July 17, 2007

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Optimism fills the air as the Tigers are gearing up for the 2007 season. That optimism is fueled by the way head coach Tommy West's squad emerged in the final three games of the 2006 season as well as by the tremendous energy and enthusiasm that was clearly noticeable during the spring.

"I made some decisions last year that set this football team back," said West. "I made those decisions so that we can ultimately get to where we want to get to. This team never blinked an eye and never questioned the decision. They have bought in, 100 percent.

"I was really impressed at how our football team responded through a difficult year," added West. "They continued to improve each week, to the point that I thought they were a good team at the end of the year. We fought through a tough situation and became a good team out of it."

The 2007 season will feature six new coaches which West often cited during spring practice for their energy and enthusiasm on the field. He is quick to call this staff the best recruiting staff that he has ever had at Memphis and feels this program is clearly "headed in the right direction from a recruiting and coaching standpoint."

"I thought this team had a great attitude this spring," West said. "I think this team has a little bit of a chip on their shoulder because of what they went through, and I believe we all will be better because of it."

West is also quick to point out that a C-USA championship is still the No. 1 goal of this squad. In addition to increased depth and experience at most positions, West is also pleased with the Tigers' schedule this season.

For the second straight year, Memphis will play seven games at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, beginning with the CSS-televised opener against Ole Miss. The schedule also closes with Memphis at home for three of the last four contests, all of which are league meetings. Fans should also be able to catch the Tigers on the road for several games because Memphis also plays nearby in Jonesboro, Ark., New Orleans and Hattiesburg.

The Tigers are slated to have four games televised by CSS (Ole Miss, UCF, USM and UAB) and will host Marshall in a Tuesday night meeting to be carried by ESPN2 on Oct. 2. Memphis will also finally have the opportunity to face Tulane, Rice and SMU for the first time since C-USA's restructure. Also new to the schedule this year are Jacksonville State and Middle Tennessee, who both will travel to Memphis for non-conference meetings.

An obvious key to a successful season will be the squad must remain healthy this year. The last two seasons saw a significant amount of injuries that took a toll on the Tiger depth chart. In 2006, 25 Tigers were sidelined for at least one game, and 11 of those were season-ending injuries. Also of note is that of the 25 injuries, 15 were to starters or potential starters. Many of those key players are expected to be back in the lineup this fall, including receivers Carlton Robinzine and Dave Thomas, running back Miguel Barnes and defensive linemen Ryan Williams and Corey Mills.

With 15 starters returning from last season, and a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm that was apparent in the spring, the Tigers look to be much improved and expect a significant turnaround in 2007.

THE OFFENSE The offense is under new direction this season as assistant head coach Clay Helton assumes the role of offensive coordinator. Helton, who has been with the program for the last seven years, will shift his focus to quarterbacks after having guided Tiger receivers for the last four years.

West did not waste much time when the opportunity presented itself to promote Helton in late January. In the press conference announcement, West praised Helton for his work ethic and dedication to taking the Tiger program to the next level. West closed by saying that he is "committed to this offense becoming the most exciting, productive offense in the country."

The offensive side of the ball also will have the most consistency in the coaching staff as both Helton and offensive line coach Rick Mallory, who is also in his eighth season, return to the sidelines. Added to the staff were two former college standouts Darin Hinshaw and James Joseph. Hinshaw, who was a record-setting quarterback at UCF and came to Memphis after recent coaching stints at Georgia Southern and Middle Tennessee State, will lead the Tiger receivers. Joseph, who made the move to Memphis after three years on the staff at Troy University, was a standout running back at Auburn and was drafted in 1991 by the Philadelphia Eagles. He will no doubt carry a wealth of experience and knowledge to the running back position that has much depth heading into the 2007 season.

