University of Memphis Athletics
Ryan Silverfield, Brady White named TSWA Coach and Player of the Year
May 07, 2021 | Football
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield and former quarterback Brady White have been named the Tennessee Sports Writers Association Coach and Player of the Year, the TSWA announced Friday.
Silverfield set a program record for winning percentage by a first-year head coach at Memphis as he led the Tigers to an 8-3 record in 2020. Memphis also set school records for the longest home winning streak, which currently sits at 15 games and ranks No. 5 in the FBS, and the largest comeback after rallying from a 21-point deficit to defeat UCF 50-49 on Oct. 17.
Due to injuries, roster turnover and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tigers reached eight wins despite having just 53 scholarship players available in their final games of the season, well below the 85-scholarship limit at the FBS level. With a 25-10 victory over Florida Atlantic in the Montgomery Bowl last December, the Tigers won their first bowl game since 2014 as they snapped a five-game bowl losing streak.
White concluded his collegiate career in 2020 as the Tigers' career record holder in wins as a starting quarterback (28), passing yards (10,690) and passing touchdowns (90). He ranked No. 5 nationally in passing touchdowns (31) and No. 6 nationally in passing yards (3,380) during his final season.
The MVP of the Montgomery Bowl, White also finished his career 73rd on the career FBS passing yards list, surpassing college football greats Marcus Mariota, Matt Leinart, Danny Wuerffel and Ben Roethlisberger in his final game.
In January, White was named the winner of the 31st William V. Campbell Trophy. The award, commonly known as the Academic Heisman, is presented to the college football player with the best combination of academics, community service and on-field performance. White was also a First-Team Senior CLASS Award All-American, one of nine semifinalists for the Wuerffel Trophy and a top 15 candidate for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
