With all the hoopla going on about the University of Memphis recruiting football players, it's difficult to tell who exactly is going to be playing on the Tiger team this Fall.
That's because regardless of intentions, no one will know who the new recruits will be until 5 p.m. on Feb. 7.
According to National Collegiate Athletic Association regulations, no one from the Tiger staff can comment on who will be signing with the U of M football team.
They can provide insight, however, into how the recruiting process is going.
"It's going very well," said John Flowers, director of football operations. "We feel like we are going to have a great year."
Flowers has been with the U of M football program and its recruiting for 16 years.
Flowers stated that compared to other recruiting seasons, this year is looking like a good one.
He said that a lost weekend of recruiting resulted in changes of the coaching staff and has not had a negative affect on this year's recruiting.
"We revamped the recruiting board," said Flowers. "Anything we lost out on, the coaches have really made up for."
Flowers said Tommy West, U of M football head coach, is much of the reason young players decide to come here for their college football career.
"Our players love him," said Flowers of West. "Any player that meets with him will want to play for him."
Flowers said that the main goal of the coaching staff is to recruit quality players.
"The more you get, the more you win," said Flowers. "We try to fill all positions where it's needed."
The staff has put an emphasis on offensive and defensive lineman during recruiting. Flowers said he feels they are recruiting a quality group of linemen.
The recruiting process for the U of M begins in Memphis and schools in Tennessee.
Then, the search branches out into Arkansas, Georgia, Alabama and Missouri.
The Tiger football staff basically recruits in the southeast area of the United States.
"We recruit wherever we can find young men that can help the team," said Flowers.
There is no word, yet, on if Albert Means, U of M's most famous new player, will be eligible to play in the 2001-2002 season.
"That will be up to the appeal process," said Flowers. "We're just tickled to death Albert is going to school here."