Offensively, the future looks bright for the Tigers. Martin Hankins returns for his senior season under center, and the running game is expected to continue to produce with a host of veterans, including senior Joseph Doss. The receiving corps could again be a deep and experienced group with the return of several players from injuries and increased production from standout Duke Calhoun. And, the offensive line is one that West considers as deep and talented as any he has seen here at Memphis. With all of these factors in place, West is candid about returning this offense to the state that it was prior to the 2006 season.

QUARTERBACK
Martin Hankins, who transferred to Memphis after a two-year record-setting stint at Southeastern Louisiana, is no doubt the frontrunner for the starting job heading into fall camp. He will, however, be challenged by junior Will Hudgens and redshirt freshman Matt Malouf.

Hankins' numbers last season may have been overshadowed by the team's record, but he did rank high in C-USA, as well as in the Tiger record book. The Hattiesburg, Miss., native ranked fourth among league signal-callers who tossed at least 350 passes with his 59.9 percent mark. He completed 226 of 377 passes for 2,550 yards and 18 touchdowns. While his 13 interceptions ranked second in the league behind UTEP standout Jordan Palmer, five of those picks were in the game against East Carolina. Hankins settled in late in the season and did not log a single pick in three of the last four games of the year.

In Hankins' first season with the Tigers, he completed 20 or more passes in six games and threw for over 200 yards in seven games. He also had 300-plus games against C-USA foes UAB and Marshall. As far as UM quarterbacks are concerned, Hankins' single-season numbers for attempts, completions, yards, touchdowns and completion percentage all rank in the top five in the Tiger record book. And, in just one year under center, Hankins ranks sixth all-time at Memphis in pass completions, ninth in career pass attempts and eighth in passing yards.

"I was pleased with the production of Martin Hankins," said West. "I'll say again that when we run our offense, which he does fit our system, he is really good. I thought he had a good spring, and I expect that he will have a really good year for us. I am looking forward to watching Martin this fall because he really understands what we are doing and has the ability to get it done."

Hankins' biggest challenger for the starting job is expected to be junior quarterback Will Hudgens, who has been sidelined for two straight seasons with broken legs. Hudgens took over the starting duties in the second game of the 2005 season, but broke his leg in the third game versus Tulsa. He worked hard to come back, and in 2006 was No. 2 on the depth chart. He came in as a reserve in the season opener against Ole Miss and also entered the lineup in the third quarter against Chattanooga. During the UTC contest, Hudgens suffered a broken leg and was again sidelined for the remainder of the season. The Memphis native continued his rehabilitation and was cleared for action late in the season but did not participate in additional games. He was able to work out with the team in the spring and was also a pitcher for the Tiger baseball team.

Hudgens has a great deal of raw talent and a solid arm, which makes him an ideal challenger for Hankins. The two will continue to push each other in the weeks prior to the season opener with Ole Miss.

"I thought Will had a good spring overall, but that he didn't do well in the spring game," said West. "I hope Will comes back this fall and is as consistent as he was through spring ball. If Will continues to improve his footwork, he has the potential to be a good quarterback for us."

Also adding depth at quarterback are sophomore Brett Toney and redshirt freshman Matt Malouf. Both shared time working with the offensive scout team last season. Malouf was signed in February 2006 as the top quarterback in Mississippi out of Oxford High, and Toney came to Memphis in 2005 from Briarcrest Christian in Memphis. The group will also be joined this season by true freshman Dallas Walker. Walker prepped at Madison Academy in Ridgeland, Miss., and is the son of former Tiger offensive lineman Jeff Walker.

WIDE RECEIVER
In a strange turn of events - what was once one of the deepest offensive units for the last several years has become one of the biggest question marks.

Several wideouts were sidelined this spring while rehabilitating injuries they incurred during the 2006 season. Juniors Carlton Robinzine and Earnest Williams as well as sophomores Dave Thomas and Antonio McCoy all were out with knee injuries. Robinzine missed all but one game in 2006 after suffering a knee injury in the opener against Ole Miss. He is expected to return to the field this fall. Williams was injured during a scrimmage on the seventh practice during the spring. He hyper-extended his knee and is also expected to return this fall. Thomas played in six games last season, but was forced to have reconstructive surgery on the same knee that he had injured prior to coming to Memphis. McCoy severely dislocated his knee in the Southern Miss meeting and is not expected to play during the 2007 season as he continues his rehabilitation.

