Memphis Football Closes Out Spring With Blue-Gray Scrimmage

DeAngelo Williams

The Memphis football team completed its spring season with the 2004 Blue-Gray scrimmage hosted at Rhodes College. Senior quarterback Bobby Robison was named the SAE-Paul Gingold MVP for his effort today in front of more than 4,000 Tiger fans.

In the first series of today's Blue-Gray game, DeAngelo Williams proved that he is back to his old form following a knee injury that kept him out of the 2003 New Orleans Bowl. Williams rushed for an eight-yard touchdown carry, and then came back a few plays later for a 33-yard touchdown reception from Danny Wimprine. Williams gained 45 yards on seven carries. Wimprine completed eight of 13 passes for 122 yards and one touchdown.

In the eighth series with Robison at quarterback, the lefthander found Maurice Avery open and launched a pass for the 46-yard score. Robison then reached Chris Kelley on a 31-yard pass that set up the one-yard TD rush by Jamarcus Gaither. Gaither gained 36 yards on eight carries. In the 15th series, Robison found Avery open again for a 27-yard touchdown pass. Avery finished the day with three catches for 87 yards. In the final series, Robison completed a 14-yard pass for his third score of the day. Robison finished the day with 235 yards on 14 of 31 passes and three touchdowns. QB Patrick Byrne was 5-of-14 for 64 yards and one interception.

Tavares Gideon led all receivers with 87 yards on seven catches. Derron Parquet gained 48 yards on eight carries to lead all rushers.

Prior to the scrimmage, several Tigers were honored for their participation in the spring, as well as for their awards following the 2003 football season. Blake Butler, Willie Henderson, Tim Goodwell and David McNair all shared the Chris Faros Most Improved Player Award for their improvement in spring practice. Danny Wimprine and Darron White, Albert Means and Scott Vogel were presented the Glenn Jones Award. The award is presented to players who demonstrate leadership through determination and courage on and off the field.

The 2003 Rex Dockery Memorial Scholarship Award is presented to an incoming freshman football player who most exemplifies the lofty football ideals of the late Rex Dockery. This year's recipient was special teams member and defensive back Derek Clenin who joined Memphis after a stellar prep career at MUS. The recipient of the 2004 scholarship will be announced at the 2005 Blue-Gray scrimmage.

The 2003 Ralph Hatley Award was presented to Mike Snyder, a linebacker from New Orleans. The award is presented to the Tiger football player who plans a career in the field of health, physical education or recreation. A new award, the True Tiger Award, was presented for the first time this season. Members of the coaching staff chose linebacker Quinton McCrary for his actions on and off the field.