Texas Tech graduate quarterback Jacob Karam, who visited to the University of Memphis on Jan. 5, committed to coach Justin Fuente and the Tigers early Saturday.
“It was everything I was looking for,” Karam, a 4-star quarterback out of Friendswood High, told TigerAuthority.com. “I was looking for a comfortable fit and it was here.”
Since Karam has already graduated from Texas Tech — in five semesters, no less — he is eligible to play for Memphis immediately and has two years of eligibility remaining.
The 6-foot-2 dual threat is a huge pickup for the first-year coach Fuente, who was hired in December. Karam threw for two touchdowns for the Red Raiders last season in mop-up duty for Seth Doege.
On his visit, Karam got a tour of the Cecil C. Humphries Law School and the entire campus. He also got a first-hand look at the facilities and the Liberty Bowl.
“Everything exceeded my expectations,” Karam said. “I met the athletic director (R.C. Johnson), and what an incredible man.”
While Karam was pleasantly surprised by the state of the program’s facilities, they weren’t what sealed the deal for him.
“The people were what I was most impressed with,” he said. “The people here are what really sold me. These are good people and championship-caliber people.”
Karam picked Memphis over UTEP, Houston, and Louisiana Tech.
“I was just incredibly impressed with coach Fuente,” Karam said. “My parents were impressed. The program is in the right hands.”
Karam said he is pursuing a master’s degree in legal studies and business. He joins Taylor Reed and Andy Summerlin, who both split time at quarterback last season, on the depth chart.
“The first thing, I believe in taking everything one step at a time. I wanna develop the camaraderie with my teammates and coaches. Minor steps getting to a bowl game and a C-USA championship. Gotta take it one step at a time.”