University of Memphis Athletics
Memphis Welcomes Twenty-Two During Early Signing Period
Dec 21, 2022 | Football
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – University of Memphis head football coach Ryan Silverfield announced on Wednesday the signing of 22 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to play for the Tigers beginning in 2023.
The class includes 13 high school seniors, as well as nine transfers. The group includes eight offensive players, 13 defensive players and one specialist.
"Today was a great day for the Memphis football program," Silverfield remarked. "We are very excited about the addition of so many student-athletes. We are proud of the men that are joining our family as they will have success on the field, in the classroom and in our great community. The future is very bright!"
The 2022 early signing period signing class features five student-athletes from Tennessee, four from Georgia, three from Alabama and Mississippi, two from Texas and Florida and one each from New York, Oklahoma and Louisiana.
Among the signees are five offensive linemen, five defensive linemen, four defensive backs, four linebackers, two tight ends, one running back and one punter.
OL Malachi Breland, TE Jamauri Chislom, OL Xavier Hill, DL Derick Hunter Jr., LB Chatavies Johnson, OL Chris Morris, LB Karmelo Overton, OL Parker Peterson, DL Marcus Tillman Jr. and DB Trevor Walton will all enroll in the spring for the Tigers.
Reid Bauer
Punter | 5-11 | 206
Magnolia, Texas | Magnolia HS | Arkansas
Played in 48 games at Arkansas from 2018-22, averaging 42.0 yards on 179 punts … Had 49 punts downed inside the 20-yard line … 2021 Peter Mortell Holder of the Year … Earned a five-star rating from Kohl's Kicking and was ranked the No. 14 punter in the nation in 2018 … 2017 Texas All State Honorable Mention Punter … Named to the All-Greater Houston second team by the Houston Chronicle for his senior year performance … Participated in the Blue-Grey All-American game in Jacksonville, Florida … First Team 2016 20-5A All-District Punter … Recorded 27 punts as a senior in 2017, traveling a distance of 1,115 yards for an average of 41.3 per kick … Pinned 10 kicks inside the 20-yard-line, while hitting a career-long 62 yards … Totaled 29 punts the year before over 12 games, averaging 38.9 yards per kick after accumulating 1,127 yards overall … Hit a season-long 56-yard punt and dropped nine inside the opponent 20-yard line … Also played outside linebacker for the Bulldogs, racking up 83 total stops, 50 solo, with 11 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks during his high school career … Second Team 2016 20-5A All-District Linebacker.
Malachi Breland
Offensive Line | 6-5 | 340
Laurel, Miss. | Laurel HS
Three-star recruit … Ranked as the No. 126 interior offensive lineman in the country and No. 34 overall player in Mississippi by 247Sports … Named to 2022 MHSAA First-Team All-State … Selected for 2022 Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game.
Jamauri Chislom
Tight End | 6-2 | 260
Jackson Gap, Ala. | Dadeville HS | Hutchinson CC
Played in 13 games at Hutchinson Community College from 2020-22, totaling five receptions for 40 yards … In eight games in 2022, had five receptions for 40 yards.
Cevan Edwards
Defensive Line | 6-4 | 280
Atlanta, Ga. | South Atlanta HS
Three-star recruit … Ranked the No. 124 defensive lineman in the country and No. 104 overall player in Georgia by 247 Sports … Named Honorable-Mention 6-2A All-Region by Atlanta Journal-Constitution … Recorded 111 total tackles in the last two seasons. … Had three sacks, three caused fumbles and two fumble recoveries as a senior … Also played tight end and offensive tackle and returned punts … Recruit Georgia All-State pick as a junior.
Tyson Edwards
Defensive Back | 6-2 | 180
Nashville, Tenn. | Overton HS
Three-star recruit …. Ranked the No. 123 safety in the country by ESPN and the No. 39 overall player in Tennessee by Rivals … Invited to the Nashville All-American Bowl … Also lettered in basketball.
