University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Ben Solomon
Risers & Stages
Aug 12, 2015 | Football
2014 Memphis Football senior class departs with degrees
Memphis Football's 2014 senior class twice experienced the opportunity to stand on a riser and celebrate championships last year.
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The Tigers claimed an American Athletic Conference title with its final regular season game played in the Liberty Bowl. The senior class would enjoy another celebration a month later in accepting the inaugural Miami Beach Bowl championship trophy.
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The success on the field has also translated to the classroom for Memphis head coach Justin Fuente's teams.
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Over the course of the 2014-15 academic year, which ended with last week's summer commencement, every member of the 2014 senior class had an opportunity to be on a bigger stage. Every 2014 senior has now earned their bachelor's degree and had the chance to cross the stage at commencement exercises for the University of Memphis.
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The UofM had 22 football student-athletes graduate over the past year. Four of those players return for the 2015 season as post-graduate students – tight end Alan Cross, offensive lineman Taylor Fallin, wide receiver Mose Frazier and offensive lineman Micah Simmons.
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The 2014 Memphis roster additionally included four players who returned for their final year of eligibility as UofM graduates – Al Bond, Brandon Hayes, Martin Ifedi and Melvin Jones.
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"This is an incredible accomplishment for these young men," said Tom Bowen, Director of Athletics. "It is a testament to the synergy between the university and its faculty, our academic support personnel and our student-athletes. Earning a college degree is a core mission that we instill in our student-athletes that I am most proud."
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"This number makes us all very proud and is a result of several factors," added Bob Baker, the UofM's Director of the Center for Athletic Academic Services. "First, our young men working very hard and valuing their education. Second, my staff's tireless efforts to hold our student-athletes accountable in valuing their academics. And of course Coach Fuente and all of his staff's consistency in supporting my staff's efforts and enforcing the importance of education to his young men."
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Members of 2014 Memphis Team Who Have Graduated Since May, 2014
May, 2014 Graduates
Al Bond
Brandon Hayes
Martin Ifedi
Melvin Jones
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December, 2014 Graduates
Ryan Coleman
Joe Craig
Fritz Etienne
Kendrick Golden
Charles Harris
Bakari Hollier
Tank Jakes
Keiwone Malone
Kevin McIntyre
Nykiren Wellington
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May, 2015 Graduates
*Alan Cross
*Mose Frazier
Adrian Henderson
Larry Lawrence
Bobby McCain
*Micah Simmons
Mike Weed
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August, 2015 Graduates
*Taylor Fallin
Andrew Gaines
Derek Howard
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 *Members of 2015 Memphis Team
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The Tigers claimed an American Athletic Conference title with its final regular season game played in the Liberty Bowl. The senior class would enjoy another celebration a month later in accepting the inaugural Miami Beach Bowl championship trophy.
Â
The success on the field has also translated to the classroom for Memphis head coach Justin Fuente's teams.
Â
Over the course of the 2014-15 academic year, which ended with last week's summer commencement, every member of the 2014 senior class had an opportunity to be on a bigger stage. Every 2014 senior has now earned their bachelor's degree and had the chance to cross the stage at commencement exercises for the University of Memphis.
Â
The UofM had 22 football student-athletes graduate over the past year. Four of those players return for the 2015 season as post-graduate students – tight end Alan Cross, offensive lineman Taylor Fallin, wide receiver Mose Frazier and offensive lineman Micah Simmons.
Â
The 2014 Memphis roster additionally included four players who returned for their final year of eligibility as UofM graduates – Al Bond, Brandon Hayes, Martin Ifedi and Melvin Jones.
Â
"This is an incredible accomplishment for these young men," said Tom Bowen, Director of Athletics. "It is a testament to the synergy between the university and its faculty, our academic support personnel and our student-athletes. Earning a college degree is a core mission that we instill in our student-athletes that I am most proud."
Â
"This number makes us all very proud and is a result of several factors," added Bob Baker, the UofM's Director of the Center for Athletic Academic Services. "First, our young men working very hard and valuing their education. Second, my staff's tireless efforts to hold our student-athletes accountable in valuing their academics. And of course Coach Fuente and all of his staff's consistency in supporting my staff's efforts and enforcing the importance of education to his young men."
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Members of 2014 Memphis Team Who Have Graduated Since May, 2014
May, 2014 Graduates
Al Bond
Brandon Hayes
Martin Ifedi
Melvin Jones
Â
December, 2014 Graduates
Ryan Coleman
Joe Craig
Fritz Etienne
Kendrick Golden
Charles Harris
Bakari Hollier
Tank Jakes
Keiwone Malone
Kevin McIntyre
Nykiren Wellington
Â
May, 2015 Graduates
*Alan Cross
*Mose Frazier
Adrian Henderson
Larry Lawrence
Bobby McCain
*Micah Simmons
Mike Weed
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August, 2015 Graduates
*Taylor Fallin
Andrew Gaines
Derek Howard
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 *Members of 2015 Memphis Team
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Players Mentioned
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/ FootballSaturday, August 08
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