Dec. 10, 2009

MEMPHIS, TENN. - Phil Steele has released his postseason Conference USA Team, and four Memphis Tigers were selected for honors, including senior running back Curtis Steele who represents the U of M on the first team.

Steele was awarded the team's Offensive Player of the Year Award this season after totaling 1,239 yards and 15 touchdowns on 198 carries. He scored multiple touchdowns in the final four games of the season, including four in the overtime loss to Tulsa in the season finale. He registered six 100-yard rushing games again this season to bring his career total to 12, which ranks second in school history behind DeAngelo Williams. Included in the six 100-yard games this season were a 240-yard effort versus UTEP and a 232-yard performance against Tulsa. Steele finished his two-year career at Memphis ranked third all-time in rushing yards with 2,462 and fourth in rushing TDs with 22.

Senior receiver Duke Calhoun, senior punter Matt Reagan and junior offensive lineman Dominik Riley were all listed to Phil Steele's second team.

Calhoun was selected by the Tiger coaching staff as the 2009 Most Valuable Player after logging 923 yards and five touchdowns on 68 receptions. The 923 yards was a season-high mark for the four-year letterwinner, who ranks third nationally having caught at least one pass in 49 consecutive games. He registered five or more catches in seven games this season, including an 11-reception effort versus Southern Miss. He tallied three straight 100-yard games versus UT Martin, Marshall and UCF, and holds the school record with 10 games over the century mark. Calhoun also holds school records with 2,981 yards and 212 receptions.

In his first season as the Tigers' punter, Reagan was named one of 10 semifinalists for the Ray Guy Award, which is presented to the nation's top punter. He is second in C-USA and ranks third nationally in punting average (45.5). Reagan handled all but one punt this season and totaled 19 kicks over 50 yards and dropped 26 inside the opponent's 20-yard line. He was also 31-of-33 on PATs and was second on the team with 64 points. Reagan was named the squad's Special Teams Player of the Year, along with long snapper Keenan Bratcher, and also earned C-USA Football All-Academic honors.

Riley had started nine games at right guard, but suffered a knee injury in the Tennessee game that forced him to miss the final three contests of the season. He worked 440 offensive plays before being sidelined, and earned one of the team's Top Tiger Awards as selected by the coaching staff.

In addition, CollegeFootballNews.com announced its national Freshman and Sophomore All-American teams this week. Freshman defensive lineman Dontari Poe earned Honorable Mention accolades.

Season tickets are on sale now for the 2010 Tiger Football season that will include home games versus Tennessee, Middle Tennessee, UCF, Southern Miss, Houston and Tulsa. Prime seats are $200, and seats in the Funzone are $100. Tickets can be purchased on-line or through the Ticket Office at 901-678-2331.