If Robinzine, Williams and Thomas are able to return to the field this fall, the receiving corps could again be looking at much depth and experience.

In addition to the players mentioned above, the group is bolstered by a group of experienced Tigers in 2006 Conference USA All-Freshman honoree Duke Calhoun, junior college transfer Steven Black, sophomore Carlos Singleton, junior Maurice Jones and senior Taz Knockum.

Calhoun was one of just five true freshmen to see action on the field last season. He lived up to the hype that followed his signing and is Memphis' leading returning receiver heading into 2007. As a freshman, Calhoun led the Tigers in receiving yards with 681 and in receiving touchdowns with six. He also rushed for one score en route to being named the team's Offensive Player of the Year at the postseason banquet. Calhoun caught a pass in each of the 12 games in 2006 and tallied 14 receptions over 20 yards. He finished the season ranked second all-time among Tiger receivers in their freshman season and ranked 10th in C-USA in receiving yards per game.

"Duke is a tremendous football player," said West. "He has the kind of work ethic to become a great football player here at Memphis."

Black joined the Tigers this spring after playing two seasons at East Mississippi Community College. He received the Top Newcomer Award this spring after having a consistent showing. In the Blue-Gray game, Black caught five passes for 60 yards and also completed a seven-yard pass.

"I couldn't be more pleased with the way Steven played this spring," West said. "I believe he is going to have a great year for us. He is our kind of guy. He's a blue-collar type player and a hard worker."

Singleton is projected behind Calhoun at the X receiver position. At 6-8, Singleton stands out and has the potential to be a real offensive threat for the Tigers. He played in 11 games last season and had a catch in all but the Tennessee game. Singleton ranked fourth on the team in receiving yards with 300 and tied for second in receiving touchdowns with three. He struggled with consistency during spring practice, but was named co-MVP of the Blue-Gray game after hauling in eight passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns. In assessing Singleton's role for 2007, West was quick to add that "it is time for Carlos to be counted on."

Jones returns to the field after missing spring practice while serving a suspension. A veteran receiver for the Tigers, Jones has played in 19 career games. In 2006, he caught 10 passes for 70 yards in his seven games played. Jones is a fierce competitor who opens the fall as the No. 3 receiver behind Calhoun and Singleton after missing spring workouts.

Knockum is a senior who could add experience to the Tigers' inside game, along with Thomas and Williams. He played in all 12 games last season and started in two contests. He totaled just two receptions in 2006, but was a key member of the special teams unit. Knockum opens the fall listed as the starter at the Y receiver position with Williams and Thomas listed at H receiver.

Sophomores Brian Hall and Lucian Godwin as well as redshirt freshman Turner West are expected to provide additional depth. Hall and West both caught multiple passes in the spring game. Two freshmen were also signed for the 2007 season and could add competition this fall. Highly-touted wideout Cam Baker hails from Osceola (AR) High and Curtis Echols is a local standout from White Station High.

RUNNING BACK
Another deep position for the Tigers is running back. This group has a good mix of youth and experience that should help return the explosive offense that Tiger fans have become accustomed to.

Senior Joseph Doss is the obvious leader in the Tiger running game. Doss has shown steady improvement each season and led Memphis last year with 910 yards and seven touchdowns on 224 carries. At the opening of the 2007 season, Doss ranks 12th all-time in career rushing yards and totals three games of 100-plus yards. He is a versatile player who also ranked fourth in 2006 with 25 receptions for 205 yards and two scores. Doss received a minor injury to his knee in the spring and did not participate in the spring game.

