NO 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 10 11 13 15 15 16 17 18 21 22 23 23 24 25 25 26 26 27 28 29 30 31 33 34 34 35 36 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 42 43 44 46 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 54 55 56 56 57 58 59 61 62 64 68 71 72 73 74 76 77 79 82 84 86 87 89 91 92 94 95 97 98 99
NAME NAM AME AM E Kevin Wright Ke Wriight h Carl Harris Lonnie Ballentine Cannon Smith Joe Price Keiwone Malone LaMarvin Ashley Jacob Karam Kenyata Johnson Will Gilchrist Tyriq Patrick Tank Jakes Fritz Etienne Tyler Park Taylor Reed Ryan Byrd Marcus Rucker Bobby McCain Jerrell Rhodes Blayze Jones J.C. Austin Akeem Davis Khiry Battle Jaquise Cook Chris Allen Clarence Marshall Jamere Valentine Artaves Gibson Derek Howard Taurean Nixon Chris Bertucci Stephone Allen Derek Smith Andrew Diamond Kevin Green Eric Battle Blake Veasley Bakari Hollier Tyler Spurlock Reggis Ball Alan Cross Mitch Huelsing Willie Williams Terry Grandberry Tom Hornsey Ricky Holloway Hunter Brooks Tarondal Phillips Anthony Brown Justin Henderson Charles Harris Jeremy Singler Delvin Lane Sam Billings Al Bond Jimmy Robinson Chris Schuetz Terry Redden Trever Miller Donald Pennington Johnnie Farms Markeith Minnick Sam Cage Jordan Devey Andrew Niblock A.J. Antonescu Antonio Foster Monte Golden Tyler Marzette Nick Chartain Taylor Fallin Deandra Simmons Jason Harding Reggie Travis Curtis Johnson Tevin Jones Jesse Milleson Ricky Hunter Austin Weaver Corey Jones Zach Gholson Martin Ifedi Paulo Henriques Kendrick Golden
POS OS WR R RB DB DB RB WR WR QB LB QB/WR WR LB DB QB QB WR WR DB RB DB RB DB LB RB DB RB WR RB DB DB LB DB DB P LB DB RB DB K LB DS DB DB RB P LB FB DB DL TE LB DS LB DS OL DL OL DL LB DL DL OL LB OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL WR WR WR WR TE DL H/P DL/LB DL DL K LB
HT 6-4 64 65-10 66-44 6-0 5-9 6-0 5-10 6-0 6-1 6-1 6-3 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-3 6-0 6-4 5-11 5-10 6-0 5-7 6-1 6-0 5-6 5-9 5-10 6-1 6-1 6-2 6-1 6-0 5-11 6-1 6-4 6-1 5-11 6-1 5-9 6-0 5-11 6-1 6-0 6-0 5-9 6-4 6-1 6-1 5-11 6-4 6-2 6-2 6-1 6-0 6-0 6-5 6-0 6-3 6-2 5-11 6-2 6-2 6-5 5-10 6-7 6-5 6-3 6-4 6-2 6-6 6-5 6-6 6-1 6-0 6-2 6-0 6-3 6-4 6-4 5-10 6-3 6-4 6-3 5-10 6-5
WT WT 215 215 195 215 190 180 165 165 205 230 190 190 225 210 190 210 160 185 180 215 175 150 200 225 180 180 200 215 220 190 180 210 190 210 210 220 175 210 190 180 200 230 200 180 210 200 235 240 205 260 240 215 165 235 210 295 300 275 285 215 300 310 290 210 315 310 285 300 310 330 320 340 275 170 190 190 200 255 285 195 260 250 260 220 195
CL-Exp. CL-Exp CLCL Exp Exp. p. r-So.-1L 1L r-Fr. Jr.-2L Jr 2L r-Sr.-2L So.-1L r-So.-1L r-Fr. Jr.-TR Sr.-1L r-Jr.-1L r-Fr. So.-TR r-So.-TR r-Fr. So.-1L r-Fr. r-Sr.-3L So.-1L Jr.-2L r-So. r-So. r-Sr.-3L Sr.-2L r-Jr. r-Fr. r-Fr. r-Jr. So.-1L So.-1L Jr.-2L Sr.-1L Jr. r-Jr.-2L r-So. r-Fr. r-So. r-FR So.-1L r-So. r-Fr. r-Fr. r-Sr.-3L r-Jr. r-Fr. Jr.-2L r-Sr.-3L r-So. r-Jr. Jr.-TR Jr.-2L So.-1L r-Sr.-2L Fr.-HS r-Fr. r-So.-1L r-Jr.-1L Jr.-2L So.-1L r-Jr. Fr.-HS Jr.-2L Fr.-HS r-Jr. Sr.-1L r-Jr. r-Jr.-1L Jr.-TR So.-1L r-Fr. Jr.-1L r-Fr. r-So. r-Fr. r-So.-1L r-Sr.-3L r-Fr. Jr.-TR r-Fr. r-Sr.-2L Jr.-2L Sr.-1L r-So.-1L Sr.-3L So.-1L
HOMETOWN/HS/Last HOME HOME ETOW O N/H N/HS/L S/L /Laast ast School Schooll Schoo Baton Rouge, Rouge Rou ge, LA/Christian LA/Ch LA /Chris ristia tian Life Life f Academy A ade Ac ademy my Dallas, TX/Woodrow Wilson HS Memphis, TN/Southwind HS Memphis Memphis, TN/Olive Branch HS/Hargrave Military/Miami Madison, MS/Madison Central HS Memphis, TN/Mitchell HS/Alabama McComb, MS/McComb HS Friendswood, TX/Friendswood HS/Texas Tech Jackson, MS/Provine HS/Hinds CC Savannah, TN/Hardin County HS Philadelphia, MS/Philadelphia HS Phenix City, AL/Central HS/Holmes CC Miami, FL/MSGR Pace HS/Coffeyville CC) Scituate, MA/Scituate HS El Dorado, AR/El Dorado HS Greensburg, LA/St. Helena HS Memphis, TN/Whitehaven HS Oxford, AL/Oxford HS Durham, NC/Jordan HS/Hargrave Military Birmingham, AL/Shades Valley HS Ft. Campbell, KY/West Memphis HS Laurel, MS/Laurel HS/Jones County JC Dacula, GA/Dacula HS/Arkansas Ripley, MS/Ripley HS/NE Miss. CC Memphis, TN/Southwind HS Memphis, TN/Bolton HS Myrtle Beach, SC/Myrtle Beach HS/Butte College Memphis, TN/Mitchell HS Killona, LA/Hahnville HS Baton Rouge, LA/Southern Lab HS Gulfport, MS/Gulfport HS/East Miss. CC Ft. Lauderdale, FL/Westminster Academy Evergreen, AL/Hillcrest HS Jackson, MS/St. Joseph Catholic Memphis, TN/Wooddale HS Saint Charles, IL/St. Charles North HS Cherry Valley, AR/Cross County HS Lafayette, LA/Acadiana HS Olive Branch, MS/SBEC Stone Mountain, GA/Stephenson HS Millington, TN/Millington HS Munford, TN/Munford HS Memphis, TN/Brighton HS Brownsville, TN/Haywood High Geelong, Victoria, Australia/St. Joseph’s College Somerville, TN/Fayette-Ware HS Germantown, TN/Germantown HS Memphis, TN/Bishop-Byrne HS/NE Miss. CC Cairo, GA/Cairo HS/Northeast Miss. CC North Little Rock, AR/North Little Rock HS Memphis, TN/Whitehaven HS Memphis, TN/Christian Brothers HS Memphis, TN/Whitehaven HS Memphis, TN/FACS Memphis, TN/Southwind HS Memphis, TN/Fairley HS Southaven, MS/Southaven HS Memphis, TN/Whitehaven HS Munford, TN/Munford HS/Central Methodist Amite, LA/Amite HS Perry, GA/Perry HS/Hargrave Military Philadelphia, PA/Delaware Valley Charter/Hargrave Memphis, TN/White Station/Bethel American Fork, UT/American Fork HS/Snow College Stockton, KS/Stockton HS/Hutchinson CC Ridgeland, MS/Ridgeland HS/Holmes CC Valdosta, GA/Valdosta HS/Georgia Tech/NE Miss CC Jacksonville, NC/Northside HS Birmingham, AL/Huffman HS New Orleans, LA/Desire St. Academy/Independence CC Bowie, MD/Bowie HS/Hargrave Military Memphis, TN/White Station HS/Lambuth Memphis, TN/Bolton HS Plaquemine, LA/Plaquemine HS Miami, FL/Coral Gables HS League City, TX/Clear Creek HS Phoenix, AZ/Sunnyslope HS/Glendale CC Auburn, AL/Loachapoka HS Germantown, TN/Houston HS Memphis, TN/Mitchell HS Carlsbad, CA/La Costa Canyon HS/Palomar College Houston, TX/Westside HS West Memphis, AR/West Memphis HS Memphis, TN/Southwind HS
