KARL DEBAKER/ASSOCIATED PRESSMemphis coach Tommy West said Thursday that walk-on kicker Trey Adams, who started the season's first two games, has quit.

Adams, a former Evangelical Christian School player, had made 3-of-5 field goals this season, including a 30-yarder in the opening game at Ole Miss. He was 5-of-6 on extra points and tied for the team scoring lead (14 points) with receiver Earnest Williams.

But Adams was replaced as the team's starting kicker last weekend at East Carolina by freshman and former Bearden standout Matt Reagan. Adams made the trip to East Carolina, but did not attempt a field goal or extra point. Reagan made 2-of-3 extra points in his debut.

As a backup to Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Year Stephen Gostkowski last season, Adams appeared in only one game, converting an extra-point attempt against Chattanooga. He played one season at ECS and earned Division II Kicker of the Year honors in 2003.

Memphis plays host to Tennessee next Saturday at noon EST.

Correcting Mistakes: Tigers offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner refuses to let first-year quarterback Martin Hankins take full responsibility for last weekend's second-half offensive breakdowns.

Fichtner said that he also will learn from the 35-20 loss at East Carolina.

After such a strong first half by Hankins (15-of-21 for 209 yards), Fichtner said he felt as if his quarterback would convert most of the Memphis' thirdand-long situations in the second half. Memphis was 7-of-7 on third-down conversions in the first half.

''I'm disappointed in myself that we didn't stick to score or punt, that we didn't realize you don't have to make every third-down and 8, every thirddown and 10,'' Fichtner said. ''We came out of the first half feeling pretty good about our offense and probably never got off of that high feeling of 'OK, we're a play away, we're a play away.'

''We were never a play away. That was a big, big learning thing for me.''

Fichtner said he's been working with Hankins during the off week to better recognize certain situations.

''I told Martin we'll work, and continue to work, on getting rid of the ball quicker, making quicker decisions,'' Fichtner said. ''If that decision is to protect the ball, then that's as important a decision as you could have. It's not always about the completion.''

''You don't have to make every play. Don't feel like it has to be thrown. If you have to, throw it away. There are other options. You can throw it away or you can run.''

Comfort Zone: Quietly, Antonio McCoy is making his presence felt.

The soft-spoken Memphis sophomore receiver, has become a key member of a strong unit in his second season.

Through three games, McCoy is tied for the team lead with two touchdowns. His first, and the first of his career, came in the season opener at Ole Miss. The second came at East Carolina.

A former Starkville (Miss.) High player, McCoy also is tied for the team lead with nine receptions, or one more than he had in 11 games a year ago.

He said he's much more comfortable on the field this season, bolstered by a solid spring practice and his freshman season behind him.

''I'm learning the system more,'' McCoy said. ''It's kind of like high school. The game is slowing down. I can go out there and focus. I know what I'm doing.

''Last year, it was like everything moved so fast. Now I'm learning how to read coverages and the (defensive backs). The game's just slowing down, basically.''

McCoy is tied with Ryan Scott and Earnest Williams with the nine receptions. Williams also has two touchdown catches.

He realizes that while he's made strides since his freshman season, there's much more work to be done to refine his skills.

''I just want to keep getting the (proper) depth on routes,'' McCoy said. ''And I just want to keep having great practice weeks getting prepared for the game.''

Beat UT: Memphis will host a luncheon next Friday -- dubbed the "Beat UT Luncheon" -- for all former Tiger athletes. It will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the on-campus Holiday Inn. For more information, call 615-678-4878.

Tickets for next Saturday's game are available for $50. Call 901-678-2331 or gotigersgo.com.

Underset: 1.84 inches/ 13 lines