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Smith Tabbed As Memphis Starting QB

MEMPHIS - The most asked question during fall camp was answered Monday by

Memphis head coach Larry Porter when he announced at his weekly press luncheon that sophomore Cannon Smith of Olive Branch will start at quarterback when the Tigers open the 2010 season at Mississippi State on Sept. 4.

Smith and true freshman Ryan Williams have been battling for the starting job this fall.  Smith, a record-setting quarterback at Olive Branch High School in 2006, was one of the nation's top prep school quarterbacks in 2007 while at Hargrave Military Academy. 

He went on to sign with Miami and played in the 2008 season opener against Charleston Southern.  In that game, he completed a pass for two yards and had a two-yard rush.  In fall 2009, Smith returned home and transferred to Memphis, where he had to sit out a year due to NCAA guidelines.

"As we go forward, our starting quarterback will be Cannon Smith," said Porter.  "We sat back and evaluated the quarterbacks based on three things: decision making, being able to manage the offense, and productivity.

“When you look at the two, Ryan and Cannon are very similar in terms of their production,” he continued. “They both bring a different style.  Overall, I'm very happy with their growth as quarterbacks. So, I look forward to those guys being in position to lead this team."

The season opener will be the first start under center for Smith, and will also be Porter's first game as a head coach.  The game will be televised by ESPNU with a 6 p.m. kick slated at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville.