Antonio Clifton

Biography

Antonio Clifton enters his seventh season as a member of the coaching staff and serves as the program’s cornerbacks coach at UT Martin, his alma mater, in 2025. Throughout his coaching career, he has served as the team's running back coach (2024), cornerback coach (2022-23, and 2025) and defensive graduate assistant (2019-21). Moving over to offense prior to the 2024 season, Clifton mentored a group which set school records for total offense (5,249 yards), first downs (255) and rushing touchdowns (28). The Skyhawks also boasted the Big South-OVC's top scoring offense at 31.4 points per outing and best red zone offense at an 87.8 percent conversion rate. Highlighting the rushing attack was Patrick Smith who earned all-conference first team honors after leading the Association with 1,226 yards and 14 touchdowns while averaging 87.6 rushing yards per game. His second season leading the cornerbacks saw the Skyhawks boast a pair of all-conference honorees in 2023. Defensive back Oshae Baker earned Big South-OVC Football Association first team honors while JaMichael McGoy, Jr. was tabbed to the second team. Along with individual success, the Skyhawks won their third consecutive league championship. In his first full season as cornerbacks coach in 2022, the Skyhawks won its second consecutive Ohio Valley Conference championship. UT Martin led FCS in turnovers gained (28) and interceptions (17) through the regular season while also ranking among the nation's leaders in defensive touc