Updated: July 31, 2006, 1:41 PM ET
Team preview: Memphis
The Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook previews the 2006 Memphis Tigers.
COACH AND PROGRAM
As if the recruiting season wasn't tough enough, Memphis coach Tommy West went from signing day to the operating table in a span of three days in February. West needed triple-bypass heart surgery and spent more than a month recovering at home before returning to the program in time for football practice. "Signing day was Wednesday and I went in on Friday," West said. "Things went really well when I was gone -- almost too good. Clay Helton, our associate head coach, ran the program, and I'll tell you what, he did a really good job. I'm just glad my AD didn't notice. "But to be honest it probably couldn't have come at a better time. I was a little subdued during the spring, but I'm getting my energy back and getting better all the time."
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider

