MEMPHIS, TENN.- Junior forward Mark Sherrod was tabbed Conference USA Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, the league office announced Wednesday. Additionally, Sherrod and junior midfielder Liam Collins were named to the 2012 Preseason All-C-USA Men's Soccer Team as voted on by the coaches.

"We have a good bit of experience coming back and it's going to be such a key to this season," men's soccer head coach Richie Grant Said.

In 2011, Sherrod led the nation in goals per game (1.06), second in points per game (2.33), third in total goals (19), and fourth in total points (42). The Knoxville, Tenn., native was also named 2011 NSCAA All-America Third team, College Soccer News Third Team All-American, NSCAA ALL-Midwest Region First Team, 2011 C-USA Player of the Year and 2011 C-USA Offensive Player of the Year.

"I'm really looking forward to watching Mark grow and get better," Grant said. "He came to us with an injury out of high school and sat out a year. With each passing season he has just gotten better. Mark is a big weapon for us at center-forward, I hope it continues for him this fall."

During the 2011 campaign, Collins ranked fourth in the nation in total assists (11) and assists per game (0.61) while leading C-USA in both categories. Following his sophomore campaign, Collins was named C-USA All-Conference First Team and the Ireland native's 11 assists is the third most in a single-season in the program's history.

"Liam has just gotten better and better each year he has been here, Grant said. "He's a real focal point to our attack in terms of getting the ball and getting the front three into the game. He's a dangerous player."

The Tigers take the pitch for their first preseason game Saturday, August 12, at the University of Mobile. For more information on the University of Memphis men's soccer team and all Tigers-athletics please visit GoTigersGo.com.