Highland Hundred Honors Tiger Football at Annual Banquet

Photo by: Matthew A. Smith

Highland Hundred Honors Tiger Football at Annual Banquet

Dec 15, 2019 | Football

Highland Hundred and team awards presented at annual banquet.

MEMPHIS – The Highland Hundred honored the University of Memphis football team at its annual banquet in the UofM University Center, Sunday.

The banquet kicked off with the Highland Hundred's annual Labor of Love award. The recipient of this year's HH award was David Jackson.

First year head coach Ryan Silverfield then presented the 2019 team awards. Ja'Len Sims was named the Glenn Jones Special Teams Scout Team Player of the Year while Kendell Johnson and Cade Mashburn shared the Defensive Scout Team Players of the Year honor. Asa Martin wrapped up the scout team honors with the Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year award.

Antonio Gibson then earned the first of two awards on the evening. In addition to being recognized as a two-time all-conference honoree and the AAC Special Teams Co-Player of the Year, Gibson received the team's Most Improved Offensive Player Award and was named one of two honorees for the Joey Allison Special Teams Playe of the Year award. First-team all-conference kicker Riley Patterson was the other winner of that award.

Sanchez Blake claimed the Most Improved Defensive Player Award. Senior Austin Hall capped the defensive team awards with the team's John Bramlett Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Teammates Patrick Taylor and Dustin Woodard shared the True Tiger Award and both seniors had crossed the stage earlier in the day in commencement ceremonies.

Freshman Kenneth Gainwell and junior Damonte Coxie shared the Isaac Bruce Offensive Player of the Year award. Both were also all-conference honorees and Gainwell was named the AAC Rookie of the Year after an outstanding freshman campaign.

The final team award was presented to quarterback Brady White, who was named the DeAngelo Williams Most Valuable Player.

The Highland Hundred closed the evening with an unveiling of a new award. The cup for Service, Sacrifice and Respect was presented to Director of Football Operations Jeff Kupper.

The football team resumed practice prep for the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic on Sunday afternoon and will leave for Dallas next Sunday.

Tickets for the bowl game, played at the Dallas Cowboys' stadium, are still on sale through the UofM Ticket Office at 901-678-2331 or online at www.GoTigersGoTix.com.