UTPB Athletics

Football – Linebacker (2015-2019)

Chris Hoad was a foundational piece of The University of Texas Permian Basin football, joining the program as part of its inaugural recruiting class in 2015 and quickly cementing his legacy as the most decorated player in Falcon history.

A four-year starter and defensive cornerstone, Hoad ended his career by tallying an astounding 526 total tackles over 44 games and remains UTPB’s all-time leader in total tackles in a career, tackles in a season (157 in 2019), tackles in a game (24), forced fumbles (9) and fumbles recovered (5). Hoad recorded over 100 tackles in every season and earned numerous honors, including two Lone Star Conference Linebacker of the Year awards and multiple All-American recognitions from the Associated Press, AFCA, D2CCA and Don Hansen Football Committee.

Hoad’s senior year in 2019 became a defining season, capped off with a viral moment on Senior Night when teammate John O’Kelley lateraled an interception to Hoad, allowing him to score in his final game - an act that gained national media attention. Hoad’s relentless consistency, leadership and work ethic made him a cornerstone of UTPB Football. A finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy (Division II Player of the Year), he finished with 40.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, three interceptions and two touchdowns. His legacy is not only etched in the record books, but also in the culture and foundation of Falcon Football.

Career Achievements:

• Program Records:
  • Most career tackles (526)
  • Most tackles in a season (157 in 2019)
  • Most tackles in a game (24 vs. Angelo State, Oct. 26, 2019)
  • Career leader in forced fumbles (9) and fumbles recovered (5)
  • Top four single-season tackle totals in program history
• National Rankings:
  • 2019 NCAA Division II leader in total tackles (157)
  • Top-3 in total tackles per game in 2017, 2018, and 2019

Season Highlights:

• 2019 (Senior):
  Finished as NCAA Division II’s tackle leader with 157 (72 solo, 85 assisted). Set a school record with 24 tackles in a single game. Named:
  • AP First-Team All-American
  • AFCA Second-Team All-American
  • D2CCA First-Team All-American
  • Don Hansen First-Team All-American
  • LSC Linebacker of the Year (second time)
  • Harlon Hill Trophy Nominee (Division II Player of the Year)
  • LSC Defensive Player of the Week (twice)
• 2018 (Junior):
  Lone Star Conference leader and 3rd nationally with 133 tackles. Named:
  • LSC Linebacker of the Year
  • D2CCA All-Super Region Four First Team
  • Don Hansen Third-Team All-American
• 2017 (Sophomore):
  Led the team with 122 tackles, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles. Honorable Mention All-LSC.
• 2016 (Freshman):
  Led the team in tackles (114) and tackles for loss (11). Set the original program record for tackles in a season.

Notable Moments:

• “The Play” (Nov. 16, 2019):
  On Senior Night, teammate John O’Kelley intercepted a pass and handed the ball to Hoad for the final 21 yards of a pick-six – giving Hoad a touchdown in his final collegiate game. The selfless act went viral, with over seven million views and coverage from CBS Sports, ESPN, Sports Illustrated and Good Morning America.

Career Stats:

• 44 games
• 526 total tackles (254 solo / 272 assisted)
• 40.5 tackles for loss
• Four sacks
• Three interceptions
• Nine forced fumbles
• Five fumble recoveries
• Two touchdowns