LSU running backs coach Larry Porter is headed back to his alma mater to try to resurrect the program where he starred years ago.Porter was formally named Memphis’ head coach Sunday after reports surfaced Saturday that he had accepted the job.Porter takes over for Tommy West, who was fired Nov. 9 but was allowed to finish the season.”The Memphis job is the perfect job in the perfect place for me,” Porter said at a press conference Sunday. “I understand the Memphis brand. I believe in it unconditionally. I have a conviction, a passion about it and a vision that allows me to walk into homes in this community, talk to the student body and faculty and get them to believe in that vision.”Porter played running back at Memphis from 1990-93. He racked up 2,194 yards and 20 touchdowns in his career at Memphis.Porter has been an assistant coach at LSU since 2005 when Les Miles became head coach. He came with LSU coach Les Miles from Oklahoma State.Porter was promoted to assistant head coach in the spring of 2006 and has served as one of LSU’s primary recruiters for several seasons.”I look back, and I remember this young coach when we interviewed at Oklahoma State. He payed attention to detail, had a presentation, understood exactly how to do it. I always interview four or five guys, and he was just a standout,” Miles said after LSU’s game against Arkansas. “When I met him, it was easy; it was a no-brainer. He’s done nothing but grow in experience and grow in capabilities. I’ve had some assistant head coaches, but none like Larry Porter.”Porter has become known as a strong recruiter during his time in Baton Rouge. He has twice been named Rivals.com’s National Recruiter of the Year.”I think he is going to be a great head coach,” LSU senior running back Trindon Holliday said Saturday. “He has all the tools to be a very successful head coach and win a lot of games.”No announcement has been made as to whether or not Porter will coach with LSU in the Tigers’ potential bowl game.____Contact The Daily Reveille’s sports staff at [email protected]