Memphis center fielder Darien Tubbs has been named as the American Athletic Conference Preseason Player of the Year, the league office announced Tuesday in conjunction with the preseason all-conference team and preseason poll. Tubbs is joined by fellow-Tiger Nolan Blackwood on the preseason all-conference team.
"This is a very well-deserved honor with the year Darien (Tubbs) is coming off of," Memphis head coach Daron Schoenrock said. "It speaks volumes to the respect that he has gained throughout the league. As a coach it has been enjoyable to watch him grow and mature since his freshman year.