Inspired By Mom

On the verge of becoming the most prolific tight end in University of Memphis history, all Sean Dykes has to do for daily inspiration, and perhaps a dash of humility, is glance at his left arm.

That's where a tattoo of his mother, Jessica, rests comfortably at his side every day, letting the UofM senior enjoy his successes with her. And he's had his share.

Dykes, a native of Houston, Texas, is one of three tight ends in school history to surpass 1,000 receiving yards in a career. With four games remaining, he needs 41 yards to eclipse former teammate Joey Magnifico as the all-time leader in receiving yards for a tight end. Magnifico finished his career with 1,063 yards.

At the midway point in this crazy pandemic-ravaged season, Dykes also has several other impressive statistical credentials. Among the nation's tight ends, he is ranked first in third-down catches (12 for 212 yards) and second in touchdown receptions (6).

"We call it cash-down, money-down time," Dykes said of converting on third down. "The quarterback puts his trust in me to come through in those situations. We have to make a play."

Dykes said he and quarterback Brady White were expecting a bigger role for Dykes this fall with the departure of Magnifico.

"We have a tighter relationship," Dykes said of White. "And I knew I would get more opportunities because of the next-man-up (philosophy). I've put in the time and coaches respect what I've done. I knew I get a fair end of the stick."

He has become a go-to receiver for White, a role he inherited after wideout Damonte Coxie opted out earlier this season. Dykes ranks second on the team in catches (32), receiving yards (435), touchdowns (6) and yards receiving per game (72.5).

"Sean is uber-talented," White said. "We've known that for years. He had a little injury (meniscus tear) last year (limiting him to four games), but the way he has bounced back and stepped up. He's shown himself to be a leader.

"He's been more vocal with his teammates off the field and on the field he has been playing at a higher level. He's been coming through in big-time situations with some clutch catches. It's been really fun watching him grow and develop. It's cool to see him to do well and compete."

Dykes has competed since the outset of his career. He had a career-high 161 receiving yards as a sophomore in the 2017 American Athletic Conference title game. He picked up the yardage on only three receptions. The 53.7 yards-per-catch is a single-game school record.

Coming back from the knee injury he suffered in 2019 has been a testament to his determination and the tenacity his mother helped cultivate.

Dykes lost his mother to breast cancer in the summer of 2012. She was his biggest supporter, from little league football games to junior high contests.

"I had just turned 14 when she died," Dykes said. "That has really been my backbone and inspiration. She taught me it's not how many times you get knocked down, it's how many times you get back up. She believed in that. She believed in Christ.

"She taught me about hard work and to never quit. That stuck with me. I see how some people can't deal with adversity. I was blessed to have my mother in my life for those 14 years teaching me what she knew. She was always right."

Dykes' early development also was influenced by his father, Billy, who played football at Oklahoma State from 1988-92, and his uncle, Hart Lee Dykes, who also played for Oklahoma State, in addition to an NFL stint with the New England Patriots.

"My uncle helped me learn the basic fundamentals," Sean said. "He couldn't tell me what to do to get better once I was in high school and college, but when I was growing up he would have me go through basic receiving drills out at a park. I felt I was pretty advanced when I got to junior high. What he taught me, the other kids (junior high defenders) weren't ready for.

"My mom was my biggest (promoter). Before every game, and after every game, she would be my biggest cheerleader. She left all the critiquing to my dad. To her, I could never play a bad game."

University of Memphis Athletics

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Damonte Coxie

Sean Dykes

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Brady White

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