"Joe will be back in the fall and is our starting tailback," said West. "Joe had a tough job. He was coming out last year as a replacement to the best player in the history of this school. Of course, there is going to be a drop off. On top of that, I don't think that Joe played his best early in the year. He can make the first guy miss, and he wasn't doing that.

"I thought around mid-year that Joe kind of came into his own," added West. "He got comfortable and started playing the way he can play. I thought he ended the year playing really well. I look for Joe to have a really good senior year."

When speaking of Doss, West also confided that he believes Doss may have gotten tired as the year went along and that the staff would use all of the backs in their arsenal.

Two young backs received some valuable experience last season and will also challenge for increased playing time in 2007. T.J. Pitts played in eight games and logged one start last season. He finished the year with 22 carries for 98 yards and a touchdown, and was one of just five Tigers to score from the run in 2006. His first career touchdown was scored on his 22nd career carry on a one-yard run against UTEP. Miguel Barnes played in six games and showed great potential before being sidelined with a knee injury against Marshall. Barnes logged 81 yards on 17 carries and also was instrumental in the kick return game, totaling 143 yards on seven returns.

"We really wanted to look at our young backs this spring, so Pitts and Barnes got most of the looks at tailback," said West. "We are talented enough with those two. I think they both can be good players for us. The key is they need to hold on to the ball and play without the ball, and do all of the things good backs do."

Seniors Jamarcus Gaither and Greg Hinds also provide additional depth in the run game. Hinds is primarily a fullback after making the transition from the defense last fall. He totaled five carries for 25 yards and nine receptions for 76 yards in 12 games played last year. Gaither also played in all 12 games and finished the campaign with 22 carries for 67 yards and two touchdowns.

In addition, redshirt freshman Henry Harris and newcomers Mike Davis and Curtis Steele will work out at that position. Harris had a consistent spring and logged seven carries for 37 yards and a touchdown in the spring game. Steele comes to Memphis after playing two seasons at Northwest Mississippi Community College, while Davis is a true freshman from Northgate High in Newnan, Ga.

TIGHT END
The Tigers return a consistent threat at tight end in junior Brett Russell. Russell has continued to improve and is a viable target for the Tigers. He played in 12 games and made six starts last season, while finishing the year with nine catches for 130 yards and a touchdown. Russell is backed up this fall by redshirt freshman Deven Onarheim and senior Arron Bentley, who saw some time last season both at tight end and at tackle. Onarheim, who could also be a hefty target for Memphis at 6-7 and 255 pounds, broke a finger early in spring practice and required surgery.

"Brett Russell has become a very solid football player for us," said West. "I am very pleased with his progress. He should be ready to have an all-star-type year. He has done a great job of learning what to do without the ball. The challenge this fall is to bring Deven Onarheim along for some depth."

OFFENSIVE LINE
It's hard to miss the smile that comes across West's face when he speaks of both his offensive and defensive lines. He expects both to be as deep and as strong as they have ever been since he took over the program.

Depth is great, but experienced depth can be a true key to success. And, that is what the Tiger o-line has this season. Three starters return, including seniors Andy Smith and Abraham Holloway and junior Brandon Pearce. All three started at least 11 games last season and were part of an offensive line that again led C-USA in sack denial. Pearce, who earned C-USA All-Freshman honors in 2005 and third-team recognition in 2006, is the only Tiger player that was listed on the preseason All-C-USA team this summer.

Philip Beliles, Michael Denning and Eric Evans all have logged games for the Tigers. Beliles has improved and played in all 12 games last season. He started the UCF game at center when Stephen Schuh was out with an injury, and returned as a starter in the season finale at UTEP. Denning redshirted in 2006 after suffering elbow and knee injuries. A transfer from Northwest Community College, Denning played in nine games in 2005. In 2006, Evans saw action in just the Chattanooga contest as a redshirt freshman.