Xavier Hill
Offensive Line | 6-4 | 318
Olive Branch, Miss. | Olive Branch HS | LSU
Played in six games over three seasons at LSU with a pair of starts … Three-star recruit in 2020 … Ranked as the No. 19 guard in the country and the No. 5 overall player in Mississippi by Rivals … Represented Mississippi in the 2019 Mississippi-Alabama Football Classic.
Derick Hunter Jr.
Defensive Line | 6-5 | 265
Fort Myers, Fla. | Dunbar HS | Texas A&M | Hinds CC
Ranked the No. 6 in 247Sports junior college composite rankings and No. 3 among JUCO defensive linemen … Played at Texas A&M from 2019-21, seeing action in 18 games, totaling four tackles and one tackle for loss … In 2022, played at Hinds Community College, totaling 27 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, one pass defended and one fumble recovery in eight games … Four-star recruit in 2019 … Ranked No. 257 in the ESPN 300 … Also ranked as the 18th defensive tackle in the country and 40th overall player in Florida by ESPN.
Chatavies Johnson
Linebacker | 6-1 | 215
Little Elm, Texas | Braswell HS | Navarro CC
Played 26 games in three seasons at Navarro Community College … 2022 Second-Team JUCO All-America selection … In 2022, had 92 tackles, one sac, 5.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one interception and one pass breakup … In 2021, totaled 60 tackles, one sack, five tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one blocked kick … In 2020, had 20 tackles and two tackles for loss.
Jayden Marable
Defensive Line | 6-2 | 290
Smyrna, Tenn. | Smyrna HS
Three-star recruit … Ranked the No. 190 defensive lineman in the country and No. 75 overall player in Tennessee by 247Sports … Named 2022 Region 6-6A defensive line MVP … Two-time all-region selection.
Chandler Martin
Linebacker | 6-0 | 215
Lithonia, Ga. | Arabia Mountain HS | East Tennessee State
Played 14 games in two seasons at East Tennessee State … 2022 Freshman All-America honoree … Led team with 99 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 2022 in 10 games … In 2021, totaled three tackles and one tackle for loss in four games … Named to SoCon Honor Roll in 2021 … Started varsity for three seasons at Arabia Mountain HS, playing both linebacker and running back … Finished with 108 tackles in 2019. Including 15 tackles for loss … Named 2019 All-State by the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association … Recorded 12 or more tackles in nine game during senior year, while also leading the team in rushes and rushing touchdowns … Twice named All-Dekalb County First Team (2018 & 2019) and was the 5AAAAA Runner Up Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 … Twice tabbed to the Region 5AAAAA First Team (LB) in 2018 and 2019 … 2019 Nike Opening Atlanta Region Combine MVP with a score of 122.97 … Competed in the 2018 Rising Seniors Bowl, starting at linebacker … Led his team to the 2017 Region 5AAAAA championship and played in the 2017 Offense/Defense Bowl … Honor Roll student each of his four years in high school.
Chris Morris
Offensive Line | 6-4 | 290
Memphis, Tenn. | West Memphis HS | Hutchinson CC
Ranked No. 10 junior college transfer and No. 4 offensive tackle by 247Sports … In 2020, was a four-star recruit … Ranked 55th overall player in the country, No. 1 guard and No. 1 overall player in Tennessee by Rivals … Selected to Commercial Appeal's Dandy Dozen … Played three games at Hutchinson Community College in 2022 … Signed with Texas A&M out of high school but did not play for the Aggies.
MarJayvious Moss
Defensive Back | 5-11 | 180
Shreveport, La. | Northwood HS
Four-star recruit … Ranked the No. 36 cornerback in the country and No. 16 overall player in Louisiana by 247Sports … Ranked the No. 28 safety in the country by ESPN … First-Team All-City by Shreveport Times in 2021.
