Nov. 29, 2005

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Head coach Daron Schoenrock announced that the Tigers have signed former Alabama catcher Chris Kirkland for the 2007 season. Kirkland is currently spending his sophomore season at Chipola Junior College in Marianna, Florida, after transferring from Alabama.

One of the top high school catching prospects in the nation as a senior, Kirkland signed with Alabama in 2004 and saw considerable playing time as a freshman. The Knoxville, Tenn. native saw action in 15 games and made seven starts as a rookie. One of his seven starts came in a 1-for-3 effort against the Tigers on April 12. Kirkland hit .261, scored two runs and drove in five in 2005. He posted one game in which he collected multiple RBI and finished the season on a two-game hitting streak. He earned playing time in two of the Crimson Tide's three SEC Tournament games and hit .333.

A product of South-Doyle High School, Kirkland had a stellar career and was rated by Baseball America's Top-10 high school catchers. Kirkland was drafted in the 49th round of the 2004 Major League draft by the Florida Marlins following his senior campaign in which he batted .436 with nine round trippers, 55 RBI and 25 doubles. He was a First Team All-State selection by the Knoxville News Sentinel, as well as earning All-East Tennessee and All-Knoxville Interscholastic League accolades. As a junior, the 6-3 Kirkland was tabbed the No. 1 prospect at the 2003 Southeast Top Prospect Showcase. He participated in the 2003 Perfect Game National Showcase and was selected as the No.2 catcher and 20th-best prospect overall. He was tabbed an AFLAC High School All-American and was member of the West team in the inaugural 2003 AFLAC All-American High School All-Star Game. He also was a Street and Smith's High School All-American. As a sophomore, Kirkland hit .406 with 25 RBI and one home run.

"We are so very fortunate Chris has decided to continue his collegiate career with us here at Memphis," said Schoenrock. "He has the ability to change the momentum of the game both offensively and defensively. He possesses the leadership qualities you look for in a catcher."