ESPN Independents and Others Blog

Posted by ESPN.com's Graham Watson

It's Monday morning and Memphis coach Tommy West has probably already asked his coaches if they've checked the waiver wire for the weekend.

It's a little joke between West and his assistants who have found success picking up players who leave major programs and are looking for a second chance. It's a win-win situation for both the Tigers and the player; West gets quality talent he might not otherwise have been able to get and the player gets to continue his football career.

"I've been able to get guys that I couldn't get coming out of high school," West said. "When we get these guys, I think they're a lot more mature because they've kind of been through it. They know if they make another mistake and I get rid of them then now they're a double transfer and they've got to go NAIA. I mean really, I love them. They're appreciative for the second chance. I've had great luck with them."

Currently, the Tigers boast nine transfers from major schools on their rosters -- tight end DajLeon Farr (Miami), defensive back DeRon Furr (Auburn), linebacker Jamon Hughes (Mississippi State), quarterback Byron Ingram (Georgia Tech), running back Darcel Johnson (Arkansas), wide receiver Jermaine McKenzie (Miami), linebacker Derrick Odom (LSU), offensive lineman Malcom Rawls (Tennessee), and running back Lance Smith (Wisconsin).

Of that group, Hughes was the only player Memphis recruited. Others, such as Farr, were five-star-type recruits coming out of high school and West said he wouldn't have had a chance.

But now, West said players are calling him. Memphis has become known as a haven for a lot of these players and word is spreading to coaches who might be in need of a team to help a player land on his feet.

For that reason, West said he keeps a couple of scholarships open just in case. Last year, the Tigers signed eight guys after signing day. West said this year, he'd leave about four scholarships open in case a couple of transfers came across his desk.

But West doesn't take just anyone. He meets with each of the players individually before he signs them, lets them know the rules and expectations at Memphis and makes sure the player knows exactly what he's getting into before he signs the papers.

"I'm always going to save some spots because there's always going to be some good players leaving a school," West said. "There's a guy leaving one of the top SEC schools right now and he's a really good player. But it just happens that at his position they got two other guys that are great, probably first round guys, and this guy is probably a draft choice. He's not a first-rounder. So, he's leaving that SEC team. He's got his release and he's already called us. I know every year that's going to happen."

Eight of Memphis' nine transfers are eligible to play. McKenzie is not eligible, but is petitioning the NCAA for an exemption so he can play right away. Memphis expects to know whether McKenzie can play within a month.

But West said he expects most of the transfers to contribute this season, especially the players on defense, where the Tigers need the most help. Most of the transfers have two years with the program, making Memphis a sleeper pick in Conference USA and potentially making West's way of recruiting look like genius.

"I love doing it this way," West said. "I get a better player. I tell them all. If it's a great player and he tells me, 'Coach I appreciate you recruiting me, but I'm going to go to Miami.' I'll say, 'All right bud, Miami's a good place. But if something happens and it doesn't work out, give me a call.'"