July 25, 2012

Conference USA Football Media Day Photo Gallery

University of Memphis football coach Justin Fuente and senior nickel back Akeem Davis shared their insight into the upcoming season on Tuesday and Wednesday as Conference USA held its annual Football Media Day in Irving, Texas.

Following social events on Tuesday, Fuente and Davis spent Wednesday morning answering questions from Conference USA's broadcast partners including Fox Sports, CBS Sports Network and CSS as well as taking part in the league's live video stream. The Tiger tandem later met with radio, television and print reporters during an afternoon session.

"I was able to build rapport with the guys from the other teams," Davis said. "You play against them on the field but you never get a chance to know what they are like off it. I was able to establish some relationships with them. It was a great experience for me. I am glad I was selected to attend and I hope I represented my family and university well."

"Akeem did a great job representing the university and our community," Fuente said. "For me, it was fun for selfish reasons. I got to see some coaches I have known for years, some I played for and some I played with. I also had a chance to meet some of the other players that I have never met but have seen their names in the media."

Conference USA's head coaches include the University of Tulsa's Bill Blankenship who coached Fuente at Union High School in Tulsa. C-USA East Division rival UAB is coached by Garrick McGee, a teammate of Fuente at the University of Oklahoma.

Fuente added, "It was also an opportunity to get a perspective of how far out Conference USA reaches from Florida to Texas. All and all I had a great time and enjoyed it."

The University of Memphis football team reports to camp late next week. The Tigers open the year Sept. 1 in Liberty Bowl Stadium when they play host to UT-Martin. Season tickets are available for purchase by CLICKING HERE.