Emerging Leaders

NOTE: The Antonio Gibson-Kedarian Jones feature first appeared in the Memphis Football GameDay program Oct. 19 when the Tigers hosted Tulane.

Halfway through the 2019 University of Memphis season, veteran Damonte Coxie is, as the numbers reveal, where many expected him to be at this point.

The junior receiver leads the team in receptions, yards and average yards per game. A year ago, as a sophomore, he became only the third player in school history to produce a 1,000-yard receiving season, joining a prestigious group that counts Isaac Bruce and Anthony Miller.

Against that backdrop, wide receivers coach John Simon saw an opportunity.

While Coxie was expected to receive the most attention from UofM quarterback Brady White, Simon knew two others – Antonio Gibson and Kedarian Jones – would see their roles increase significantly. The question was: How would they handle being targeted more?

Simon has been pleased with their responses.

"I think teams are a lot more concerned about Coxie," Simon said. "It's given those guys (Gibson and Jones) more 1-on-1 opportunities, and they've done a great job this spring and this fall, preparing for the moments.

"This is a really good group. They give us a great opportunity to make the defenses have to play us balanced. You can't say enough about the work they've put in."

A year ago, Gibson, a senior, caught six passes for 99 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged 7.1 yards per game and had two scores. After his first six games of 2019, he has eight receptions for 244 yards and four touchdowns and is averaging 40.7 yards per game.

In 2018, Jones, a senior, caught nine passes for 90 yards and a touchdown. He averaged 6.4 yards per game. After his first six games of 2019, he has 16 receptions for 235 yards and two scores and is averaging 39.2 yards per game.

"I think Coach (Mike Norvell) challenged both of those guys to be their best every day, every week," Simon said. "That was one of the biggest challenges for both of those kids, for us to show them their potential. I think they both are challenging themselves, not only on Saturday, but on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to be more consistent in their approach."

Gibson and Jones knew the effort they put in during the offseason would lead to the results they have enjoyed. Gibson has become a big-play threat, too, hauling in passes of 50 or more yards from White in three of the past five games.

His 73-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against Navy was part of a second-half comeback that helped the Tigers erase a 20-7 deficit. Earlier in the quarter, Jones had scored on a 5-yard reception that put Memphis ahead 21-20.

"We both knew we were going to have to step up this year," Gibson said. "We both came to work. We were both fighting for a position at the time. We were (competing) against each other and that made us better."

Gibson said he and Jones have been like brothers, battling one another when necessary, but supporting one another when battling an opponent.

Jones said he and Gibson realized this season, their final year as Tigers, would be memorable if they put in the work.

"I knew I had to give it all I had, leaving no regrets, just attacking the days, working out extra, catching extra (passes), doing anything I could to make sure I performed well on game days," Jones said. "And we knew with all the attention being on Damonte (based on) what he did last season, we knew it would open up more chances for us to get the ball."

What it nearly opened up two weeks ago at Louisiana Monroe was a touchdown pass – from Jones to Gibson. The trick play almost led to a score.

"That was pretty close," Simon said. "It was a different (defensive) look, so it kind of threw him (Jones) off a bit. And he had a little pressure in his face, so he was forced to throw off the wrong foot. But it was definitely close."

Jones said Gibson was "giving me the business" when they returned to the sidelines after the incomplete pass.

"He was saying 'C'mon, man, you're supposed to make that throw'," Jones said. "He was upset about it, but we're good now. That was my first time throwing a pass. I was ready. I was hoping for the best."

University of Memphis Athletics

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Damonte Coxie

Antonio Gibson

Kedarian Jones

Anthony Miller

Brady White

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