MEMPHIS MEM ME MPHI MPHI H S FO F FOOTBALL OTBA OT BALL LL 2012 201 0122 Name of School: ....................................... University of Memphis Founded: ................................................................................... 1912 Enrollment: ...........................................................................22,725 Nickname/School Colors: ..................Tigers/Royal Blue & Gray Stadium/Capacity: .................... Liberty Bowl Memorial/61,000 Surface: ...........................................................Field Turf Pro Series Affiliation: ..................................................................... NCAA FBS Conference: ..........................................................Conference USA President: .........................Dr. Shirley Raines (UT-Martin, 1968) Athletic Director: .............................. R.C. Johnson (Iowa, 1965) SID Information Assistant AD - Media Relations: ..................Jennifer Rodrigues SID Office /Cell Number .............. 901-678-2397; 901-734-9951 E-mail: ................................................... jmpowers@memphis.edu Press Box Telephone: .............................................. 901-272-0136 SID Mailing Address: ....................203 Athletic Office Building .......................................................................... Memphis, TN 38152 Athletic Dept. Website: .......................... www.GoTigersGo.com Coaching Staff Head Coach: ......................... Justin Fuente (Murray State, 1999) Record at Memphis/Career: ..........................................0-0/Same Assistant Coaches: Darrell Dickey (Kansas St., 1983, Offensive Coordinator/RB); Brad Cornelsen (Missouri Southern St., 2000/ QB); Vance Vice (Oklahoma St., 1990/OL), Holman Wiggins (New Mexico, 2003/WR), Barry Odom (Missouri, 1999/Defensive Coordinator/SAF), Tim Billings (Southeastern Oklahoma St, 1980/DL), Galen Scott (Illinois State, 2001/LB), Chris Vaughn (Murray St., 1998/CB), James Shibest (Arkansas, 1988/Special Teams Coordinator/TE) Director of FB Operations: ..........Jeff Kupper; (901) 678-2090 Football Office: .......................................................(901) 678-2341 Team Information Overall Record Last Year: .......................................................2-10 Conference Record/Finish: .................................1-7, 6th in East Basic Offense: Multiple Basic Defense: Multiple Lettermen Returning: .................................................................42 Offense: 17 Defense: 21 Specialty: 4 Lettermen Lost: ............................................................................13 Offense: 8 Defense: 5 Specialty: 0 Starters Returning: ......................................................................23 Offense: 11 Defense: 8 Specialty: 4 Starters Lost: ...................................................................................8 Offense: 4 Defense: 4 Specialty: 0 Offensive Starters Returning: (OL) A.J. Antonescu, (OL) Al Bond, (OL) Nick Chartain, (OL) Jordan Devey, (TE) Andrew Ene-Ita, (TE) Justin Henderson, (WR) Curtis Johnson, (OL) Chris Schuetz, (QB) Taylor Reed, (WR) Reggie Travis, (WR) Kevin Wright Defensive Starters Returning: (S) Lonnie Ballentine, (NB/LB) Akeem Davis, (S) Mitch Huelsing, (LB) Kenyata Johnson, (CB) Bobby McCain, (CB) Taurean Nixon, (S) Cannon Smith, (DL) Johnnie Farms Specialists Returning: (K) Paulo Henriques, (P) Tom Hornsey, (DS) Jeremy Singler, (H) Austin Weaver Starters Lost: (OL) Ronald Leary, (OL) D’Angelo McCray, (WR) Tannar Rehrer, (RB/WR) Billy Foster, (DL) Dontari Poe, (DL) Frank Trotter, (LB) Terrence Thomas, (DL) Tommy Walker
Justi Ju Justin stin Fuen Fuente uente te bec became ame th thee 23rd 2 3r head football coach at the University of Memphis when he was announced at a press conference on Dec. 8, 2011. Fuente, who was the co-offensive coordinator at TCU prior to taking the reins at Memphis, has had an action packed two-plus months with hiring a staff, recruiting, signing his very first class and preparing for spring practice. While there are only 15 practice sessions in the spring, Fuente has a laundry list of things he would like to get accomplished during that time. “From a schematic standpoint, we have to teach our base scheme on both sides of the ball and on special teams,” said Fuente. “Our kids have to leave the spring with a clear understanding of our terminology, our scheme and how to execute those schemes. We also have to learn how we practice; how good football teams practice, and that is going to be a learning experience too.” “Our players have to become more comfortable with how we do things and the speed at which we practice because it is going to be different from anything they have done before,” added Fuente. “We have to continue to mold our team. Our team has to continue to become more accountable; and continue to come together and depend on each other. They have to raise their work ethic and credibility with each other. Those are the basic things that we are going to be working on this spring.” Many of the players are going through their second and third head coach in their careers at Memphis, and it will be key for everyone to be on the same page as Fuente works to move this program forward after three straight years of struggles. Many involved with the University feel Fuente has the blueprint for getting this program on the right track, coming from a TCU program that over the last 10 years had become a national powerhouse. When asked how he feels the players are responding to the new regime and their expectations, Fuente was positive about the progress. “I think we have done everything we can to make