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Linebacker duo ready to fill gap
Jackson, Bowens aim to give Tiger defense a lift
By Phil Stukenborg (Contact), Memphis Commercial Appeal

As a former defensive coordinator -- and one whose University of Memphis defense ranked first nationally against the run eight years ago -- the numbers were painful for Tommy West to digest.

Last fall, the Tigers struggled to stop opponents' ground games. The UofM allowed 202.5 rushing yards per game, which ranked 103rd nationally, and yielded 300 or more rushing yards to three league schools. ECU rushed for 491 against the Tigers, Tulane rambled for 350 and UCF gained 313.

Even though those three Conference USA programs were home to three of the nation's top running backs -- UCF's Kevin Smith, Tulane's Matt Forte and East Carolina's Chris Johnson -- West couldn't justify the gaudy numbers.

But, in some ways, he also understood.

The Tigers played most of the season without starting linebackers Greg Jackson and Winston Bowens, both of whom were felled by injuries.

Jackson, a junior, was injured in the team's second game, suffering a right knee sprain against Jacksonville State and missing the remainder of the season. Bowens, a sophomore, sprained his left knee in a midseason win at Rice and did not return.

Both have returned to the field during the UofM's preseason camp, which started Monday and has included two early mornings in shorts and helmets.

''Anytime you (lose) your starting two linebackers, there's obviously a dropoff,'' West said. ''Those were the two best linebackers we had. It certainly hurt our defense and in particular our run defense.''

When West was in charge of the Tiger defense under former coach Rip Scherer in 2000, the UofM limited nine of its 11 opponents to fewer than 100 yards rushing, and no team gained more than 125 on the ground. Last year, nine of the UofM's 13 opponents rushed for 125 or more.

Having Jackson and Bowens back should help the Tigers find a balance between those extremes.

''Defensively, we're going to be fine up front, and if we can keep our linebackers healthy, we're going to be fine there,'' West said. ''It's certainly good to have Winston Bowens and Greg Jackson back. I don't think people realize how much that hurt our defense a year ago.''

Jackson emerged as a vocal leader at his outside linebacker spot after moving into the starting lineup in 2006. He made nine starts in '06, including a stellar outing against Tennessee in which he finished with a career-best 13 tackles. In last year's opener against Ole Miss, he made six tackles and forced a third-quarter fumble recovered by the Tigers.

Bowens made his debut against Ole Miss last year and had a team-leading nine tackles. He also forced a fumble that stopped a potential Rebel scoring drive inside the Tiger 10-year line.

Linebacker Josh Weaver, who played defensive end a year ago, said having Jackson and Bowens back boosts the defense in several areas.

''I think (their return) will bring more of a vocal (presence) to the defense,'' Weaver said. ''G-Jack is a vocal player. When both G-Jackson and (Bowens) went out, Big Mac (defensive tackle Clinton McDonald) tried to be the vocal one, but it's hard to be a vocal player up front and having to turn back. It's got to come from a linebacker.''

Jackson said he's looking forward to being back on the field with Bowens, who, unlike Jackson, was able to participate in spring practice. Bowens attempted to prepare himself for a return at last December's New Orleans Bowl, but wasn't able to gain clearance from team doctors.

By earning a medical redshirt, Jackson will have two seasons left to play alongside Bowens.

''He was there when I was out there on the field last year, and he's back when I'm back,'' Jackson said. ''We're back and ready to go. We studied over the break. We know what we've got to do.''

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Tigers star regaining rhythm
Healthier, stronger Calhoun: 'I feel good'
By Phil Stukenborg (Contact), Memphis Commercial Appeal

Duke Calhoun hauled in the pass on the sideline, stopped quickly to let a defender brush past and resumed his sprint to the end zone.

It was a simple play during a passing drill early last week at the University of Memphis' preseason camp, yet it caught the attention of several offensive assistants. They wanted to make certain Calhoun's decision to slam on the brakes was intentional.