In addition to the returning letterwinners in the line, three transfers showed potential and will challenge for playing time this season. Cody Stubblefield (Itawamba CC) and Terrence Echols (NW Mississippi CC) were both mid-year signees and Malcom Rawls is a welcome addition who transferred from Tennessee. Also expected to bring added depth and experience is Brent Todd, who will join the team this fall from Hinds Community College.

"This line is as deep and as talented as we have ever been," said West. "We are much bigger than we have been in the past. I think our older guys such as Beliles, Smith, Holloway and Pearce will be a solid group. They will have to be solid because there are young guys behind them who are very talented. We are going to be two deep in the offensive line with solid football players, so nobody can rest. Everyone will have to compete. I really think our offensive line can be the leaders of our offense, which I love."

Added to the wealth of experience of veterans and talented transfers is a young group of competitors which includes sophomore Paul Edwards, redshirt freshmen Dominik Riley, Will Truitt and Ken Anderson and true freshmen Michael Antonescu, Robbie Hardie and Ronald Leary.

DEFENSE
One word comes to mind when describing the Tiger defense - Overhaul. Words such as rebuilding and reloading don't adequately portray what transpired beginning with the third game of the 2006 season. It was after that contest West made the decision to shake up his staff and took over as the defensive coordinator. While that change may not have been wildly popular among fans, it was what West called "necessary in order to reach the level this program aspires to reach." Though the defense took some time to adjust early on, the group had tremendous drive and "want-to" and continued to improve with each contest. By the last two games of the season, Memphis had stunned eventual league champion Houston with a near-upset, and defeated UTEP in the final game of the season on the road. It is that progress West was looking for and what fuels him heading into the 2007 season.

On the defensive side of the ball, only one coach remains from the 2006 staff. Memphis native Kenny Ingram will continue to lead the Tiger linebackers. Ingram is joined by new defensive coordinator Rick Kravitz, who will also work with the safeties; Brent Pry, who will lead the defensive line; and Derek Jones, who will guide the cornerbacks.

With a new staff in place and very few key losses at starting positions, the Tiger defense looks to prove themselves this fall.

DEFENSIVE LINE
When West describes the defensive line, he smiles and his response is much like that of what he said about his offensive line. "We are as deep as we have ever been," said West. "We are two deep and talented. We have to play a little better inside, but we have the chance to have one of the best defensive lines since 2000, which is saying something about this group."

Five linemen return at defensive end who all logged significant action in 2006. Junior Corey Mills, sophomore Jada Brown and junior Clinton McDonald are projected at left end while sophomores Josh Weaver and Greg Terrell are listed at right end. Mills is a consistent and steady player who started 10 of the 11 games he played last season. He missed the season finale against UTEP after requiring surgery for a nagging shoulder injury. He ended the season with 29 tackles, two forced fumbles and two sacks. Mills was unable to work out this spring, but is expected to be back on the field at the start of fall camp. Brown was a welcome addition to the line and logged 18 tackles and a fumble recovery while starting in two of the 10 games he played. McDonald made 10 starts on the defensive front and ranked ninth on the team with 41 tackles. He also blocked a field goal attempt in the Tigers' victory over UTEP.

Terrell was named to the C-USA All-Freshman Team after totaling 43 tackles and leading the Tigers in sacks with five. He also shared the team's Defensive Player of the Year honors and was the co-MVP of the 2007 Blue-Gray game. Weaver, one of five true freshmen to play in 2006, was a steady threat who had 14 tackles and one forced fumble.

The inside is just as deep and talented as well with strong leadership from junior transfer Freddie Barnett, juniors Ryan Williams and Brandon Douglas and sophomore Steven Turner. Barnett was a mid-year signee for the Tigers who was able to work out with the squad this spring. He was a consistent threat during the short workout, and is projected to line up alongside Brandon Douglas as fall camp opens. Douglas started in four of the final five games of the season and registered 28 tackles, including three TFL for minus 14 yards. Challenging Barnett will be Williams, who missed the spring with a shoulder injury that required surgery following the 2006 season. He played in six games while battling the nagging injury. Also providing depth inside is Turner who, as a true freshman, played in nine games and totaled nine stops and a fumble recovery.

