Here the kid i was talking about






R E L A T E D C O N T E N T

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SLU
Former Southeastern Louisiana quarterback Martin Hankins is headed to Memphis.





A Lion becomes a Tiger

Hankins passes all the way to Memphis

By JAMES JONES

jkjones@sunherald.com


Martin Hankins always considered himself a Division I quarterback.

Hankins will get his chance at the University of Memphis in 2006.

The Hattiesburg native has transferred to the Conference USA school after a successful two-year stint at Southeastern Louisiana. He chose the Tigers over Houston and a few Division II schools.

"When I visited Memphis last month, it was the place where I wanted to play college football," Hankins said. "I liked everything about the school and enjoyed my visit. I cancelled my trip to Houston."

Hankins was one of the nation's top Division I-AA passers last year. He threw for 7,777 yards and 65 touchdowns in two seasons at SLU. He was a Payton Award finalist in 2004, throwing for 4,240 yards and 35 TDs while directing the Lions' pass-happy offense.

But everything changed for Hankins when Lions coach Hal Mumme resigned to take a similar post at New Mexico State in the off-season. Mumme's replacement, Dennis Roland, runs a balanced attack.

"Leaving SLU was probably the hardest decision I ever had to make in my life," Hankins said. "I didn't want to leave my teammates. They were like brothers.

"But in the spring, it was not the right place for me. I wasn't happy. I made my decision after final exams. I had to go and play at a school where I am happy."

Mumme considered Hankins one of the best quarterbacks he ever coached. At Kentucky, Mumme had Tim Couch, Dusty Bonner and Jared Lorenzen. Hankins threw for 3,537 yards and 30 TDs as a freshman.

"It was fun playing for Mumme," Hankins said. " I was able to learn about reading defenses and watching film. I loved playing for him."

Mumme said Hankins is a very astute player.

"He picked up our system real fast, and grew into our offense," Mumme said. "There's no doubt he can play on the Division I level."

Since Hankins is making the move up from Division I-AA to Division I, NCAA rules require that he must sit out this season. He will be redshirted and have two years of eligibility.

The 6-foot-2 Hankins was a record-setting performer at Hattiesburg. He owns Class 5A marks in career passing yards (8,645) and touchdowns (72).

Oregon State was the only Division I school that offered Hankins a scholarship in 2003. But Hankins eventually chose SLU because it was closer to home.

"The West Coast is so much different than the South," Hankins said. "Oregon was a long way from home."

With Memphis being about a five-hour drive, Hankins has the chance to play near his family. Especially when the Tigers play Southern Mississippi.

"It will be fun playing against Southern Miss," Hankins said. "As a kid, you always dream about those kind of things. I didn't want to get out of a seven-hour radius. It's always fun to play in front of my family."

Former Hattiesburg standout Martin Hankins will get his shot at Division I football next year.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Martin Hankins

Position: Quarterback

Height: 6-foot-2.

Weight: 200 pounds.

Hometown: Hattiesburg.

High school: Hattiesburg.

College: Memphis.

****** man, you got a good one..As a SLU grad, I have been following him for the past two years and with the departure of former hc, Hal Mumme, the new offense was going to center more on a balanced offense, why I have no idea, this kid puts up some huge numbers.. Interesting he picked Memphis over USM eh, being he is from Hattiesburg, I guess not giving him a looksie 2 years ago will do that.. :D

I guess now he could be considered a liger...LOL

Congrats, very fine pickup for Memphis.

When are we going to get u guys back
on the schedule?

Kudos on the QB transfer sounds like a great get.When you have time give me a call .