Their concern was understandable. Calhoun, the school's leading receiver a year ago and the record holder in 100-yard games (7), is missed spring practice following offseason surgery. He injured his knee early last season and underwent surgery after the New Orleans Bowl to mend a part tear of his anterior cruciate ligament.

''I feel good,'' Calhoun said. ''At first, I was a little nervous coming back out after surgery, but I'm getting back into a rhythm.''

As a key member of, perhaps, the strongest receiving corps in Conference USA, Calhoun (6-4, 200) is looking forward to playing injury-free in 2008, much like he did two years ago as a heralded local recruit. As a freshman, he led the team in receiving and caught touchdown passes in four consecutive games. As a sophomore, he battled through the knee injury that occurred in the team's second game, against Jacksonville State.

Calhoun missed the following week's game at Central Florida, but returned to participate in the team's final 10 games, catching at least one pass in each and logging four 100-yard games. He had a career-best 159-yard game against UAB and caught the game-winning pass in the closing minutes at Tulane.

As productive as he was, he wasn't physically able to perform at the same level as the year before. Tigers coach Tommy West remembered Calhoun being caught from behind on two occasions last year, a rarity before the injury.

''My knee was bothering me, but I had to wear the brace because it was protecting me,'' Calhoun said. ''With me running long stretches, I'd get tired because the brace was so heavy and I'd get caught from behind. It can't happen this year.''

Calhoun injured his knee on the final play of the opening half last season against 1-AA Jacksonville State at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.

''It was the last play going into halftime,'' he said. ''We threw a 'Hail Mary' and when I was running for the ball, looking up at the ball, there was a defender in front of me. I tried to step away from him and I kind of overflexed it a bit.''

Nearly six months of rehabilitation exercises, and a renewed commitment in the weight room, have Calhoun displaying flashes of the receiver who signed with the Tigers out of Raleigh-Egypt in 2006.

''I commend Duke a lot for the work he put into rehab and getting his leg right and the toughness he played with last year,'' offensive coordinator Clay Helton said. ''Thank goodness we were able to get the thing fixed and get it fixed the right way.

''And then him just training as hard as a man can train. And I believe it helped him in another way. He really bought into the weight room while he was doing the rehab. That's probably the first time in his life -- because he was a multisport guy in high school and because he played here as a true freshman -- that he poured himself into the weight room.''

Helton said he has seen the benefits of a stronger Calhoun during the first week of preseason camp.

''He is so much stronger, route-running, and upper-body-wise, not letting defensive backs put hands on him,'' Helton said. ''I think it's really made him a better receiver because of his strength.''

But Calhoun's primary strength is his speed, which has allowed him -- in two seasons -- to climb to seventh on the school's career receiving list with 1,571 yards. He ranks eighth in career receptions (104).

''Duke looks like he did two years ago to me,'' West said. ''I think he feels good and I know he looks fast. With him and Carlos (Singleton) out at that split end, that's not too bad. Bring your cover shoes when those two are out there. They're pretty good.''

In addition to the strength he gained, Calhoun said he benefited from trainer Amos Mansfield's conditioning regimen. The two were nearly inseparable in the late spring and summer.

''He's been on me,'' Calhoun said. ''It's rehab, rehab, rehab. I help him get in shape, he helps me get in shape. Every exercise I do, he does. We do them together. He did OK for a while ... then he kind of quit on me.''

Calhoun smiles as he takes a jab at Mansfield. It's a smile of appreciation more than it is a jab. Being healthy has lightened his mood -- although he is rarely down -- and the mood of those around him.

''He was our leading receiver last year on a knee that was sore,'' Helton said. ''He has an unbelievable opportunity later in life, if he continues on the path he's going, to maybe do this for living. What a great deal it was to get (his knee) fixed and get it fixed right.

"He looks better than ever.''

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Tigers' backfield thin
By Phil Stukenborg (Contact), Memphis Commercial Appeal
Wednesday, August 13, 2008

A former Auburn University and NFL running back, James Joseph is comfortable with a heavy workload.