it as clear as humanly possible what we expect from our kids and the level of dedication it is going to take to build the program. I have been encouraged by their attitude and their demeanor. We are continuing to get the guys to buy in to what we are doing. I think we have come a long way in just a couple of weeks, but we still have a long way to go.” Fuente also broke down each phase of the game and what he wants to focus on this spring, and the common theme is identifying the personnel that can meet the expectations. “Offensively, we have to identify what our best personnel groups are, our best skill guys, and try to modify what we’ve done. The good thing is, our offensive philosophy and our offensive scheme are very flexible based on the personnel groups. We can carry things over and mix and match things based on who is on the field. We have to get a feel for who our guys are and who can learn the schemes and where do those fit and what skill sets do they have. That will be the first
part will er part of of it. it. Th it Thee off offen ffense se w ill take take shape shap sh ape aft fter e we determine those things.” “We are in the same situation on defense. Whether it is a 4-2 look , a 4-3 look or 3-4 look, the defensive staff and I will have to determine what our best people and our best skill set is and how do those things fit. That is our job evaluation-wise. We have to continue to preach the effort and techniques that go with those defenses.” “We have to work special teams in the spring. We will continue to try and develop our special teams, particularly in the return game. We need to identify those players. We have to do the same with the other two aspects and get our scheme taught and come to the understanding of what we are doing so that in the fall, it’s not the first time they have ever heard it.” Below is a position-by-position breakdown heading into spring practice in late February. - QUARTERBACKS The Tigers are thin at quarterback this spring after losing Andy Summerlin, who transferred to Samford in January, but adding Jacob Karam, who transferred to Memphis from Texas Tech. Taylor Reed was a true freshman in 2011 and started nine of the 11 games. He did not play in the season finale because of an ankle injury. His other non-starts were the season opener versus Mississippi State that Summerlin got the starting nod, and the East Carolina game, that he was not expected to see action in because of an injury. He ultimately had to come in the game because Summerlin was also out with injury and senior backup Skylar Jones, who started the game, was sidelined early with an injury. Karam comes in having played in six games from 2010-11 at Texas Tech. He graduated in two-and-a-half years and is eligible for game action in 2012. He and Reed will battle this spring, though Reed may still be limited in contact following the injury he sustained last year against Marshall. While Reed had some growing pains in 2011, he did have a respectable year as a true freshman. He completed 169-of-295 passes for 1,690 yards and 10 TDs. He tossed just four interceptions during the season, and threw just one pick in the final five games he played. His best game in 2011 was against Austin Peay, when he threw for 332 yards and three TDs, while completing an impressive 20-of-30 pass attempts. Reed completed 18 passes for 20 or more yards as a true freshman, including a 93-yard TD pass to Billy Foster in that APSU victory. Karam played in five games in 2011 at Texas Tech and completed 9-of-17 passes for 104 yards and two touchdowns. He posted a 43-yard TD pass against then-18th ranked Baylor. • Returnees – Taylor Reed (So.) • Spring Newcomers – Jacob Karam (Jr.) - RUNNING BACKS While all eyes will be on how the quarterback race shapes up from the spring and certainly into fall camp, the running game is an area that has to make improvements for the
Tigers successful Tigers to ev ever er be suc succes cessfu sfull on on off offense. ense nse. Over Ove verr the last two seasons, the Tigers have used a running back-by-committee back by committee approach and have averaged under three yards a carry in both of those seasons. In 2010, Memphis logged just five rushing TDs, and just 10 the following year. This spring, there are three backs returning as Jerrell Rhodes has lettered the last two seasons, and Joe Price and Artaves Gibson were thrown into the fire as true freshmen in 2011 because of lack of depth at that position. Also in the mix is Carl Harris, who redshirted last season. Rhodes was injured much of last season and only saw action in three contests, toting the ball just 30 times for 152 yards and two touchdowns. He and QB Taylor Reed are the only two returning Tigers to rush for multiple TDs in 2011. Gibson played in 11 games and made two starts in ‘11. He logged 316 yards on 104 carries, while Price, who played in seven games, carried the ball just 15 times for 16 yards. All three of those backs are also capable of catching the ball and making plays, as Gibson led the group with nine receptions for 46 yards. • Returnees – Jerrell Rhodes (Jr.), Joe Price (So.), Artaves Gibson (So.) • 2011 Redshirts – Carl Harris (r-Fr.) - WIDE RECEIVERS The wide receiver position is one offensive group that has a good bit of depth, but not a tremendous amount of experience, with the exception of seniors Marcus Rucker and Curtis Johnson. This is also a group that will have to produce in 2012 in a conference that is known for explosive offenses and QBs that like to sling the ball around. For Fuente to be able to run a fast-paced offense that will keep the opposing Ds on their toes, Tiger receivers will need to step up and make plays. Memphis was last in C-USA in passing offense last season, averaging just 190 yards a game and only 10 total TDs for the year. No Tiger receiver returning from last