MEMPHIS, Tenn — The Memphis Tigers are playing in their 10th consecutive bowl game Friday in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. They're one of just eight programs in the country to do so.
A pair of Memphis seniors, defensive end Jaylon Allen and center Jacob Likes, have been to a bowl game every year of their Tigers career. Friday will be the last time they wear Memphis across their chest and take the field.
"[I'm] Just soaking in every second I have - every moment I have left here," Likes said. "[I'm] Trying to make the most of out of it. Whenever I put that jersey on and see that 'Memphis' across my chest, I’m reminded of that. I’m not just playing for me. I’m playing for the entire city."
"Just getting another chance to go out there, show Memphis how Memphis Tigers play, I think it’s a perfect ending," Allen said.
The two Tigers are the only seniors to spend their entire tenure at Memphis; leaving was never really an option. Allen said he flirted with the idea, but a realistic decision never happened.
He redshirted his freshmen year and has played a vital role on the Memphis defense ever since.
"Just falling in love with the city man and just knowing how these coaches have had my back and what I’ve accomplished thus far, I can’t leave, I love it too much," Allen said.
Allen came to Memphis from Humble, Texas, and is an adopted son, but Likes is Memphis born and raised. He watched Memphis in the stands and now is one of its captains.
"Being from Memphis, being able to play here is an honor," Likes said. "Being voted as one of the leaders of the team that’s huge. It’s a huge honor."
The two have been mainstays on their respective sides of the ball. Allen has been with the program since 2018, Likes since 2019. Together they've been apart of six bowl games and 50 wins for the Tigers program.
Their respect for each other can only be described as brotherhood. In a world where players constantly enter the transfer portal looking for better opportunity, they've been a constant.
"He’s been just a great friend for me over the years. I go against him every single day in practice. We’ve had our fights on the field, but we’re brothers and we always will be," Likes said.
"We both just have the love and the compassion for Memphis, not even the team, but the city. Just how it embraced us," Allen said. "Once you get in Memphis and you soak it all in. You can’t help but love it."
Both Likes' and Allen’s Memphis careers will come to an end Friday, Dec. 29, 2023, in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. Both players plan to continue their playing careers, declaring for the NFL Draft.