In his second season as the University of Memphis' running backs coach, Joseph expected to be somewhat busier this preseason, working with a larger contingent of players than he has during the first two weeks.

But injuries have thinned his ranks.

Veteran T.J. Pitts, the team's leading returning rusher, continues to rehabilitate from offseason ankle surgeries. He broke his ankle in the team's R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl appearance in December and has yet to practice.

Junior college transfer Gregory Ray, who missed part of last season at El Camino (Calif.) Community College with a hamstring injury, is dealing with the same problem during camp. He may be back next week.

That has left Joseph to work with Curtis Steele, the co-MVP of the spring game, and University of Miami transfer Charlie Jones as the top two backs. Steele entered preseason camp atop the depth chart and Jones' presence at No. 2 is deserved placement.

''The most important thing now is to get the guys work without overworking them,'' Joseph said. ''Curtis Steele is our starter and he and Charlie Jones are doing a great job of carrying the offensive load right now.''

Steele, from Franklin, Tenn., rushed for 96 yards on 15 carries in the spring game and scored a touchdown. He also was named Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year at the UofM's postseason banquet.

''I think what Curtis proved to us in the spring is that he can be battle-tested,'' Joseph said. ''He can play a little banged up and bruised. That part of it I'm not concerned about any more because I've seen him do that.

''Right now it's just getting him to understand week-to-week preparations. And understanding during the fall, it's not a matter of only physical work, it's a matter of preparing mentally."

Jones graduated from Miami in May and has a year of eligibility remaining. He was officially cleared by the NCAA Tuesday to play at Memphis this fall. He has been practicing with the Tigers since camp opened last week.

''We're just ecstatic about him being eligible,'' Tiger coach Tommy West said. ''I think Charlie is really happy. I think it can be a big year for him. With him and Curtis as our backs ... those are two quality backs.''

At Miami, Jones, 5-10 and 220 pounds, started seven games during his three seasons, rushing for 713 yards and 10 touchdowns.

''I think Charlie's been great because he is more of a veteran than Curtis is right now,'' Joseph said. ''But they both complement each other very well.''

Pitts rushed for 481 yards on 106 carries last year and finished the regular season with the two best performances of his career. He gained 71 yards against UAB and rushed for 112 yards -- the first 100-yard game of his career -- in a triple-overtime victory over SMU.

Before his injury, Ray, 5-10 and 205 pounds, started for an El Camino team that sent two other backs to major college programs.

''It would have been the ideal situations if we could have had all those guys there,'' Joseph said. ''But we'll have to play with the hand we're dealt and just be smart about the approach, not only to practice, but off the field. We need to make sure they get enough rest.''

West has been pleased with the efforts of Steele and Jones during camp. But he'd like to identify the third back as soon as possible. Memphis opens the season Aug. 30 at Ole Miss.

''Our first two backs are doing well,'' West said. ''I've got to find a third back out here. We'll go to work on that now. Once we can find that, we'll have the three backs we can play with.''

Steele, a back with the ability to quickly move through a hole, hasn't played a game at the Division 1-A level, but understands no team can survive the rigors of a 12-game season without proper depth.

''We are going to need some help because some people are going to get banged up and bruised up and we are going to need some help,'' Steele said. ''Hopefully, I'll be able to make it through the whole season. I know Charlie will help me out some, but we do need some depth.''

Note: Tiger defensive back Brandon Patterson will undergo surgery today to repair a broken nose suffered in a camp drill earlier this week. He is expected to return to practice next week.

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Talented receivers the pride of Tigers
West: Deep group does everything it's asked
By Phil Stukenborg (Contact), Memphis Commercial Appeal
Sunday, August 17, 2008

It was toward the end of a practice during the University of Memphis' preseason football camp last week that Tiger coach Tommy West was asked a question regarding the depth of his receiving corps.

