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Williams’ release leaves questions about Tigers’ QB situation
By Adam Douglas-->Sports Reporter
Published: Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Updated: Tuesday, March 22, 2011 01:03
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Ryan Williams, who started 10 games at quarterback for The University of Memphis last season, has been released from his scholarship, coach Larry Porter announced last week.
Williams finished the season with 2,075 yards and 13 touchdowns. Last weekend, his father, Rich, asked Porter for a release due to the switch from a pro-style offense to a spread. At 6'5" and 220 pounds, Williams doesn't have the speed that the spread offense requires.
"Obviously, the timing of Ryan leaving is not good," Porter said. "But I'd rather just talk about the players that are still wearing the Memphis helmet."
Williams' departure leaves just two quarterbacks on the depth chart for the Tigers, sophomore Andy Summerlin, who sat out last season due to a shoulder injury, and redshirt sophomore Will Gilchrist. Both QBs have no playing experience at the FBS level, and Cannon Smith, who started twice last season, was converted to a defensive back.
Summerlin came to Memphis from Coffeyville Community College in Kansas where he set the school passing record, throwing 2,302 yards in his only season.
"We really believe Andy is on course to return back to the form he was before the injury," Porter said. "He was a bit rusty after the layoff but he did some things very well."
Summerlin acknowledged that he'll need to fine-tune his throwing mechanics in order to return to his normal playing condition.
"I'll have to get some things back," he said, "but there's nothing like putting on a helmet and going out there and making a pass when people are around. I understand there'll be some ups and downs, but I'm excited about the opportunity to do it again."
Summerlin will compete for the starting job with Gilchrist, who has spent the better portion of the last two seasons as the scout team and emergency quarterback. While Gilchrist is a long shot to get the starting nod, he may be better equipped to run the spread offense due to his speed and athleticism. He's also familiar with the new offense, as he ran the spread in high school.
Gilchrist, a Savanna, Tenn., native, was a 3-star prospect out of Hardin County (Tenn.) according to Rivals.com.
Rivals.com and Tennessee Football Magazine rated him as the No. 1 quarterback from Tennessee. Gilchrist led his team to state playoff appearances all four years, rushed for 835 yards and seven touchdowns on 124 carries as a senior, and holds the school record in single season all-purpose yards (2,966) along with rushing and passing touchdowns (36).
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Tuesday, March 22, 2011
The Daily Helmsman - Williams’ release leaves questions about Tigers’ QB situation
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