Donovan Nevils
Defensive Line | 6-3 | 260
Franklin, Tenn. | Battle Ground Academy
Three-star recruit … Ranked the No. 189 defensive lineman in the country by 247Sports and the No. 44 overall player in Tennessee by Rivals … Three-time all-region selection and an all-state honoree … Totaled 24 tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack in 2021 … Selected for the 2022 Tennessee East-West All-Star Classic.
Karmelo Overton
Linebacker | 6-0 | 214
Ozark, Ala. | Carroll HS
Four-star recruit … Ranked the No. 8 inside linebacker in the country and No. 20 overall player in Alabama by Rivals … Selected to the 2022 Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game … Team captain … National Honor Society.
Parker Peterson
Offensive Line | 6-7 | 280
Alpharetta, Ga. | Alpharetta HS
Three-star recruit … Ranked the No. 149 offensive lineman in the country and No. 159 overall player in Georgia by 247Sports … 22022 first-team all-region … 2021 second-team all-region … Team legacy award.
Christian Ross
Tight End | 6-4 | 225
Midland City, Ala. | Dale County HS
Three-star recruit … Ranked the No. 44 weakside defensive lineman in the country and the No. 31 overall player in Alabama by Rivals … Two-time all-state selection … 2022 Offensive team MVP … 2021 team MVP … Had 30 receptions for 478 yards and three touchdowns, along with 53 tackles in 2021 … Also lettered in basketball and baseball, earning second-team all-state baseball honors in 2022.
Isaiah Thomison
Linebacker | 6-3 | 230
Fayetteville, Tenn. | Fayetteville HS
Three-star recruit … Ranked the No. 123 linebacker in the country and the No. 48 overall player in Tennessee by 247Sports … Finalist for the 2022 Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Award … Semifinalist for the 2022 1A Mr. Football award … Selected to play in the 2022 Tennessee East-West All-Star Classic … 2021 TFCA All-State pick.
Marcus Tillman, Jr.
Defensive Line | 6-2 | 235
Orlando, Fla. | Jones HS | Texas | Navarro College
In 2022 at Navarro College, totaled 48 tackles, seven sacks, one interception and two fumble recoveries in seven games … At Texas from 2019-21, played in six games, totaling four tackles, one tackle for loss and a sack … Named to Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll on two occasions … Four-star recruit in 2019 … Ranked as the as the No 243 overall player in the country, No. 19 overall outside linebacker and the No. 38 overall player in Florida by ESPN in 2019 … Selected to play in the 2018 Central Florida All-Star Game ... Named All-USA Florida second team ... Helped Jones to a 10-2 overall record, including a 3-0 district mark and district title and an appearance in the 5A regional semifinal playoffs in 2018 … In 2017, helped Jones to a 10-2 overall record, including a 4-0 district mark and district title, and an appearance in the 5A regional quarterfinal playoffs … Began his high school career at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, playing there as a freshman and sophomore ... Registered 58 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception as a sophomore … Helped Dr. Phillips to 12-3 overall record, including a 4-0 district record and district title, and an appearance in the 8A state title game in 2016.
Trevor Walton
Defensive Back | 6-1 | 175
Horn Lake, Miss. | Horn Lake HS
Three-star recruit … Ranked the No. 163 cornerback in the country and No. 41 overall player in Mississippi by 247Sports … 2022 first-team all-region.