season posted more than one touchdown in 2011. Kevin Wright is the top returnee, having tallied 398 yards and one TD on 36 receptions. Rucker and Reggie Travis follow with 20 receptions (195 yards) and 18 receptions (146 yards), respectively. Rucker’s totals are significantly down from his 2010 numbers after battling nagging injuries last year. As a sophomore, he registered 704 yards and eight scores on 41 receptions. A healthy Rucker can certainly help the Tigers in 2012. Also dealing with injuries was Johnson, who missed the first five games after a foot injury sidelined him prior to fall camp. Johnson is another receiver who, if fully healthy, can be a key target for Tiger QBs. In just seven games, he totaled 10 catches for 183 yards, leading the team in yards per catch. Keiwone Malone played in eight games after he was declared eligible for action in 2011 following a transfer from Alabama. He logged 12 catches for 155 yards and one touchdown. He is a speedy receiver with good hands, who could benefit from having a year of action with the Tigers in 2011. Will Gilchrist moved from QB to receiver late last
2012 Schedule Schedule Date Sept. 1 Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 22 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17 Nov. 24
Opponent UT Martin at Arkansas State MIDDLE TENNESSEE at Duke RICE* at East Carolina* UCF* at SMU* at Marshall* TULANE* at UAB* SOUTHERN MISS*
* C-USA games
season but saw most of his action on special teams toward the end of the season. He may move back to QB in the spring with a lack of depth at that position right now. Of the redshirts who sat out in 2011, Jamere Valentine is the only non-freshman. He was a mid-year transfer from Butte College, who was making great plays in spring practice before suffering a knee injury that required surgery in the final week. He spent the 2011 season rehabbing his injury. Also adding depth in the spring are LaMarvin Ashley, Ryan Byrd and Tyriq Patrick, who all redshirted as true freshmen in 2011. • Returnees – Marcus Rucker (r-Sr.), Curtis Johnson (r-Sr.), Kevin Wright (r-So.), Reggie Travis (r-So.), Keiwone Malone (r-So.), Will Gilchrist (r-Jr.) • 2011 Redshirts – LaMarvin Ashley (r-Fr.), Ryan Byrd (r-Fr.), Jamere Valentine (r-Jr.), Tyriq Patrick (r-Fr.) - TIGHT END The tight end position is one that is lacking in depth for the spring, but will have a completely different look in fall camp. Coach Fuente signed four tight ends to join the 2012 squad, including Jesse Milleson, who was a mid-year signee and will practice this spring. Milleson, who transferred from Glendale CC, and junior Justin Henderson will work at the spot this spring. Henderson is the only returning Tiger offensive player who tallied multiple receiving touchdowns in 2011. Henderson played in 12 games, making six starts, and registered eight receptions for 100 yards and two touchdowns last year. • Returnees – Justin Henderson (Jr.) • Spring Newcomers – Jesse Milleson (Jr.) - OFFENSIVE LINE The offensive line is in a much better situation than when the team opened 2011 -- having only one consistent starter in the lineup. At the opening of spring ball, the Tiger o-line is made up of four players (Al Bond, Chris Schuetz, Jordan Devey, Nick Chartain) who started at least half the games last season. Devey started all 12 games, making starts at right tackle in the beginning of the year and shifting to left tackle in the latter part of the season because of injuries in the line. The injuries certainly
kkept ept th tthe he li line a bi bitt out outt off syn sync y c as as the the coa coaching o ching hi g staff used five different lineups before settling on the lineup of Devey (LT), Chartain (LG), Schuetz (C), Ron Leary (RG) and Bond (RT) for the final five games of the season. The only loss to graduation is Leary. A.J. Antonescu is a returnee who played in nine games in 2011, and Monte Golden, a true freshman in ‘11, saw action in two games. There will be four newcomers to the lineup, with two of those, Tyler Marzette and Taylor Fallin, who redshirted in 2011 and had a year in the weight room to gain strength. Antonio Foster and Markeith Minnick joined the Tigers in the mid-year signing period and will add depth to the line. Foster transferred to Memphis from Northeast Mississippi CC ; and Minnick, like Fallin, came to Memphis by way of Hargrave Military Academy. • Returnees – Jordan Devey (Sr.), Nick Chartain (Jr.), Al Bond (r-So.), Chris Schuetz (Jr.), A.J. Antonescu (r-Jr.), Monte Golden (So.) • 2011 Redshirts – Tyler Marzette (r-Fr.), Taylor Fallin (r-Fr.) • Spring Newcomers – Antonio Foster (Jr.), Markeith Minnick (Fr.) - DEFENSIVE LINE The defensive line probably took the biggest hit of any group heading into the spring. Frank Trotter and Dontari Poe, who both started all 12 games in 2011 and anchored the line, will be missed as leaders in the defense. Trotter, along with Tommy Walker (8 starts), both graduated and Poe opted for the NFL draft after serious talks of him being a possible first rounder. Zach Gholson started the first three games of the season, and registered 24 tackles in 12 games played. He tied for the team lead in forced fumbles with three and also posted 5 TFL. Also returning with game action is Corey Jones, who was credited with five tackles in 12 games; and Terry Redden who, as a true freshman, logged five tackles and a fumble recovery in eight games. Jones worked at defensive end and at linebacker last season. Ricky Hunter redshirted last season and Donald Pennington joins the squad after grayshirting in 2011 (he signed with Memphis in Feb. 2011). Anthony Brown is a newbie to the line, signing with Memphis as a midyear enrollee as a transfer from Northeast Mississippi CC. • Returnees – Corey Jones (Jr.), Zach Gholson (Sr.), Martin Ifedi (r-So.), Terry Redden (So.), Jimmy Robinson (r-Jr.)
