Recruiting roundup: Fuente and staff look to signing day

With National Signing Day rapidly approaching, new head football coach Justin Fuente and staff have been continuing to fill spots for the 2012 recruiting class.

As the coaching staff continues to shape up with the hiring of offensive coordinator Darrell Dickey and quarterback coach Brad Cornelson, Fuente and his assistants have also picked up four more players heading into Signing Day on Feb. 1.

Cornerback Chris Morley committed to the Tigers earlier this month over Bowling Green and Utah State. Morley is ranked two stars by Scout.com and could make an impact on defense. In his last season at South Plantation High School in Plantation, Fla., Morley broke up 16 passes and caught four interceptions.

Sheldon Dawson, a four-star CB that is currently listed as a soft, verbal commitment to Memphis, could overshadow Morley's recruitment. It is still unknown if Dawson will file a letter of intent for Memphis on signing day as he is heavily considering Georgia, Cincinatti and others. He would likely play for Memphis as a running back or at another position.

Three more LOI's were accounted for on the offensive side of the ball, as the ailing offensive line picked up three additions last week.

Micah Simmons, a two-star offensive guard from Lindale, Texas, was originally recruited by Hugh Freeze at Arkansas State. Simmons changed his commitment to Memphis after Freeze accepted the head coach position at Ole Miss. At 6 feet, 4 inches and 240 pounds, Simmons has the size to be a formidable lineman next fall.

Memphis native and offensive tackle Tony Mays committed to the Tigers after taking an official visit to The U of M last weekend. Mays sat out last season at Whitehaven High School with an ankle injury.

Another local standout, two-star OG Latarius Brady, committed to Fuente on Monday after visiting the campus over the weekend. Brady played at Memphis' East High School before coming to the Tigers.

The Tigers currently have 11 players committed that are expected to sign LOI's next week. Three recruits, including Sheldon Dawson, are listed as soft verbal, and may or may not sign with the Tigers next Wednesday.

Fuente and staff are hoping to pick up a few more commitments as several players, including two-star wide receiver Dontavious Heard, have official visits scheduled this week.

After next Wednesday, Fuente and staff will have two months of recruiting left until the final day to sign, April 1.