Ducksworth emerges as surprise for Memphis football
The story behind Wardalis Ducksworth's name starts with his great grandfather Wardelle. The Memphis defensive lineman heard the stories growing up about how hard Wardelle worked to raise his family in Mississippi.
"He was a big dude. He hauled pulpwood," Ducksworth said.
It was a family tradition along with inheriting names. Ducksworth's younger brother is named Fondarious and has an uncle named Cardelle. At Mize High School, classmates couldn't pronounce Wardalis (War-day-liss) so he was called "Duck," a nickname that's carried over with Memphis defensive coordinator Mike Macintyre.
Now the 6-foot-4, 246-pound junior is making a bigger name getting to the quarterback. Ducksworth hasn't started a game this season for the Tigers (4-2), but he shares the team lead with four sacks along with O'bryan Goodson and Joseph Dorceus.
Ducksworth, who played three games last season before redshirting, also has a sack in three consecutive games, all coming on third down. Macintyre has used Ducksworth on first and second down but with his length and athleticism, he's been an asset on third-down packages
"He's kind of slippery, if that makes sense," Macintyre said. "He's able to get to his hands on the guys and his length on the guards has really helped him. He's done an excellent job of running our games correctly."
Tigers coach Ryan Silverfield said the defensive line is a group he's been pleased with in terms of improvement this season and singled out Ducksworth as a bright spot. Ducksworth credited Goodson, Dorceus and former teammate Bryce Huff helping him adjust to speed of the game.
Ducksworth also used his redshirt year to gain weight. He played at 235 pounds in his last season at Jones County Junior College (Miss.). He's now at 255.
"He was probably one of our lightest weight defensive ends," Silverfield said. "He's got one of those issues I don't have, he struggles to put on weight and so as he continues to develop, he's (also) a strong young man who's a great character guy.
"As he continues to put on the weight, I think we'll be able to use him more on base downs."
Ducksworth's production means fans will get to hear his name even more.
"Last year, I got my feet wet and was getting used to playing but now (it) got me ready for what's going on so I'm feeling pretty good."