Blake Watson
Running Back | 5-9 | 195
Queens, N.Y. | Green Hope (NC) HS | Old Dominion
Played in 33 games with 24 starts at Old Dominion from 2018-22 … Ran for 2,144 yards on 398 attempts for 14 touchdowns at ODU, while also reeling in 60 receptions for 448 yards and three scores … Eclipsed 100 rushing yards in nine games … 2022 All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention … 2021 All-Conference USA Honorable Mention … 2019 All-Conference USA Honorable Mention … 2019 Conference USA All-Freshman Team kick returner … In 2022, started all 11 games at running back he played in ... Rushed 159 times for 921 yards and five touchdowns ... Caught a single-season ODU running back record 37 passes for 314 yards and two touchdowns ... Rushed 19 times for an ODU school record 259 yards and three touchdowns in the win at Coastal Carolina … In 2021, earned 10 starts in 11 games … Had 215 carries for 1,112 yards and eight touchdowns, all led the team ... Set the ODU single-season record for carries with 215 ... Finished fifth in Conference USA with 1,112 yards and 101.1 yards per game ... Finished 22nd in the country with 101.1 yards per game and 36th in the country with 1,112. yards ... Set a school record with five-straight 100-yard rushing games ... In 2019, appeared in 11 games with three starts … Led ODU with 828 all-purpose yards and 75.3 all-purpose yards per game ... Led Conference USA with 26.4 yards per kick return ... Rushed 25 times for 119 yards and one touchdown ... Had 106 receptions for 1,885 yards and 25 touchdowns in his career at Green Hope … Two-time Tri-6 All-Conference honors … Helped Green Hope to a 10-3 record, Tri-6 Championship and advance to the state quarterfinals ... Earned All-American honors in track and field.
Traveon Wright
Defensive Back | 6-0 | 175
Perry, Ga. | Perry HS
Three-star recruit … 2AAAA GHSA Athlete of the Year … Helped Perry win three regional titles … Took part last summer in the Power 15, a showcase featuring the top defensive backs in Georgia … Played on a three-time regional championship team.
Landon Zaldivar
Offensive Line | 6-5 | 310
Jenks, Okla. | Jenks HS
Three-star recruit … Ranked the No. 96 guard in the country by ESPN and the No. 20 overall player in Oklahoma by 247Sports … Helped lead Jenks HS to back-to-back 6A-1 state titles his sophomore and junior seasons … Three-time offensive lineman of the week honoree.
The Tigers will face Utah State in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl in Dallas, Texas at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 2:15 p.m. Owned and operated by ESPN Events, the game will be televised nationally on ESPN.
Fans can purchase tickets for the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl at GoTigersGo.com. By purchasing through Memphis, fans are guaranteed to be sitting with other Tiger fans and the tickets purchased help support the athletic department.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
The class includes 13 high school seniors, as well as nine transfers. The group includes eight offensive players, 13 defensive players and one specialist.
"Today was a great day for the Memphis football program," Silverfield remarked. "We are very excited about the addition of so many student-athletes. We are proud of the men that are joining our family as they will have success on the field, in the classroom and in our great community. The future is very bright!"
The 2022 early signing period signing class features five student-athletes from Tennessee, four from Georgia, three from Alabama and Mississippi, two from Texas and Florida and one each from New York, Oklahoma and Louisiana.
Among the signees are five offensive linemen, five defensive linemen, four defensive backs, four linebackers, two tight ends, one running back and one punter.
OL Malachi Breland, TE Jamauri Chislom, OL Xavier Hill, DL Derick Hunter Jr., LB Chatavies Johnson, OL Chris Morris, LB Karmelo Overton, OL Parker Peterson, DL Marcus Tillman Jr. and DB Trevor Walton will all enroll in the spring for the Tigers.
Reid Bauer
Punter | 5-11 | 206
Magnolia, Texas | Magnolia HS | Arkansas
Played in 48 games at Arkansas from 2018-22, averaging 42.0 yards on 179 punts … Had 49 punts downed inside the 20-yard line … 2021 Peter Mortell Holder of the Year … Earned a five-star rating from Kohl's Kicking and was ranked the No. 14 punter in the nation in 2018 … 2017 Texas All State Honorable Mention Punter … Named to the All-Greater Houston second team by the Houston Chronicle for his senior year performance … Participated in the Blue-Grey All-American game in Jacksonville, Florida … First Team 2016 20-5A All-District Punter … Recorded 27 punts as a senior in 2017, traveling a distance of 1,115 yards for an average of 41.3 per kick … Pinned 10 kicks inside the 20-yard-line, while hitting a career-long 62 yards … Totaled 29 punts the year before over 12 games, averaging 38.9 yards per kick after accumulating 1,127 yards overall … Hit a season-long 56-yard punt and dropped nine inside the opponent 20-yard line … Also played outside linebacker for the Bulldogs, racking up 83 total stops, 50 solo, with 11 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks during his high school career … Second Team 2016 20-5A All-District Linebacker.
