In his first season as a full assistant for the Hawks, Garrett Hochstetler brings what is needed to the position he will coach, one that has developed into the keystone for Shorter’s defense – linebacker.
Even better is the fact that Hochstetler himself has played a key role in the middle of the Hawks’ unit when he wore Shorter’s colors on the field and for the past two years passed on his knowledge to others tasked with filling the role.
After his stellar playing career ended at Shorter and he earned his undergraduate degree in secondary education in 2011, Hochstetler remained with the Hawks for the past two seasons as a graduate assistant coach – he obtained his master’s degree in leadership – of the linebackers, including last season when he was tasked with the sole responsibility of the group.
The 2012 season, Shorter’s first as an NCAA Division II program competing in the Gulf South Conference, saw the linebackers help the Hawks’ defense end the year ranked second in the conference allowing an average of just 136 rushing yards and 336 total yards a game.
Under his watch, yet another linebacker who carved his name in the Shorter record book closed the book on his career – Demery Hawkins, an NAIA All-America in 2011 and an All-National Christian College Athletic Association pick last fall.
During his playing career with the Hawks, Hochstetler certainly made his mark as one of Shorter’s best-ever linebackers. A three-year starter, Hochstetler earned three straight All-Mid-South Conference honors and ranked second in career tackles with 262 stops.
Hochstetler, who also serves as Shorter’s Director of Athletic Operations, is a native of Colbert, Ga., and graduated from Madison County High School.
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