20111 Redshirts Redshi d hirts ts – Ri Ricky kyy Hunter Hunter (r-Fr.) ( -Fr (r Fr.)) • 201 • Spring Newcomers – Anthony Brown (Jr.), Donald Pennington (Fr.) - LINEBACKERS The Tigers utilized two linebackers for much of 2011, as Kenyata Johnson and Terrence Thomas started all 12 games. Thomas graduated and a replacement will need to be found in the spring. Johnson was third on the team in tackles with 72 stops, 42 of which were solos. He also had an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Charles Harris played in all 12 games as a true freshman and logged 33 tackles and a blocked kick. Khiry Battle posted five tackles in 10 games and Chris Bertucci tallied 23 tackles in 12 games. Ricky Holoway returned to the defense after working as a tight end in 2011. He primarily saw action on special teams, but will work again at linebacker in the spring. There will be three other Tigers battling for a spot in the lineup in the spring, including Kevin Green, Reggis Ball and Tank Jakes. Green and Ball redshirted as true freshmen in 2011, while Jakes is a mid-year signee out of Holmes CC. • Returnees – Kenyata Johnson (Sr.), Charles Harris (So.), Khiry Battle (Sr.), Chris Bertucci (Sr.), Ricky Holloway (r-Sr.) • 2011 Redshirts – Kevin Green (r-Fr.), Reggis Ball (r-Fr.) • Spring Newcomer – Bronterrious “Tank” Jakes (So.) - DEFENSIVE BACKS The secondary is a position that has a good amount of depth, but injuries forced multiple lineup changes last season; and some games saw two true freshmen starting on the corners. The depth at that position will be bolstered even more in the fall as Coach Fuente signed six defensive backs for the 2012 squad. With the high powered and explosive offenses of Conference USA, the secondary will need to continue to be efficient in making the big plays. Leaders from the 2011 season include Cannon Smith, Akeem Davis, Mitch Huelsing, Taurean Nixon, Lonnie Ballentine, Bobby McCain and Bakari Hollier. Davis, who worked as a nickelback and started all 12 games, is the leading returning tackler from 2011, posting 78 stops, including 57 solos. He led the team in interceptions with three and tied for the lead (with Huelsing) in fumble recoveries with four. He is a prime reason the Tigers ranked in the top 10 nationally in turnover margin (T7th) and fumbles recovered (5th), and in the top 20 nationally
in turnovers turnov novers ers ga ggained ined ine d ((T16th). T16th) T16 th)). D aviis and nd in Davis Huelsing finished the year ranked tied for fourth nationally in fumble recoveries. Davis tallied four straight games in 2011 in which he was responsible for forcing the opposing team to turn the ball over. Huelsing, who started five of his 12 games played, was fourth on the team in tackles with 64 stops. He also had two interceptions in 2011. Smith was sixth on the team in tackles with 51 and led the team in pass breakups with six, in his first season on defense. He previously was a quarterback for the Tigers in 2010. He started the first 11 games of the season, but was forced to miss the season finale against Southern Miss with an injury. Nixon started nine of his 10 games played and tallied 33 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble. He missed two games with an injury. Ballentine, who battled a nagging hamstring injury throughout the season, registered 35 tackles and a fumble recovery in 11 games. McCain and Hollier were true freshmen who were thrown into action in 2011. McCain started nine games and posted 29 tackles, four pass breakups and a forced fumble. He also picked off a pass against Tulane and raced it 79 yards for a touchdown. Hollier, who started four games, tallied 21 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble in nine games. He missed three games with an injury. Derek Smith is expected to be back in the lineup this spring after missing the final seven games of the season following a knee injury. He had also missed the 2010 season following a knee injury, that required surgery, during summer workouts. Also adding depth this spring is Fritz Etienne, who signed with the Tigers in December after transferring from Coffeyville CC. • Returnees – Cannon Smith (r-Sr.), Akeem Davis (r-Sr.), Mitch Huelsing (r-Sr.), Taurean Nixon (Jr.), Lonnie Ballentine (Jr.), Bobby McCain (So.), Bakari Hollier (So.), Derek Howard (So.), Derek Smith (r-Jr.) • Spring Newcomer – Fritz Etienne (r-So.) - SPECIAL TEAMS Special teams is a phase that the Tigers return quite a few key standouts, but the group needs to be more productive in 2012. Kicker Paulo Henriques will be looking for a stellar senior season after going just 8-of-15 on field goals in 2011. He missed his first two attempts of the season (both 50 yarders) before hitting seven of his next eight attempts, including a careerbest 50-yard shot against Rice. He struggled
in the th latter latter h half alf of the th he sseas eason on, missing missi mi ssing ng four four in season, of his last five attempts. Henriques also kickoffss for the Tigers and booted 45 handles kickoff kicks for an average of 64 yards. He had eight touchbacks on the year. Tom Hornsey continues to blaze through the Tiger record book, setting records for punts (95) and yards (3,993) in a single season. In just 24 career games, Hornsey ranks fifth in punts (175) and fourth in yards (7,409). In 2011, he averaged 42 yards per punt and had 19 for 50-plus yards. He dropped 23 kicks inside the opponents’ 20-yard line. He is expected to be a Ray Guy Award candidate again in 2012. Hornsey and Henriques do have the benefit of having holder Austin Weaver and long snapper Jeremy Singler back again in ‘12. One other returnee of note is Kendrick Golden. Golden came to the Tigers as a freshman walkon last year and earned a letter following a tremendous effort with the special teams unit. Golden picked up a fumbled punt snap against Marshall and made a 36-yard return for a TD that gave Memphis a lead in the game. Earlier in the year against Tulane, Golden recovered a blocked punt and made an eight-yard return. The Tigers need to improve in the return game, and in finding scrappy players who will stop the opponents from producing great field position. The Tigers made improvements in punt returns, averaging 9.3 yards on 10 returns, a year after averaging less than a yard on 11 returns in 2010. All five players who registered a return in 2011 (Smith, Hollier, Malone, Johnson and Holloway) are all back this season, though others are sure to be tested in the spring. The Tigers averaged 18 yards on 67 kick returns last season, with Curtis Johnson and Bakari Hollier leading the way. Johnson averaged 19.6 yards on 24 returns, with a long run of 34 yards. Hollier averaged 18.1 yards on 21 returns, with a long of 33 yards. Kevin Wright also had seven returns in 2011 and averaged 15.7 yards. • Returnees – Paulo Henriques (Sr., K), Tom Hornsey (Jr., P), Austin Weaver (r-Sr., H), Jeremy Singler (r-So., DS), Kendrick Golden (So.), Derek Smith (r-Jr), Bakari Hollier (So.), Keiwone Malone (r-So.), Curtis Johnson (r-Sr.), Holloway (r-Sr.), Kevin Wright (r-So.)
