University of Memphis Athletics

Photo by: Matthew A. Smith
Brady Brings Mortell Award to Memphis
Dec 12, 2019 | Football
MEMPHIS – Junior holder Preston Brady was named the 2019 winner of the Mortell Award Thursday. Brady is part of a University of Memphis special teams unit that has consistently ranked among the best in the nation all season.
"It has been a real pleasure working closely with Preston throughout this past year," said Pete Lembo, Special Teams Coordinator and UofM Assistant Head Coach. "He is a vocal leader on our team and in our specialists group."
Brady has held for place kicker Riley Patterson for three seasons. Patterson was named first team all-conference this year after connecting on 89.47 percent (15 of 17) of his field goal attempts, including three in the AAC Championship game, two of them at 50 or more yards.
The grandson of former Tiger Dale Brady and son of team chaplain Braxton Brady, Preston spent the summer completing an athletics marketing internship at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. He also appears often at LeBonheur Children's Hospital as a game show host for the in-hospital channel.
"Preston truly bleeds Tiger blue and gray," Lembo remarked. "He has been so much more than just a great holder this season. Preston's poise and execution on the hands team and muddle huddle unit in critical situations have positively impacted the outcome of games in our favor. Off the field, he has been a wonderful representative of our football program in the Memphis Community. Preston is passionate about his craft, appreciates the opportunity and will be a loyal Tiger for life."
On the field, Brady rushed for a two-point conversion in a road win at UL Monroe and he sealed the SMU victory with an onside kick recovery in the games final minutes.
The Tigers just finished final exams and return to practice on Sunday in preparation for their first-ever Cotton Bowl appearance.
"It has been a real pleasure working closely with Preston throughout this past year," said Pete Lembo, Special Teams Coordinator and UofM Assistant Head Coach. "He is a vocal leader on our team and in our specialists group."
Brady has held for place kicker Riley Patterson for three seasons. Patterson was named first team all-conference this year after connecting on 89.47 percent (15 of 17) of his field goal attempts, including three in the AAC Championship game, two of them at 50 or more yards.
The grandson of former Tiger Dale Brady and son of team chaplain Braxton Brady, Preston spent the summer completing an athletics marketing internship at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. He also appears often at LeBonheur Children's Hospital as a game show host for the in-hospital channel.
"Preston truly bleeds Tiger blue and gray," Lembo remarked. "He has been so much more than just a great holder this season. Preston's poise and execution on the hands team and muddle huddle unit in critical situations have positively impacted the outcome of games in our favor. Off the field, he has been a wonderful representative of our football program in the Memphis Community. Preston is passionate about his craft, appreciates the opportunity and will be a loyal Tiger for life."
On the field, Brady rushed for a two-point conversion in a road win at UL Monroe and he sealed the SMU victory with an onside kick recovery in the games final minutes.
The Tigers just finished final exams and return to practice on Sunday in preparation for their first-ever Cotton Bowl appearance.
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