NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt cornerback and punt returner Martel Hight has been named to the Paul Hornung Award Honor Roll for his performance in the team’s win at Auburn.
The Paul Horning Award is presented by the Louisville Sports Commission to the most versatile performer in college football each season. The honor is named for Louisville native and Heisman Trophy winner Paul Hornung, who played quarterback, safety, halfback, punter and was a returner during his career at Notre Dame. Hornung led the Fighting Irish in passing, rushing, scoring, kickoff returns, punt returns, punting and pass break-ups during his 1956 Heisman season and went on to earn induction to both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.
Hight had three solo tackles as Vandy secured its first win at Jordan-Hare Stadium. It included his first career tackle for loss, which came on a third down to force the Tigers to punt on their opening drive. He added another tackle on a third down to force an Auburn punt in the second quarter and registered a pass break-up on would-be first down in the fourth quarter, helping force another Tiger punt.
As a returner, Hight’s 39-yard punt return in the closing minutes of the third quarter set up the field goal which gave the Dores the lead for good.
As a defensive unit, Hight and the Dores held Auburn to seven points, the fewest Vanderbilt conceded to a Power 4 opponent since 2017 and the lowest total by an SEC opponent since 2015. It also helped the Dores secure wins over Auburn and Alabama in the same season for the first time since 1955.
Hight and the Commodores return to action Saturday when South Carolina visits FirstBank Stadium. Kickoff is set for 3:15 p.m. on SEC Network and 94.9 The Fan.