2012 Fall Newcomers Name Derrick Bobo Latarius Brady Will Gross Kerwin Harrison Dontavious Heard Daniel Hurd Chauncey Lanier Paxton Lynch Tony Mays Wynton McManis
HT DB TE QB TE SAF WR CB QB OL LB
WT 5-9 6-3 6-1 6-3 6-0 6-2 6-1 6-5 6-4 6-0
POS 180 255 170 225 180 205 170 225 270 200
CL Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr.
Hometown (Last School) Memphis, TN (Whitehaven HS) Memphis, TN (East HS) Memphis, TN (Melrose HS) Lakeland, FL (Kathleen HS) Lithonia, GA (Martin Luther King HS) Memphis, TN (Wooddale HS) Miramar, FL (Nova HS) Deltona, FL (Trinity Christian Academy) Memphis, TN (Whitehaven HS) Olive Branch, MS (Olive Branch HS)
Name Carl Mitchell Daniel Montiel Chris Morley Leonard Pegues Cody Quon Micah Simmons Michael Stannard Jai Steib Anthony Watson Dion Witty
HT DL TE CB LB OL OL OL RB SAF CB
WT 6-4 6-5 5-11 5-11 6-5 6-4 6-3 5-11 6-1 5-11
POS 240 240 175 210 220 295 270 220 200 175
CL Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. Jr. Jr. Fr.
Hometown (Last School) Memphis, TN (Wooddale HS) Arlington, TX (Arlington HS) Pompano, FL (South Plantation HS) Olive Branch, MS (Olive Branch HS) Memphis, TN (St. Benedict HS) Lindale, TX (Lindale HS) Columbia, MO (Rock Bridge HS) Hahnville, LA (Hahnville HS/Col. of the Desert) Houston, TX (Westfield HS/Blinn JC) Coral Springs, FL (Coral Springs HS)
JJustin usstin Fu F Fuente ente en te was was name ed the 23rd 23 head d named head football coach for the Memphis Tigers in a press conference held at the Penny Hardaway Hall of Fame Assembly Room on the U of M campus on Dec. 8, 2011. Fuente leads the Memphis Tigers in his first head coaching stint after serving five seasons on Gary Patterson’s staff at TCU. Fuente joined the TCU football coaching staff in February 2007 as running backs coach and was promoted to cooffensive coordinator in February 2009. As part of his new duties, he moved from running backs coach to quarterbacks coach. “The University of Memphis is pleased to welcome Justin Fuente to the Tiger family,” said University President Dr. Shirley C. Raines. “Justin is an energetic and enthusiastic coach who has guided a highly successful offense at TCU and was instrumental in its Rose Bowl win. He is a family man and is committed to developing our student-athletes. He and his family are eager to become part of the Memphis community.” A native of Tulsa, Okla., the dynamic play-caller helped guide a TCU program to consecutive BCS bowl game appearances with a 2011 Rose Bowl victory over fifth-ranked Wisconsin that followed an appearance in the 2010 Fiesta Bowl. From 200810, TCU was the only program in the country that finished in the top-10 in both the Associated Press and USA Today polls all three years. In Fuente’s three seasons as a coordinator, TCU set single-season school records for touchdowns, points scored and first downs, while also ranking among the nation’s most productive offensive units. From 2009-11, the Horned Frogs won 35 of 38 contests, including a 24-game win streak in the Mountain West Conference. Credited with developing some of the top quarterbacks in TCU history, Fuente coached 2011 NFL Rookie of the Year candidate Andy Dalton, as well as 2011 TCU starter Casey Pachall. TCU is the only school in the nation over the last three seasons to have two different quarterbacks rank in the top-10 in the country in passing efficiency. Under Fuente’s tutelage, Dalton became TCU’s career leader in every major passing category. The 2011 second-round draft pick of the Cincinnati Bengals also set Mountain West Conference (MWC) all-time marks for total offense (11,925 yards) and plays from scrimmage (1,730). A two-time MWC Offensive Player of the Year and three-time bowl game MVP, Dalton finished ninth in 2010 Heisman Trophy voting. He was a finalist for the Manning, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm and Bobby Bowden awards, while also being a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien and Maxwell honors. As a sophomore in 2011, Pachall was on pace to surpass Dalton’s 2010 senior season totals. Pachall completed 228 of 343 pass attempts for 2,921 yards and 25 touchdowns in 13 games. He only threw seven interceptions in 2011, and helped rally TCU from fourth-quarter deficits three times during the season. He threw for 473 yards against Boise State, which ranked second for a single game in school history.