The question forced him to step back, turn back toward the practice field, and silently punch the air with his index finger.

West was asked how many receivers would he be comfortable throwing passes to in the team's season opener Aug. 30 at Ole Miss. After he finished his mental count, West confidently revealed his answer.

"Nine,'' West said.

Considered the strongest unit in Conference USA, Tiger receivers have been getting their share of preseason ink and should be attracting similar attention when they step on the field. When West appeared at last month's C-USA media day gathering at The Peabody, members of the media who stopped to ask him about the upcoming season spent most of the time collecting insight on the wideouts.

Memphis returns its top five receivers -- Duke Calhoun, Carlos Singleton, Steven Black, Maurice Jones and Earnest Williams -- and tight end Brett Russell, who caught 22 passes for 157 yards and two touchdowns. The UofM's top five receivers -- seniors Black, Jones and Williams and juniors Calhoun and Singleton -- combined for 225 catches for 3,141 yards and 24 touchdowns last season.

Of the top five, each had at least 33 catches. Calhoun had a team-high 62 receptions for a team-best 890 yards. Singleton, the 6-8 receiver from Brownsville, Tenn., had 51 catches and averaged 15 yards per reception. In a mini-scrimmage during Saturday's practice at Christian Brothers High, Singleton caught two short touchdown passes and Black had a 27-yard scoring reception.

''I've said it a bunch,'' West said. ''I love our wideouts. I love how they work. I love their toughness. I love watching them practice every day. They literally do what we ask them and that's (to) try to practice perfect.

"They take coaching well. They know when you get on them that you are getting on them to help them. They are good players, good workers and solid people. They're just fun to be around. It's the best bunch I've ever been around.''

Before camp opened, West said he knew the group was special, but he received confirmation during the second week of workouts. It came after Black, a senior, witnessed a freshman wideout make a mistake.

''I heard him yell at (the young receiver) for busting a play,'' West said. ''And the player was trying to explain what he thought. Steven looked at him and said, 'Man, shut up and listen to the coaches.'

''You don't normally hear that. But that's kind of what they are. These older receivers don't mind telling someone to take coaching. The impact's unbelievable. That's how a lot of our older players are. They've been coached hard, they've been in three bowl games, so they know we have a decent idea what we're talking about.''

During a strong second half of the season that put the Tigers in their fourth bowl in five seasons, receivers came up big. Calhoun caught the game-winning pass at Tulane with 36 seconds left, going to his knees to clutch a short toss from former quarterback Martin Hankins.

In a key road win at Hattiesburg -- a place the Tigers haven't succeeded historically -- Singleton caught a pass from Hankins on a slant, shook off his defender, and sprinted to the end zone for a 52-yard score to give the UofM the lead with 1:04 left.

''Those are two really talented guys ... Carlos and Duke,'' West said. ''It's good having wideouts that not only are talented guys but have experience.

''I think what separates our wideouts is the toughness they have. Normally I'm not a wideout fan because they can be prima donnas. But our wideouts work and they are tough guys.''

Said Calhoun, who is returning after undergoing offseason knee surgery: ''We want to be the toughest bunch out there.''

West talks about how the group was toughened under offensive coordinator Clay Helton, who coached the wideouts before taking over the coordinator's role last season. Helton said the group benefited from learning the value of blocking when All-American running back DeAngelo Williams was helped the Tigers to three straight bowls (from 2003 to '05).

''I know coach really praised them (early in camp) for being tough guys,'' Helton said. ''I think that's the way all of them grew up. I think if you remember when all of them were young (players like Jones, Carlton Robinzine, Williams), DeAngelo Williams was here.

''They had to learn how to be really, really physical blockers. Growing up that way has made them a tougher group. They take a lot of pride in blocking. They take a lot of pride in being physical at the line with their releases. Being tough is all mental and that group has the mental toughness right now that we need.''

Second-year receivers coach Darin Hinshaw said the group has benefited from the foundation built not only by Helton, but West. If the Tigers are to make another run at the postseason, the receivers will need to be as productive as they were a year ago.

