Dec. 15, 2010

MEMPHIS, TENN. - Coach Larry Porter announced Wednesday the signing of defensive back Perrance Ward and offensive lineman Jordan Devey to Letters of Intent during the mid-year football signing period that began today and runs through Jan. 15. Both will enroll in school at the University of Memphis next semester and will participate in practices this spring.

Ward (6-1, 215) joins the Tigers after playing the 2010 season for coach Buddy Stephens at East Mississippi Community College in Scooba, Miss. He earned Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) All-North Division first-team honors this past season as a free safety after leading the EMCC secondary with 62 tackles, including 44 solo stops. He recorded five or more tackles in six games, including a season-high 11 stops against Mississippi Delta CC.

A native of West Point, Miss., Ward ranked tied for sixth nationally among NJCAA statistical leaders with a team-high five interceptions. He also posted two sacks and helped the Lions to a 5-5 record and an appearance in the state playoffs. Ward's mother, Aretha Cox attended the University of Memphis.

Devey (6-6, 320) played the last two seasons for coach Steve Coburn at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah. He started a majority of the 2009 season at left guard and transitioned to left tackle in 2010. Devey, a native of American Fork, Utah, was named the team's Offensive Player of the Year as well as all-region and all-conference after totaling 37 pancake blocks and not allowing a sack all season.

The Snow Badgers averaged more than 40 points per game last year, and Devey graded out above 85 percent both seasons. Devey also blocked for two quarterbacks that each passed for more than 1,200 yards and helped Snow Badger running backs tally 10 games of 100-plus yards this past season. Devey led Snow College to a 10-2 record and a victory in the 2010 Top of the Mountains Bowl. The Snow Badgers finished the season ranked seventh nationally.