Malachi Breland
Offensive Line | 6-5 | 340
Laurel, Miss. | Laurel HS
Three-star recruit … Ranked as the No. 126 interior offensive lineman in the country and No. 34 overall player in Mississippi by 247Sports … Named to 2022 MHSAA First-Team All-State … Selected for 2022 Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game.
Jamauri Chislom
Tight End | 6-2 | 260
Jackson Gap, Ala. | Dadeville HS | Hutchinson CC
Played in 13 games at Hutchinson Community College from 2020-22, totaling five receptions for 40 yards … In eight games in 2022, had five receptions for 40 yards.
Cevan Edwards
Defensive Line | 6-4 | 280
Atlanta, Ga. | South Atlanta HS
Three-star recruit … Ranked the No. 124 defensive lineman in the country and No. 104 overall player in Georgia by 247 Sports … Named Honorable-Mention 6-2A All-Region by Atlanta Journal-Constitution … Recorded 111 total tackles in the last two seasons. … Had three sacks, three caused fumbles and two fumble recoveries as a senior … Also played tight end and offensive tackle and returned punts … Recruit Georgia All-State pick as a junior.
Tyson Edwards
Defensive Back | 6-2 | 180
Nashville, Tenn. | Overton HS
Three-star recruit …. Ranked the No. 123 safety in the country by ESPN and the No. 39 overall player in Tennessee by Rivals … Invited to the Nashville All-American Bowl … Also lettered in basketball.
Xavier Hill
Offensive Line | 6-4 | 318
Olive Branch, Miss. | Olive Branch HS | LSU
Played in six games over three seasons at LSU with a pair of starts … Three-star recruit in 2020 … Ranked as the No. 19 guard in the country and the No. 5 overall player in Mississippi by Rivals … Represented Mississippi in the 2019 Mississippi-Alabama Football Classic.
Derick Hunter Jr.
Defensive Line | 6-5 | 265
Fort Myers, Fla. | Dunbar HS | Texas A&M | Hinds CC
Ranked the No. 6 in 247Sports junior college composite rankings and No. 3 among JUCO defensive linemen … Played at Texas A&M from 2019-21, seeing action in 18 games, totaling four tackles and one tackle for loss … In 2022, played at Hinds Community College, totaling 27 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, one pass defended and one fumble recovery in eight games … Four-star recruit in 2019 … Ranked No. 257 in the ESPN 300 … Also ranked as the 18th defensive tackle in the country and 40th overall player in Florida by ESPN.
Chatavies Johnson
Linebacker | 6-1 | 215
Little Elm, Texas | Braswell HS | Navarro CC
Played 26 games in three seasons at Navarro Community College … 2022 Second-Team JUCO All-America selection … In 2022, had 92 tackles, one sac, 5.5 tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one interception and one pass breakup … In 2021, totaled 60 tackles, one sack, five tackles for loss, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one blocked kick … In 2020, had 20 tackles and two tackles for loss.
Jayden Marable
Defensive Line | 6-2 | 290
Smyrna, Tenn. | Smyrna HS
Three-star recruit … Ranked the No. 190 defensive lineman in the country and No. 75 overall player in Tennessee by 247Sports … Named 2022 Region 6-6A defensive line MVP … Two-time all-region selection.