''These guys are not only working hard, but they are doing the little things very, very well,'' Hinshaw said. ''And that makes the big things happen.''

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Missed chances reason Tigers are winless
Defense better against Marshall; failure to score touchdowns hurt
By Phil Stukenborg (Contact), Memphis Commercial Appeal
Tuesday, September 16, 2008

In a season-opening loss at Ole Miss, University of Memphis coach Tommy West admitted the Rebels outplayed his team.

Since then, an 0-3 Tiger team has had, and blown, its chances.

Two weeks ago against Rice in a Conference USA game at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, it was the defense that collapsed midway through the fourth quarter. Memphis led by 15 with 8:33 to go, but allowed the Owls to score 22 straight points for the win.

Last weekend at Marshall, in another league contest, it was the offense putting up respectable numbers (462 yards), but failing to score touchdowns in the red zone. In four trips inside the Thundering Herd 20, Memphis scored one touchdown. Three other trips resulted in a pair of field goals and a fumble.

This weekend, the Tigers return home to play Division 1-AA Nicholls State in a game in which West would welcome peak performances on both sides of the ball during the same 60-minute span.

''We've got to put it all together,'' West said.

Last weekend's 17-16 loss at Marshall was disappointing on several fronts. Not only did it drop the Tigers to 0-3 for the first time in 10 years, including 0-2 in C-USA, it masked an area of improvement.

Toss out the Thundering Herd's opening series -- Marshall went 78 yards in three plays for a 7-0 lead -- and the Tiger defense did its part. (Marshall's Darius Marshall scored, untouched, on a 40-yard touchdown run one play after receiver Emmanuel Spann, who was uncovered, gained 38 yards.)

''I thought our defense continued to improve,'' West said. ''I think we swarmed the ball better than we have in a lot of years. I thought our defense, outside of the second and third play(s) of the game, played good enough to win the game.

''I thought (the defense) had played good enough to win the game the week before, up until we hit the seven-and-a-half, eight-minute mark against Rice and then we fell apart defensively.''

After Marshall's initial touchdown, the Tigers forced the Thundering Herd to punt eight times in 11 possessions. Four of Marshall's five possessions in the second half ended with a punt.

''I have a great feeling, defensively, that we're starting to chase the ball like you're supposed to chase it,'' West said. ''I think our guys, and I think our players, are starting to get confidence now in (defensive coordinator) Tim (Walton).''

Memphis was playing without starting linebacker Greg Jackson -- serving an indefinite suspension -- but got a boost from newcomer D.A. Griffin. The junior college transfer made his first start at cornerback and, as West said, ''brought something to the table.'' Griffin, who came from Itawamba (Miss.) Community College, finished with a team-high nine tackles. He also was involved in two tackles for loss.

Overall, the defense limited Marshall to 165 yards in the second half, including only 53 rushing.

''They are getting better with their (assignments),'' West said. ''They are starting to understand a little bit about leverage, where to line up, whether to get inside or outside (depending upon) where he cuts his split or what he does. They're watching a lot of tape and I can see us getting better.

''I'm going to start to lose patience if it isn't (better) because I have a sense that we have a chance to have a decent defensive football team that we haven't had.''

Last year's Tiger defense allowed 441.5 yards and more than 30 points per game. It was yielding similar numbers entering the Marshall game, but held a Thundering Herd team to more than seven points below its 24.5 average.

''It's hard when you know you're just going to have to outscore everybody every week,'' West said. ''If our defense continues to get better, then we have a chance to be a real solid team.''

Senior captain Clinton McDonald said while he has recognized small strides defensively -- the Tigers have allowed slightly fewer yards each week (438 to Ole Miss, 430 to Rice, 403 to Marshall) -- there's much improvement left.

''We're not where we want to be right now, but I feel there was a lot of progress made,'' McDonald said. ''Our job is not complete. The defense is not right there yet.

