Memphis Uses JUCO Transfers, Diversity to Build 2013 Recruiting Class

The last few years in Conference USA haven’t been kind to the Memphis Tigers; they haven’t had anything even close to a .500 season since 2008. It seems the move to the Big East won’t make things any better, but the Tigers’ 2013 recruiting class isn’t bad at all. In fact, it’s full of promise and that stems from experience in all the junior college transfers and talent from out of state.

Memphis hauled in six junior college transfers in its 2013 recruiting class, including three players from Trinity Valley Community College in San Antonio, Texas. Outside linebacker Kewan Alfred is one heck of an athlete and he has the size to do some damage on defense at 6’3″ and 250 pounds. On offense, receiver Adrian Henderson brings speed and the ability to catch the football in traffic. He’s no Calvin Johnson at just 6’0″ and 180 pounds, but he can zip across the middle and move the chains.

Memphis gets an interesting case in junior offensive lineman Nykiren Wellington, the third transfer from Trinity Valley Community College. Wellington originally signed with TCU, which means he was, at one time, a stellar recruit with powerhouse FBS potential. Any player with that kind of talent inside of them has the ability to exploit it with the right team, system and coaching. Tigers fans should be chomping at the big to see what Wellington can do for Memphis the next two seasons.

Memphis also received commitments from 23 high school seniors across 10 states. With all these new recruits and the interesting backgrounds they boast, the Tigers’ first Big East season might not be as bad as expected.

Jeric Griffin is the Director of Content for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JericGriffin, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google