The 2011 Horned Frogs became the first team to win the Mountain West championship threeconsecutive seasons. TCU finished the year at 11-2 and ranked 13th/14th with a win over Louisiana Tech in the Poinsettia Bowl. The Horned Frogs ranked among the national leaders in total offense with their average of 440.2 yards per game. In 2010, Fuente helped direct TCU to singleseason school marks in touchdowns (73), points scored (541), total offense (6,199 yards) and first downs (327). The Horned Frogs ranked fourth nationally in scoring (41.6 points per game), sixth in passing efficiency (166.9), 10th in rushing (247.4 yards per game) and 12th in total offense (476.9 yards per game). In his first season as co-offensive coordinator, Fuente helped direct a record-setting 2009 TCU attack. The Horned Frogs established then single-season school marks for points scored (498), total offense (5,937 yards), touchdowns (65) and first downs (311). TCU ranked fifth nationally in rushing offense (239.5 yards per game) and scoring (38.3 points per game), while placing seventh in total offense (456.7 yards per game) and eighth in passing efficiency (154.1). With Fuente as running backs coach in 2008, the Horned Frogs had a “running back-by-committee” attack. TCU ranked 12th nationally in rushing, despite not having a player ranked among the top 96 rushers in the country. TCU’s 220.2 yards per game rushing was its highest mark since 2000 when LaDainian Tomlinson keyed a Frog ground attack that averaged 275.6 yards per game. During that 2008 campaign, Fuente helped develop tailback Aaron Brown into being a sixth-round selection by the Detroit Lions in the 2009 NFL Draft.
Fuente came to TCU after spending the previous six seasons as quarterbacks coach at Illinois State. His final three years saw him double as the Redbirds’ offensive coordinator. Under Fuente’s direction, Illinois State ranked in the top-10 nationally in total offense in 2005 and 2006. The Redbirds ranked eighth in 2006 with an average of 397.5 yards per game after they were fifth in both total offense (477.6 yards) and scoring (39.2 points) in 2005. Fuente coached Redbird quarterback Luke Drone to All-Gateway Conference first team honors, as he led the league in passing (227.8 yards per game) and total offense (231.6 yards per game). Running back Pierre Rembert set an Illinois State single-season record with 1,743 yards, while also ranking sixth nationally in rushing with 134.1 yards per contest. As a college quarterback, Fuente played two seasons (1996-97) at Oklahoma under then-Sooners offensive coordinator Dick Winder. Fuente set an Oklahoma freshman record with 11 touchdown passes. He transferred to Murray State for his final two years of eligibility. Fuente set 11 school records at Murray State, including total offense and passing yards in a game and season. In 1999, he was the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Offensive Player of the Year and a finalist for the Walter Payton Award, given annually to the nation’s top player in Division I-AA. He is a 1999 graduate of Murray State. Following his collegiate career, Fuente played professionally with the Oklahoma Wranglers in the Arena League. Fuente and his wife, Jenny, have two daughters, Cecilia and Caroline.
2011 Scoreboard All Games Conference Non-Conference
Overall 2-10-0 1-7-0 1-3-0
Date Opponent 9/1 Mississippi State (FSN) 9/10 at Arkansas State (ESPN3) 9/17 Austin Peay 9/24 SMU* (FSN) 10/1 at Middle Tennessee (ESPN3) 10/8 at Rice* (CSS) 10/15 East Carolina* (WITN) 10/22 at Tulane* (FCS) 10/29 at UCF* (CSS) 11/12 UAB* (CSS) 11/17 Marshall* (FSN) 11/26 at Southern Miss* (CSS) * C-USA game TEAM STATISTICS First Downs Rushing/Passing Penalty Total Net Yards Total Plays Plays per Game Avg per Play Avg per Game Net Rushing Yards Rushing Yds Gained Rushing Yds Lost Total Attempts Avg per Attempt Avg per Game TDs Rushing Net Passing Yards Comp/Att/Int Avg per Pass Avg per Catch Avg per Game TDs Passing Punts/Avg/Blk Net Punting Avg Punts per Game Punt Ret/Yds/Avg Kickoff Ret/Yds/Avg Returns Per Game Interceptions/Yds/Avg Fumbles/Lost Penalties/Yds Yds Penalized/Game 3rd Dwn Cnv/Att/Pct Time of Possession Avg 2 PT Safety RUSHING Billy Foster Artaves Gibson Jerrell Rhodes Taylor Reed Tom Hornsey Joe Price Skylar Jones Keiwone Malone Cam Baker Andy Summerlin Team Memphis Opponents PASSING Taylor Reed Andy Summerlin Skylar Jones Team Memphis Opponents
G 11 11 3 11 12 7 1 8 9 5 12 12 12 G 11 5 1 12 12 12
Home 1-5-0 0-4-0 1-1-0 Score L, 59-14 L, 47-3 W, 27-6 L, 42-0 L, 38-31 L, 28-6 L, 35-17 W, 33-17 L, 41-0 L, 41-35 L, 23-22 L, 44-7