Charlie Bryant made the transition from offensive to defensive line in the spring and at 6-6, 310 pounds could become a viable challenger at tackle. Taylor Bradford and Michael Stackens should provide depth as will freshmen newcomers Lionel Henderson, Joel McCleod and Tommy Walker.

LINEBACKER
One position that West is brutally honest about is linebacker. He admits he is disappointed in the progress that group has made through the years.

"We haven't played as good as we need to play at linebacker," said West. "Our linebackers don't lead, they have too many busts and they just aren't playing smart enough. Our young linebackers need to come along. I do think we are talented enough at linebacker, but we are just way behind mentally."

The linebacker corps is probably the most veteran of all the groups on the squad this year. Heath Grant, Jake Kasser and Quinton McCrary all are seniors, and they are joined by juniors Greg Jackson and Tommy Phelps.

Grant and Phelps are expected to heavily compete for the starting role at middle. Grant has lettered three seasons and is Memphis' leading returning tackler, having posted 81 tackles, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions in 2006. Phelps, a mid-year signee, transferred to Memphis from Butler Community College after leading his 2006 team to an 11-1 record and a victory in the Dalton Defenders Bowl. Also providing depth in the middle will be redshirt freshmen Winston Bowens and David Sutton.

The outside is led by Kasser, McCrary and Jackson. Kasser made the transition from the secondary to linebacker in 2006 and played in all 12 games. He made three starts at linebacker and totaled 46 tackles and a fumble recovery. McCrary, who missed the final two games of the season with an injury, was unable to participate in spring drills after having surgery to repair the damage in his shoulder. In 10 games played, he ranked third on the team in tackles with 70. Jackson started nine of his 12 games played and was credited with 69 tackles. He also tied for the lead on the squad in TFL with seven for a loss of 15 yards.

A host of young talent will provide additional depth, including sophomore Jeremy Rockette and redshirt freshmen Jeremy Longstreet, Corderick Govan and John Hill. Rockette missed the first seven games of the season with a foot fracture. He saw some action at linebacker and on special teams in the final five games of the season. Freshmen newcomers Lester Lawson of Germantown (TN) High and Terrence Thomas of Eufala (AL) High will join the group this fall.

SECONDARY
Before delving into the secondary, there is one key note to mention. This is the first season that West has split the two positions. Defensive coordinator Rick Kravitz, who has served as a college defensive coordinator since 1986, will lead the safeties and Derek Jones, who came to Memphis from Tulsa University, will guide the corners.

The safeties have a good deal of leadership and experience heading into the fall. Junior Brandon Patterson will be challenged by junior transfer Tony Bell at free safety. Patterson is a steady contributor and is the veteran of the secondary, having played 22 career games for the Tigers. He started nine of the 11 games he played in 2006, and was second on the team in interceptions with three and sixth in tackles with 47. Bell transferred to Memphis from Auburn and had last season to gain knowledge of the system while having to sit out. He has two seasons remaining with the Tigers. Redshirt freshman Malcolm Jones is expected to add depth and speed.

The spring saw the emergence of junior Dontae Reed, who had to sit the sidelines with Bell last year after transferring from Ole Miss. Reed is the lead at strong safety heading into fall, but is expected to be challenged by sophomore Alton Starr. Starr, previously a receiver, made the transition to the secondary early in fall camp last year. He started against Southern Miss and Tulsa and had 16 tackles and two pass breakups for the year. Also projected at strong safety are junior Tyler Griffin and redshirt freshman John McArthur. Griffin has lettered two seasons for the Tigers, playing in 20 career games.

"Our safeties were the biggest surprise of the spring for me," stated West. "Secondary is where I said we needed to make the most progress. I thought our safeties made more progress than any other position on the field. They went from being a negative to being a positive."

