition. Ferguson was fifth on the team last season with a career-best 43 tackles to go with 5.0 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, a team-best six hurries and a fumble recovery. Grate also turned in a career season to earn first team all-league honors after posting 74 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, four interceptions, three pass breakups and three forced fumbles.
Blankenship, a senior, returned from an injury in 2020 but still led the Blue Raiders with 76 tackles to earn a spot on the third team. He enters the 2021 season with 309 total stops and is on pace to become the all-time leader.
Thomas, a fourth team pick, had 67 tackles to go with 7.0 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, three hurries and two forced fumbles last season. He is currently ranked fifth all-time in sacks and tied for fourth in tackles for loss.
The Blue Raiders will report for fall camp on Aug. 5 with the first practice set for Aug. 6. The 2021 season opener is set for Sept. 4 at home against Monmouth. To purchase season tickets or find out all ticket information, please click HERE.
Players Mentioned
S
/ Football
DE
/ Football
QB
/ Football
OL
/ Football
WR
/ Football
Raider Report Game 9 - MTSU vs. Florida International University
Thursday, November 06
MTSU Football Weekly Presser 11/4/25
Tuesday, November 04
Blue Raider Breakdown Postgame Show - October 29th
Thursday, October 30
Blue Raider Breakdown Postgame Show - October 29th - Football
Thursday, October 30
