Craft granted sixth year of eligibility
Memphis football coach Mike Norvell said Monday that senior wide receiver Sam Craft was granted a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA
It’s a boost for Craft after seasonending injuries the past two seasons.
Craft suffered a back injury four games into the 2016 season then tore his ACL during preseason camp last year. Before the injuries, he was a versatile threat at running back and wide receiver from 2013-2016 while appearing in 36 games with 23 starts.
The Memphis native did not participate in team drills during most the spring but in the first four preseason practices, he’s competed in full drills and spent time with the second unit during 11-on-11 team drills.
In the spring, Craft said he was able to keep his spirits high thanks to the Tigers coaching staff encouraging him and seeing how he was improving.
“The coaches were always checking on me to see how I’m doing and asking me how I looked,” Craft said in April. “That’s something every player needs to be able to get through whatever they’re going through.”
In a video posted on his Twitter profile before preseason camp., Craft is seen addressing his teammates at the end of summer conditioning showing off the leadership and perseverance they knew him for.
He told his teammates he loved them, the school and Memphis as a city before leading them in an encouraging chant.
Craft is expected to add more depth to a wide receiver group looking to replace the production of seniors Phil Mayhue and All-American Anthony Miller. More observations from Monday:
returned to practice after missing the previous two days with an injury. The bigger offensive line news, though, was
time with the first team during 11-on-11 drills. He filled in for Trevon Tate at left tackle near the end of practice, and Norvell said he’s pushing Tate for that starting spot.
Senior center Drew Kyser Obinna Ezesaw freshman Junior quarterback Brady White
started with the first team during 11on-11 drills for the second consecutive day. He continued to look well in team drills but his deep ball has been inconsistent. Sophomore quarterback David Moore added some honesty when said after practice that White has “done a better job than I have being comfortable in team settings.”
Freshman running back Marquavius Weaver
trucked a linebacker during a run late in practice. With Tony Pollard now at wide receiver, it’s up to Weaver and fellow freshmen Tim Taylor, Kenny Gainwell and Cameron Fleming to continue progressing and add depth behind Darrell Henderson and Patrick Taylor.
A few NFL scouts
observed the first half of practice. It was a surprise seeing that four days into camp but it’s something to watch during the season which Tigers generate NFL Draft buzz.