Chandler Martin
Linebacker | 6-0 | 215
Lithonia, Ga. | Arabia Mountain HS | East Tennessee State
Played 14 games in two seasons at East Tennessee State … 2022 Freshman All-America honoree … Led team with 99 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks in 2022 in 10 games … In 2021, totaled three tackles and one tackle for loss in four games … Named to SoCon Honor Roll in 2021 … Started varsity for three seasons at Arabia Mountain HS, playing both linebacker and running back … Finished with 108 tackles in 2019. Including 15 tackles for loss … Named 2019 All-State by the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association … Recorded 12 or more tackles in nine game during senior year, while also leading the team in rushes and rushing touchdowns … Twice named All-Dekalb County First Team (2018 & 2019) and was the 5AAAAA Runner Up Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 … Twice tabbed to the Region 5AAAAA First Team (LB) in 2018 and 2019 … 2019 Nike Opening Atlanta Region Combine MVP with a score of 122.97 … Competed in the 2018 Rising Seniors Bowl, starting at linebacker … Led his team to the 2017 Region 5AAAAA championship and played in the 2017 Offense/Defense Bowl … Honor Roll student each of his four years in high school.
Chris Morris
Offensive Line | 6-4 | 290
Memphis, Tenn. | West Memphis HS | Hutchinson CC
Ranked No. 10 junior college transfer and No. 4 offensive tackle by 247Sports … In 2020, was a four-star recruit … Ranked 55th overall player in the country, No. 1 guard and No. 1 overall player in Tennessee by Rivals … Selected to Commercial Appeal's Dandy Dozen … Played three games at Hutchinson Community College in 2022 … Signed with Texas A&M out of high school but did not play for the Aggies.
MarJayvious Moss
Defensive Back | 5-11 | 180
Shreveport, La. | Northwood HS
Four-star recruit … Ranked the No. 36 cornerback in the country and No. 16 overall player in Louisiana by 247Sports … Ranked the No. 28 safety in the country by ESPN … First-Team All-City by Shreveport Times in 2021.
Donovan Nevils
Defensive Line | 6-3 | 260
Franklin, Tenn. | Battle Ground Academy
Three-star recruit … Ranked the No. 189 defensive lineman in the country by 247Sports and the No. 44 overall player in Tennessee by Rivals … Three-time all-region selection and an all-state honoree … Totaled 24 tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack in 2021 … Selected for the 2022 Tennessee East-West All-Star Classic.
Karmelo Overton
Linebacker | 6-0 | 214
Ozark, Ala. | Carroll HS
Four-star recruit … Ranked the No. 8 inside linebacker in the country and No. 20 overall player in Alabama by Rivals … Selected to the 2022 Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game … Team captain … National Honor Society.
Parker Peterson
Offensive Line | 6-7 | 280
Alpharetta, Ga. | Alpharetta HS
Three-star recruit … Ranked the No. 149 offensive lineman in the country and No. 159 overall player in Georgia by 247Sports … 22022 first-team all-region … 2021 second-team all-region … Team legacy award.
Christian Ross
Tight End | 6-4 | 225
Midland City, Ala. | Dale County HS
Three-star recruit … Ranked the No. 44 weakside defensive lineman in the country and the No. 31 overall player in Alabama by Rivals … Two-time all-state selection … 2022 Offensive team MVP … 2021 team MVP … Had 30 receptions for 478 yards and three touchdowns, along with 53 tackles in 2021 … Also lettered in basketball and baseball, earning second-team all-state baseball honors in 2022.
Isaiah Thomison
Linebacker | 6-3 | 230
Fayetteville, Tenn. | Fayetteville HS
Three-star recruit … Ranked the No. 123 linebacker in the country and the No. 48 overall player in Tennessee by 247Sports … Finalist for the 2022 Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Award … Semifinalist for the 2022 1A Mr. Football award … Selected to play in the 2022 Tennessee East-West All-Star Classic … 2021 TFCA All-State pick.
Marcus Tillman, Jr.
