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Rick Mallory, one of the veterans of the Tiger coaching staff, is entering his ninth season as the Tigers' offensive line coach.
Well-known for his teaching style, Mallory's offensive line is consistently strong and disciplined each season. In each of the last four years, Memphis has led Conference USA in sacks denial, while averaging just nine sacks a season over that period. In 2004, the Tigers gave up just five total sacks.
In the last two seasons, four Tiger linemen have landed on All-Conference USA teams. In 2006, Blake Butler earned honors on both the C-USA Media and Coaches teams, while sophomore Brandon Pearce was a third-team pick on the All-C-USA Coaches Team. A year later, Andy Smith was selected as a first-team pick on the C-USA Coaches Team and a second-team honoree on the Media Team. In addition, Dominik Riley was named to the 2007 C-USA All-Freshman Team and was an honorable mention Freshman All-American by The Sporting News.
In addition to allowing just 14 sacks in 13 games in 2007, which ranked 10th nationally, the offensive line is credited with paving the way for the Tigers to rank 23rd nationally in total offense and 13th in passing offense. Quarterback Martin Hankins threw for over 3,200 yards and tossed 25 touchdown passes behind the protection of Mallory's group.
The Tiger O-line remains mostly intact for the 2008 season as the group loses Smith and Abraham Holloway, who both started all 13 games for the U of M. Returning starters in the line include Riley and Pearce as well as Philip Beliles, Terrence Echols and Malcom Rawls. Beliles, who started all 13 games at center in 2007, is a member of the Rimington Trophy watch list.
Mallory's line received much recognition during tailback DeAngelo Williams' storied run through the record books. In 2005, the Tigers ranked fifth nationally in rushing offense much to the credit of the offensive front. Starting guard Andrew Handy was named first team All-Conference USA, and Pearce was selected to the C-USA All-Freshman Team. Memphis also finished the season ranked sixth in C-USA in total offense.
The Tigers led Conference USA in 2004 for its impressive sack denial and was part of an offense that ranked ninth nationally in total offense. Memphis was also second in C-USA in scoring, third in passing and second in rushing - clearly a by-product of a veteran offensive line. In 2003 and 2004, veteran center Gene Frederic was a candidate for the Rimington Trophy. He was also named to the All-Conference USA first team in 2004, while tackle Jeremy Rone was selected to the league's second team.
In 2003, the Tiger line allowed just 12 sacks, and went three-straight games without quarterback Danny Wimprine being dropped for a loss. Blake Butler, who had been a consistent starter for the Tigers, was a C-USA All-Freshman Team pick in 2003. Frederic and Rone were also third team All-C-USA picks in 2003.
Mallory is also credited with guiding the development of former Tiger starter Wade Smith. Mallory helped Smith make the move from tight end to an offensive tackle slot, and Smith responded by rapidly moving into a starter's position. In April of 2002, Smith was a third round draft pick of the Miami Dolphins.
A native of Renton, Wash., Mallory joined the Memphis staff in May of 2000, and remained as a member of the coaching staff when Tommy West was elevated to head coach in 2001. He had previously spent five seasons at the University of Washington, where he worked with four players (Mark Bruener, Ernie Conwell, Cameron Cleeland, Jeremy Brigham) that were selected in the NFL Draft.
Mallory, who was a graduate assistant coach responsible for tackles, tight ends and the kicking game in 1992 and 1993, took over as a full-time coach for the Huskies midway through the 1993 season when Myles Corrigan was sidelined due to a heart condition. Working with the tight ends, Mallory was fortunate to have Mark Bruener leading his position for a year-and-a-half. Bruener became the Huskies' all-time leader in receptions by a tight end, was named first-team All-Pac 10 twice and was selected in the first round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. As a rookie, Bruener started in the 1996 Super Bowl.
In 1996, Mallory had Ernie Conwell take over as the starting tight end, and he went on to receive first team All-Pac 10 honors. Conwell was taken by the St. Louis Rams in the second round of the draft.
In 1997, a Mallory-coached tight end claimed All-Pac 10 honors for the third-consecutive season. Cameron Cleeland picked up all-league honors and was later chosen by the New Orleans Saints in the NFL Draft. The Huskies' second tight end, Jeremy Brigham, was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the third round.
Mallory was a tight end himself at Washington as a freshman and sophomore, before moving to offensive guard prior to his junior year (1982). A three-year letterman, he went on to earn All-Pac 10 honors and All-Coast honors as a senior in 1983 when he served as team captain. In the 1984 NFL Draft, he was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a ninth round pick and went on to play five seasons in the NFL.
Mallory, 47, earned his bachelor's degree in political science from Washington in 1983. He and his wife, Shannon, have three sons: Ryan, Adam and Cameron, and two daughters, Naomi (5) and Fiona (2). Adam and his wife, Lindsey, have a one-year-old daughter, Delaney.
Born
October 21, 1960
Renton, Washington
Alma Mater
University of Washington. 1983
Bachelor's degree in political science
Collegiate Playing Experience
1981-83: University of Washington (TE/OG)
Family
Wife - Shannon
Children - Ryan, Adam, Cameron, Naomi & Fiona
Coaching Experience
2000-Present: University of Memphis
1993-98: University of Washington
Recruiting Area
Florida