The Tigers are a bit young and inexperienced at corner. Junior Michael Grandberry and senior LaKeitharun Ford are the veterans of the group. And Grandberry, like Starr, made the move from receiver to the secondary last season. He had increased playing time on defense late in the season and proved to be a workhorse at corner. He finished the season with 28 tackles, 20 of which were solo stops, as well as two pass breakups and a forced fumble. Ford started five of his 11 games played and tallied 16 tackles. He also logged his first career interception against Tulsa and made a 39-yard return.

Sophomores Deante' Lamar and Bernard Key also have game experience in the secondary. Both played in at least nine games in 2006 and were also valuable members of the special teams unit. In addition, the secondary includes senior Brandon Hunt and redshirt freshman Bryan Wright. Hunt redshirted last season after moving from receiver to defensive back.

Junior college transfer LeRico Mathis is expected to be a welcome addition to the team in 2007. Mathis played two seasons at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and was invited to participate in the MACJC All-Star game. He signed with the Tigers in February, along with prep standouts Darius Davis and Jermaine Richardson. Davis played locally at Whitehaven High and Richardson prepped at Kendrick High in Columbus, Ga. Both are expected to join the Tiger secondary this fall.

SPECIAL TEAMS
The Tiger special teams unit will be under new leadership this season. Long-time Tulane assistant coach Garret Chachere joined the staff in January, but missed much of spring practice after having to return to New Orleans for a family emergency.

The Tigers return sophomore Matt Reagan at kicker. Reagan played in 2006 as a true freshman and was named to the C-USA All-Freshman Team after leading the Tigers in scoring with 61 points. He was 12-of-17 on field goals and 25-of-26 on PATs. Reagan also received freshman All-America recognition from The Sporting News and CollegeFootballNews.com. He finished the year ranked fourth in C-USA in field goals and was the only freshman kicker in the league to be listed in the top 10 in all four kicking categories. Reagan will be joined by senior Joey Mack and freshman Nick Berra, who both worked out for the Tigers this spring. Mack transferred to Memphis from Southern Utah and had to sit out last season, while Berra prepped locally at Cordova High.

"Matt did a good job for us last year," said West. "I expect him to have a good year in 2007. He has been there now and done it. He knows more what to expect."

Two key positions that will need to be filled are at punter and deep snapper which were vacated by seniors Michael Gibson and Rusty Clayton. Mid-year signee Brent Sutherland is expected to assume the role of punter after joining the team this spring after two season at Hinds Community College. As a sophomore, Sutherland ranked fifth in the MACJC Region 23 while totaling 1,650 yards on 45 punts.

There should be some competition at deep snapper between sophomore Joe Burgan and newcomer Keenan Bratcher. Burgan has worked the last two seasons behind Clayton, but had shoulder surgery in the spring. Bratcher was signed in February out of Milan (TN) High in anticipation of needing a replacement for Clayton, who never missed a snap in four years with the Tigers.

"Where I really want to be much improved as far as special teams is concerned is in the return game," said West. "Grandberry got a lot better as the year went on and gave us a threat at kick return. I believe we have enough athletes on this team to be good in the kick and punt return games."

Grandberry led the Tigers in kickoff returns in 2006, totaling 517 yards on 21 returns. He logged 10 returns of 20 or more yards and exceeded 100 yards in two games. His 118 yards on two returns in the season finale at UTEP earned him C-USA Special Teams Player of the Week honors. He could be joined by Pitts and Barnes, who both tallied seven returns and averaged over 20 yards per return last season.

Another key loss was defensive back Brandon McDonald who the Cleveland Browns drafted in the fifth round. McDonald returned all but one punt for the Tigers in 2006 and averaged 10.9 yards per return. Several Tigers are expected to be evaluated this fall to fill the void left by McDonald, including receivers Duke Calhoun, Earnest Williams and Dave Thomas. In addition, newcomer Cam Baker, who was a standout return specialist in high school, could challenge for playing time.