Former Troy linebacker Carlton Martial was named Sun Belt Conference Male Student-Athlete of the Year for the 2022-23 season at the Sun Belt Honors Banquet in Atlanta in Tuesday.

Martial, a Mobile native, finished his career as the all-time FBS leader in tackles with 578. He was a four-time first-team All-Sun Belt selection and was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2022, when he helped the Trojans to a 12-2 record and the conference championship.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank God because without him, none of this would be possible,” Martial said. “I want to thank Commissioner Gill and the Sun Belt conference Athletics Directors for presenting me with this honor. This award is not just for me, but for the city of Troy, my teammates, Coach Sumrall and our entire coaching staff. Also, everyone who believed in me throughout my entire journey. I want to thank all of them for allowing me to do something special.”

After a standout multisport career at McGill-Toolen Catholic School, Martial joined the team at Troy as a walk-on in 2017. He earned a scholarship prior to his redshirt freshman year and went on to be a five-year starter for the Trojans.

“Carlton Martial will forever be remembered for not only his performance as a player but more importantly for his impact off the field and for the person he is,” Troy coach Jon Sumrall said. “Carlton is everything you want in a football player, from his work ethic, his leadership, his character and his passion for the game. He is the kind of person that you want your kids to look up to. We are incredibly proud of Carlton for all his accomplishments and awards, as he is more than deserving of them.”

Troy will honor Martial with Carlton Martial Day on campus during the Nov. 4 home game vs. South Alabama, AKA “The Battle for the Belt.” Martial went 5-0 during his career against his hometown school, including a 10-6 victory in Mobile in 2022.

The first 5,780 fans at Veterans Memorial Stadium will receive a commemorative Carlton Martial poster, with the number in honor of his 578 career tackles. He will also lead the team through Trojan Walk and serve as honorary captain for the pre-game coin toss.

Louisiana softball player Karly Heath was named the Sun Belt Women’s Student-Athlete of the Year for 2022-23. Excelling as both a pitcher and a hitter, she helped the Ragin’ Cajuns to their third straight Sun Belt tournament championship and an NCAA Super Regional berth this past spring.

The full list of Sun Belt honorees Tuesday night:

Faculty Member of the Year — Dr. Zachary Farris, Appalachian State

Women’s Postgraduate Scholar-Athlete of the Year — Korie Kreps, softball, Louisiana-Monroe

Men’s Postgraduate Scholar-Athlete of the Year — Kacper Dworak, tennis, Louisiana

SAAC Community Service Award — Louisiana

SAAC Community Impact Award — Louisiana

NCAA Woman of the Year Nominee — Macie Majoy, track & field, Marshall

Women’s Student-Athlete of the Year — Karly Heath, softball, Louisiana

Men’s Student-Athlete of the Year — Carlton Martial, football, Troy

Student-Athlete Graduation Rate Award — James Madison

Vic Bubas Cup (all-sports trophy) winner — South Alabama