Memphis football linebacker Chandler Martin was named a preseason All-American by Phil Steele

The accolades keep coming for Memphis football linebacker Chandler Martin.

On Tuesday, Phil Steele named Martin a preseason fourth-team All-American. The Tigers’ leading tackler from last season was named a first-team All-AAC linebacker at the end of last season, and he enters 2024 as the leader of the Memphis defense.

Although Martin was the only Tigers player to earn national recognition, many Memphis players were named to preseason all-conference teams. Martin, quarterback Seth Henigan, offensive lineman Xavier Hill, wide receiver Roc Taylor and running back Sutton Smith (as a kick returner) were named to the starting lineup.

Running back Mario Anderson, wide receiver Demeer Blankumsee and tight end Anthony Landphere were named to the second team. Offensive lineman Jonah Gambill, linebacker Elijah Herring, defensive back Greg Rubin, kicker Caden Costa and long snapper Colby Cox were named to the Third Team, while cornerback Tahj Ra-El and wide receiver Koby Drake (as a punt returner) were named to the Third Fourth Team team.

Anderson (South Carolina), Herring (Tennessee), Costa (Ole Miss) and Ra-El (Old Dominion) are transfers that deserve recognition.

Martin is expected to be at the center of new defensive coordinator Jordan Hankins’ plan. Hankins brought in Herring and a host of other linebackers to complement Martin in a defense that was expected to be heavy on linebackers.

Even as he led the Tigers’ defense in 2023, Martin was dealing with a shoulder injury that required offseason surgery. He said during spring training that he expects to play at the next level in 2024.

“Mentally, it’s even better for me when I can just trust completely,” he said. “I’ll probably be a lot better in some ways.”

After transferring from East Tennessee State, Martin made 94 tackles for Memphis in 2023 in his first season at the FBS level. He is a redshirt junior and has two seasons of eligibility remaining.

Contact sportswriter Jonah Dylan at [email protected] or X @thejonahdylan.

This article originally appeared on the Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Football: Chandler Martin’s Preseason All-American by Phil Steele