Sophomore running back Jamarius Henderson will no longer be a part of the Memphis Tiger football program, according to coach Mike Norvell.
Sophomore running back Jamarius Henderson will be granted a release from the University of Memphis football program because of a family situation, coach Mike Norvell announced Monday afternoon.
“Jamarius Henderson will no longer be a part of the Memphis Tiger football program,” Norvell said in statement. “Due to a family situation, he will be granted a release in order to be closer to his son. We wish him all the best in his future.”
A native of Midland City, Alabama, Henderson ran for 320 yards and four touchdowns as a true freshman last season, establishing himself as one of the team’s most explosive backs. He also caught two touchdown passes.
Hampered at times by injury this spring, Henderson was projected to be the team’s No. 3 running back behind Doroland Dorceus and freshman Darrell Henderson. Sam Craft and Tony Pollard will also operate out of the backfield in a running back/wide receiver hybrid role.
Jamarius Henderson is the second Memphis running back to leave the program this summer; Jarvis Cooper was granted a release in May and is now at the University of Central Arkansas.
Jamarius Henderson could not immediately be reached for comment. It is unclear where the Dale County High School product will land, but Troy and South Alabama are two of the programs closer to his hometown that recruited him out of high school.
His departure will likely create an expanded role for Darrell Henderson, a true freshman who impressed coaches with his performance this spring. Originally recruited by former coach Justin Fuente, the 2014 Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year ran for 5,801 yards during his career at South Panola High School.
Patrick Taylor Jr., a 6-foot-3, 216-pound true freshman who flipped to Memphis from Colorado before National Signing Day, could also compete for carries this fall.
MEMPHIS BRINGS 3
Senior kicker Jake Elliott, redshirt junior wide receiver Anthony Miller and redshirt senior safety Chris Morley will represent the Tigers at the American Athletic Conference’s media kickoff event in Newport, Rhode Island early next week.
Elliott was a finalist for last year’s Lou Groza Award, which is given annually to the nation’s best kicker, while Miller is the team’s top returning receiver. Morley, meanwhile, is projected to be one of three senior starters in the secondary. Norvell will also be on hand for the event, which will take place Aug. 1-2.
The Tigers will open fall camp Aug. 4.
BLUE LOT SOLD OUT
Memphis announced Monday that season parking in the Blue Lot at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium has sold out. Season parking spaces are still available in the Tan Lot and can be purchased at the ticket office or by visiting gotigersgotix.com.