The University of Memphis football team will have an eventougher road back from the cellar of Conference USA.
The Tigers' senior receiver Tavares Gideon will miss the 2003football season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate in hisleft knee.
Dr. Barney Freeman performed the successful surgery, andathletic trainer Eddie Cantler will guide Gideon through hisrehabilitation.
Gideon, who was Memphis' second-leading receiver last seasonwith 42 receptions and eight touchdowns, still has a redshirtseason available and is expected to be back in action for the 2004season.
Gideon was the last of the starting receivers from lastseason.
Travis Anglin, who led the team in receptions, graduated and isnow in camp with the Detroit Lions.
And the Tigers most explosive receiver, Antoine Harden, wasdismissed from the team for disciplinary reasons after averaging 21yards per catch last season.
Gideon, who was a highly touted JUCO player before coming toMemphis last season, began to hit his stride late in the seasoncatching six touchdowns in the second half of the season.