''But it was great to see how the guys came together and how we were physical enough and how we were mentally focused enough to hold them under 20 points.''

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Geoff Calkins: Problems at U of M bigger than just West
By Geoff Calkins (Contact), Memphis Commercial Appeal
Tuesday, September 9, 2008

The Memphis football program is an utterly undistinguished, barely mediocre program that lives off SEC rejects and has no hope of improving unless the university makes radical changes.

Why not admit that right up front? It'll make the discussion that some of you seem to want to have about Memphis coach Tommy West that much simpler.

You think he should go.

You're already assembling your lists of potential replacements. Jeff Bower would be great! Steve Roberts could really turn things around!

It's hogwash, of course, or did you forget the central truth at the start of this column?

The Memphis football program is an utterly undistinguished, barely mediocre program that lives off SEC rejects and has no hope of improving unless the university makes radical changes.

See how much simpler that makes everything?

And, yes, there was a time I might have taken sides in the growing debate about whether this should be West's last season on the job.

I could argue that West should stay because he's taken Memphis to four bowls in the last five years.

I could argue that West should go because the team is lousy and bowl bids have become about as hard to get as trophies in Little League.

But you know what?

I really don't care. Not because I don't want the Memphis football program to grow into something grand and powerful. Because I realize that's beyond the abilities of any football coach.

West is the ninth Memphis football coach since 1958. All but two of the previous eight were fired.

Rex Dockery died in a plane crash after his third season. Fred Pancoast decided he'd have a brighter future at Vanderbilt.

The rest were canned. Billy Murphy, canned. Richard Williamson, canned. Chuck Stobart, Rip Scherer and Charlie Bailey, all canned.

Now some of you want West canned. In which case, Memphis could hire a new coach, who would ultimately be canned.

Everyone repeat after me: The Memphis football program is an utterly undistinguished, barely mediocre program that lives off SEC rejects and has no hope of improving unless the university makes radical changes.

I'm not saying this to be ugly, either. But why not start with the truth?

It's a slap-dash football program. And it'll remain a slap-dash football program unless and until the university decides it wants it to be something better than that.

That's why the idea of an on-campus stadium had so much appeal to supporters. Because it had the potential to change the dynamic.

Would a new stadium have guaranteed Memphis an instant winner?

Of course not.

But it was the sort of radical change that had the chance to transform the program.

Instead, Memphis athletic director R.C. Johnson is leading a campaign to raise $3 million for a new weight room. How dispiriting is that? Ole Miss just spent twice that to replace a video replay screen and the Memphis coach is supposed to recruit against Ole Miss?

How does that work, exactly? What is the coach supposed to say?

"We don't have a grassy tailgate area, and we don't have a fancy scoreboard, and we don't have an on-campus stadium, and we don't have a decent locker room, and we don't have an indoor practice facility, and we don't have a credible conference, but we are trying to raise money to build a better weight room that might possibly be finished before you're gone?"

West has not persuaded many kids to fall for that pitch. Now he's started taking questionable characters who got bounced from BCS schools. I really should rip him for doing that, but what choice does the guy have?

None of which means I agree with everything West has done at Memphis. He had a big hand in Saturday's humiliating loss to Rice and overreacted to the ensuing criticism.

But that's OK, too. West is as frustrated as anyone. He's a good man who has provided Memphis fans with some happy memories and represented the university with class.

Why replace a guy like that? To hire another coach who will fail?

The Memphis football program is an utterly undistinguished, barely mediocre program that ... oh, you know the rest.

But that's the unavoidable truth about Memphis football. And if the university doesn't have the energy or vision to make radical changes, it doesn't matter whom they employ as the coach.

To reach Geoff Calkins, call him at 529-2364 or e-mail calkins@commercialappeal.com

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Year on bench pays for Tiger
Versatile defender Lawson hustles way into plans as playmaker
By Phil Stukenborg (Contact), Memphis Commercial Appeal
Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Lester Lawson felt as if he was missing out a year ago.