MEMPHIS 182 61/107 14 3291 786 65.5 4.2 274.2 1008 1346 338 378 2.7 84.0 10 2283 224-408-8 5.6 10.2 190.2 10 95/42.0/1 35.1 7.9 10/93/9.3 67/1207/18.0 5.6 12/161/13.4 21/10 57/523 43.6 56/184/30.4 28:46 0
ATT YDG YDL 132 535 56 104 355 39 30 156 4 69 202 125 1 27 0 15 37 21 6 18 14 1 3 0 2 1 0 10 12 35 8 0 44 378 1346 338 455 2571 272 EFF CMP ATT INT 113.88 169 295 4 85.5 345 94 2 91.20 10 18 2 0.00 0 1 0 106.07 224 408 8 149.52 279 432 12
Away 1-5-0 1-3-0 0-2-0
Neutral 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0
Att. 33,990 29,872 18,808 16,748 20,098 14,179 17,975 25,158 37,683 17,848 15,101 26,347
OPPONENTS 288 108/165 15 5892 887 73.9 6.6 491.0 2299 2571 272 455 5.1 191.6 25 3593 279-432-12 8.3 12.9 299.4 27 46/40.5/2 35.0 3.8 48/557/11.6 37/851/23.0 3.1 8/202/25.2 28/18 69/587 48.9 77/166/46.3 31:14 0 YDS 479 316 152 77 27 16 4 3 1 -23 -44 1008 2299 PCT 57.3 47.9 55.6 0.0 54.9 64.6
AVG 3.6 3.0 5.1 1.1 27.0 1.1 0.7 3.0 0.5 -2.3 -5.5 2.7 5.1 YDS 1690 469 124 0 2283 3593
TD 6 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 25 TD 10 0 0 0 10 27
LG AVG/G 29 43.5 31 28.7 22 50.7 18 7.0 27 2.2 21 2.3 7 4.0 3 0.4 1 0.1 10 -4.6 0 -4.0 31 84.0 66 191.6 LG AVG/G 93 153.6 44 93.8 50 124.0 0 0.0 93 190.2 80 299.4
RECEIVING Tannar Rehrer Kevin Wright Billy Foster Marcus Rucker Reggie Travis Keiwone Malone Curtis Johnson Artaves Gibson Justin Henderson Andrew Ene-Ita Joe Price Cam Baker Jerrell Rhodes Memphis Opponents
G 12 12 11 8 12 8 7 11 12 10 7 9 3 12 12
PUNT RETURNS Derek Smith Bakari Hollier Keiwone Malone Curtis Johnson Ricky Holloway Kendrick Golden Memphis Opponents KICK RETURNS Curtis Johnson Bakari Hollier Lavaris Edwards Kevin Wright Billy Foster Team Derek Smith Memphis Opponents
G 5 9 8 7 12 11 12 12
FIELD GOALS Paulo Henriques PUNTING Tom Hornsey DEFENSE Terrence Thomas Akeem Davis Kenyata Johnson Mitch Huelsing Frank Trotter Cannon Smith Johnnie Farms Lonnie Ballentine Charles Harris Taurean Nixon Dontari Poe Tommy Walker Bobby McCain Zach Gholson Chris Bertucci Bakari Hollier Dasmine Cathey Daniel Thomas Martin Ifedi Ricky Holloway Paulo Henriques Lavaris Edwards Corey Jones Terry Redden Khiry Battle Tom Hornsey Derek Howard Reggie Travis Derek Smith Kendrick Golden Memphis Opponents
G 12
NO 24 21 8 7 5 1 1 67 37 G 12 8 12 12 11 9 10 12 12 12
G 12
YDS 3993
UT AT TOT 72 34 106 57 21 78 42 30 72 46 18 64 46 15 61 32 19 51 22 20 42 21 14 35 20 13 33 29 4 33 18 15 33 21 12 33 23 6 29 12 12 24 9 14 23 15 6 21 13 6 19 8 8 16 9 4 13 7 3 10 5 1 6 3 3 6 2 3 5 2 3 5 2 3 5 4 . 4 1 . 1 1 . 1 . 1 1 . . . 547 290 837 475 286 761
AVG 8.5 11.1 13.6 9.8 8.1 12.9 18.3 5.1 12.5 14.4 9.8 8.2 1.5 10.2 12.9
TD 4 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 10 27
YDS 9 8 35 11 22 8 93 557
AVG 3.0 4.0 17.5 5.5 22.0 0.0 9.3 11.6
YDS 470 380 146 110 83 0 18 1207 851
AVG 19.6 18.1 18.2 15.7 16.6 0.0 18.0 18.0 23.0
NO 3 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 12 8
10-29 2-2 NO 95
YDS 593 398 299 195 146 155 183 46 100 72 49 41 6 2283 3593
NO 3 2 2 2 1 0 10 48
G 7 9 8 12 11 12 5 12 12
INTERCEPTIONS Akeem Davis Lavaris Edwards Mitch Huelsing Terrence Thomas Bobby McCain Bakari Hollier Taurean Nixon Kenyata Johnson Memphis Opponents
NO 70 36 22 20 18 12 10 9 8 5 5 5 4 224 279
30-39 4-5 AVG 42.0 TFL 5.0-19 8.0-29 1.5-4 1.5-6 13.0-46 . 8.5-25 1.5-2 . 1.0-4 8.0-26 6.0-18 1.0-1 5.0-32 1.0-1 0.5-0 1.0-3 1.0-5 1.0-5 . . . . . . . . . . . 66-228 84.0-317
YDS 43 12 1 20 79 0 -5 11 161 202
AVG/G 49.4 33.2 27.2 24.4 12.2 19.4 26.1 4.2 8.3 7.2 7.0 4.6 2.0 190.2 299.4
TD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
LG 7 6 37 6 0 8 37 39
TD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
LG 34 33 40 23 24 0 18 40 65
AVG 14.3 6.0 0.5 20.0 79.0 0.0 -5.0 11.0 13.4 25.2
TD 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 3
LG 33 6 1 20 79 0 0 11 79 100
50+ 1-3
TOT 8-15
LG BLK 50 0
40-49 1-5 LG 66
LG 42 44 93 18 20 46 50 14 38 42 23 27 11 93 80
TB 5
FC 7
IN20 23
SK INT PB 1.0-12 1-20 4 . 3-43 4 . 1-11 . 0.5-5 2-1 2 5.0-32 . 3 . . 6 2.5-8 . . . . 1 . . . . 1--5 . 1.0-3 . 3 1.5-10 . . . 1-79 4 1.5-27 . . . . . . 1-0 2 . . . . . . 1.0-5 . 1 . . . . . . . 2-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-102 12-161 30 27-157 8-202 39
QB . . 1 . 4 . 7 . . . 5 2 . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . 20 21
50+ 19 FR . 4-0 1-11 4-7 1-18 . 1-11 1-0 . . . . . . . . 1-0 . 1-1 . . . . 1-0 . 1-0 . 1-0 . 1-36 18-84 9-9
BLK 1 FF 1 3 1 . 1 1 . . . 1 1 2 1 3 . 1 1 . 1 . . . . . . . . . . . 18 11
BL . . . . . . 2 . 1 . . . . . . . . . . 1 . . . . . . . . . . 4 3
SF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 0