Like Father, Like Son

Note: The Tim Hart feature first appeared in the Tigers Football GameDay program Sept. 14 when Memphis hosted Georgia State.

Some are legacies. Some want to leave legacies.

Tim Hart, a sophomore linebacker, is both. His father, Tim Hart Sr., played for the program from 1993-96, and the younger Hart has heard all the stories of his father's playing days.

"They share stories about him all the time," said Hart of his father. "I remember coming out of the tunnel when we played Navy last year, and there were some former players there, and they wanted to tell me stories about my dad. Every time I'm around former Tigers I'm always hearing about my dad, and the legacy he left."

The elder Hart played four seasons for the Tigers, the first in 1993 when the school was known as Memphis State. Starring at defensive tackle, he logged more than 100 tackles in 43 career appearances. The father played for some of the best defenses in program history, and was a member of the 1996 team that upset No. 6-ranked Tennessee.

"I believe they had the No. 1 defense in the country for a year or two," said Hart. "That's something I want to help bring back to Memphis. He always brags about that."

The younger Hart has an opportunity to be in that position because of his father. He credits his dad for nurturing his love of the game. And, the love comes not only from playing the game, but also what the game produces in maturing young men.

"Most of all, my father allowed me to play this great game," Hart said. "I feel this game builds men like no other game. Growing up, having my dad as my coach was a big advantage as far as helping me mature and deal with different situations on and off the field."

One of the first situations his father helped with was the younger Hart's college decision. The help, though, was the freedom to make his own decision. Although he had played at Memphis, the elder Hart allowed his son to choose.

"He never pressured me to come here," said Hart. "He wants me to make my own decisions, and that included where I went to college. Things fell into place, and I'm glad I made the decision to come here."

Tiger Nation is glad too, seeing No. 35 fly around on the field. Last season, the younger Hart was the team's seventh-leading tackler with 49 total stops. He also had three tackles for loss, one sack and one vital interception. The interception came in the win over UCLA, and Hart's return for the score gave Memphis the momentum it needed to seal the victory.

"Starting off, my freshman year was a little slow," Hart said. "I had to get settled in and get used to being in college. Once I learned how to become a team player, I got in that zone where it was fun."

Defensive coordinator Chris Ball is also having fun seeing one of his pupils grow into the player Tigers fans now see on the field.

"Tim has maturity and work ethic. He is smart and talented. Tim is a high-character individual," said Ball. "He does a lot of things for us. He's one of our leaders, a vocal leader."

For the younger Hart, he's striving to get better every day, even pushing through the tough times his father prepared him for.

"What I had to learn, and what I'm still learning, is how to trust the process," Hart said. "Sometimes it's going to be frustrating; sometimes it can be discouraging. My father told me to have a positive mindset even when things are going wrong."

The son has heeded his father's advice well. Now, the younger Hart wants to play his best for the program, the city, his father, and the family's legacy.

"It means a lot to him (playing at Memphis)," said Ball. "His dad played here, and that carries a lot of weight. He wants this program to be successful because it's Memphis. It's his hometown. This city means a lot to him; this program means a lot to him."

Hart added, "Memphis is my city. My blood is in this program, and it's something I take personal. It's an honor, and it's also a responsibility. I want to leave a legacy for my family. I come out every day and remember that I'm not just playing for myself."

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