Defensive Line | 6-2 | 235
Orlando, Fla. | Jones HS | Texas | Navarro College
In 2022 at Navarro College, totaled 48 tackles, seven sacks, one interception and two fumble recoveries in seven games … At Texas from 2019-21, played in six games, totaling four tackles, one tackle for loss and a sack … Named to Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll on two occasions … Four-star recruit in 2019 … Ranked as the as the No 243 overall player in the country, No. 19 overall outside linebacker and the No. 38 overall player in Florida by ESPN in 2019 … Selected to play in the 2018 Central Florida All-Star Game ... Named All-USA Florida second team ... Helped Jones to a 10-2 overall record, including a 3-0 district mark and district title and an appearance in the 5A regional semifinal playoffs in 2018 … In 2017, helped Jones to a 10-2 overall record, including a 4-0 district mark and district title, and an appearance in the 5A regional quarterfinal playoffs … Began his high school career at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, playing there as a freshman and sophomore ... Registered 58 tackles, five tackles for loss, one sack, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception as a sophomore … Helped Dr. Phillips to 12-3 overall record, including a 4-0 district record and district title, and an appearance in the 8A state title game in 2016.
Trevor Walton
Defensive Back | 6-1 | 175
Horn Lake, Miss. | Horn Lake HS
Three-star recruit … Ranked the No. 163 cornerback in the country and No. 41 overall player in Mississippi by 247Sports … 2022 first-team all-region.
Blake Watson
Running Back | 5-9 | 195
Queens, N.Y. | Green Hope (NC) HS | Old Dominion
Played in 33 games with 24 starts at Old Dominion from 2018-22 … Ran for 2,144 yards on 398 attempts for 14 touchdowns at ODU, while also reeling in 60 receptions for 448 yards and three scores … Eclipsed 100 rushing yards in nine games … 2022 All-Sun Belt Honorable Mention … 2021 All-Conference USA Honorable Mention … 2019 All-Conference USA Honorable Mention … 2019 Conference USA All-Freshman Team kick returner … In 2022, started all 11 games at running back he played in ... Rushed 159 times for 921 yards and five touchdowns ... Caught a single-season ODU running back record 37 passes for 314 yards and two touchdowns ... Rushed 19 times for an ODU school record 259 yards and three touchdowns in the win at Coastal Carolina … In 2021, earned 10 starts in 11 games … Had 215 carries for 1,112 yards and eight touchdowns, all led the team ... Set the ODU single-season record for carries with 215 ... Finished fifth in Conference USA with 1,112 yards and 101.1 yards per game ... Finished 22nd in the country with 101.1 yards per game and 36th in the country with 1,112. yards ... Set a school record with five-straight 100-yard rushing games ... In 2019, appeared in 11 games with three starts … Led ODU with 828 all-purpose yards and 75.3 all-purpose yards per game ... Led Conference USA with 26.4 yards per kick return ... Rushed 25 times for 119 yards and one touchdown ... Had 106 receptions for 1,885 yards and 25 touchdowns in his career at Green Hope … Two-time Tri-6 All-Conference honors … Helped Green Hope to a 10-3 record, Tri-6 Championship and advance to the state quarterfinals ... Earned All-American honors in track and field.
Traveon Wright
Defensive Back | 6-0 | 175
Perry, Ga. | Perry HS
Three-star recruit … 2AAAA GHSA Athlete of the Year … Helped Perry win three regional titles … Took part last summer in the Power 15, a showcase featuring the top defensive backs in Georgia … Played on a three-time regional championship team.
Landon Zaldivar
Offensive Line | 6-5 | 310
Jenks, Okla. | Jenks HS
Three-star recruit … Ranked the No. 96 guard in the country by ESPN and the No. 20 overall player in Oklahoma by 247Sports … Helped lead Jenks HS to back-to-back 6A-1 state titles his sophomore and junior seasons … Three-time offensive lineman of the week honoree.
The Tigers will face Utah State in the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl in Dallas, Texas at Gerald J. Ford Stadium on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 2:15 p.m. Owned and operated by ESPN Events, the game will be televised nationally on ESPN.
Fans can purchase tickets for the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl at GoTigersGo.com. By purchasing through Memphis, fans are guaranteed to be sitting with other Tiger fans and the tickets purchased help support the athletic department.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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