June 5, 2009

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman football coach Bobby Lamb announced today that former University of Tennessee wide receiver Tyler Maples will continue his collegiate career at Furman.

Maples, a 6-foot-1, 190-pounder, has three years of eligibility remaining after spending two seasons as a member of the Volunteer program. Eligible to play immediately for the Paladins, he will enroll in summer school at Furman beginning next week.

"We're thrilled to add Tyler Maples to our program," said Lamb on Friday evening. "We've known him for a long time, going back to the three years he spent in our receivers camp, and he played for former Paladin George Quarles at powerhouse Maryville (Tenn.) High School. He's a very talented player who, along with R.J. Webb (returning from injury), should provide a boost to our receiving corps, which we believe can be a real strength for us this fall."

A two-time Tennessee Sportswriters Class 4A first team All-State selection and recipient of Tennessee's Mr. Football Award for 2006, he caught 56 passes for 1,200 yards and 19 touchdowns his senior year in helping Maryville to a third consecutive state championship, picking up state championship game MVP honors along the way. He was also named to The Tennessean's 2006 Dream Team and tabbed the Knoxville News-Sentinel's PrepXtra's Offensive Player of the Year.

In addition to his football exploits, he was a starting guard on Maryville's 2007 state championship basketball team, garnering all-state tournament honors.

Furman, which returns its top five receivers this fall, posted a 7-5 record in 2008.