An all-region linebacker his junior and senior years at Germantown High, he had expected to find a way onto the field as a freshman at the University of Memphis.

''I wanted to play last year,'' he said. ''I was so used to not sitting out. I had never sat out from playing anything before. So my main goal was to get in during the summer, lift weights, get strong ... and become part of this team.''

While patience may not be Lawson's strongest characteristic, patience and ability have earned him a starting role as a red-shirt freshman. When the Tigers travel to Huntington, W.Va., on Saturday to play Marshall in a Conference USA game, Lawson likely will be in the starting lineup as he was two weeks ago at linebacker making his debut in the season-opener at Ole Miss.

Listed as a defensive end entering preseason practice, Lawson worked out at the position until the week of the Ole Miss game. Tiger coach Tommy West moved Lawson to linebacker to help the defense prepare for the Rebels' two-back set.

Against Marshall, West said Lawson could see time at both linebacker and defensive end, his position dictated by what the Thundering Herd runs offensively.

Regardless of where he lines up, he's expected to contribute, much like he did in preseason scrimmages. In the team's second scrimmage in mid-August at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, he proved to be a playmaker. Among his stops were a tackle for a 9-yard loss, a sack for a 5-yard loss and a pass deflection.

''He's a pretty explosive player,'' West said. ''If we keep working him, he could be a really good football player.

''I think he's come a long way. Right now he's being used as a linebacker (and) he's being used as a defensive end. He's come along. He's a good-sized guy who has speed. I think he's doing well. He's doing good.''

In the 42-35 loss to Rice last Saturday, Lawson (6-2, 235) sprung from a defensive end spot to sack Owl quarterback Chase Clement for a 14-yard loss on third down. It forced a fourth-and-20 situation from the Rice 23, and the Owls followed with a shanked punt.

Taking advantage of Lawson's big play, the Tigers started at the Rice 32 and eventually scored on a 10-yard pass from Arkelon Hall to Earnest Williams for a 14-3 lead.

''He's probably ahead of schedule,'' West said of Lawson's progress. ''He played middle linebacker in high school. I think Lester is going to continue to improve. I think he's going to get better and better as this (season) goes as he gets in more and learns the system.''

According to his high school coach, Charlie White, Lawson wasn't ''heavily recruited'' but White said Memphis ''jumped on him'' once they saw him play.

Former Tiger offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner, an assistant with the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, and Clay Helton, who replaced Fichtner as UofM offensive coordinator, recruited Lawson.

''I didn't know anything about (the process),'' Lawson said of his recruitment. ''All I did was go to camps. They were fun to me. That's how I got noticed by some (Southeastern Conference) schools.

''I was supposed to go to (another) school, but Memphis came to me and they talked to me and I got familiar with the coaches. I got close with Coach Fichtner and Coach Helton. They called me and talked to me and told me what I needed to do.''

Lawson, who played some fullback in high school, said he's enjoying being back on the field and contributing again. He admitted to being slightly nervous before the Ole Miss game, but said he was much calmer before the Rice game.

''I'm a freshman, it's all eyes on me,'' he said. ''I can't make any mistakes. I'm not the (backup). I've got to do everything right to help us win games.

''Playing linebacker is natural for me. I see everything (develop) before it even comes together . . . especially like on runs. If you run the ball against me, I can see you (coming).''

White describes Lawson as a player ''who makes this business fun.''

''For us, Lester showed up every day and worked hard,'' White said. ''And you knew he had all the tools to be a good player. He was 220 to 225 pounds when he played for us and he could run and jump and hit. I thought it might take a while for him to learn a new system, but if you can run, jump and hit coaches will find a place for you.''

Lawson helped Germantown win back-to-back Region 8-5A championships and was named the team's defensive player of the year as a senior.

''I was the leader of the team, the captain of the team, I controlled the defense,'' Lawson said of his time at Germantown. ''And I had fun. That's the main thing.''

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