2016-2017 Memphis Tigers

[kwc]

South Panola defensive tackle commits to Memphis
Posted: June 29, 2016

By Will Sammon/The Clarion-Ledger

One of Mississippi’s top pass rushers is headed to Memphis.

South Panola 2017 defensive tackle O’Bryan Goodson announced his verbal commit to the University of Memphis Wednesday afternoon at the Southern Elite Top 150 combine in Oxford.

“I developed a good relationship with coaches and they would tell me basically every day that I belong,†Goodson said. “When I went there I felt like I had bonded with them for years.â€

Goodson chose Memphis over Southern Miss.

“Memphis does similar things to South Panola so I feel I can contribute a lot to the defense,†Goodson said. “There’s no guarantee I will play, but they made it clear I can play as a freshman if I put that work in. The decision was hard because this isn’t just your next four years; this decision impacts your next 30 or 40 years.â€

Goodson visited Memphis last Thursday and went to Southern Miss two weeks ago.

He made 52 tackles, including 21 tackles for a loss, with six sacks as a junior last season. He had 45 stops and four sacks as a sophomore.

“It’s nothing but strength and speed,†Goodson said. “I want to contribute to the defense more each year. I plan and hope to get more tackles for a loss and more sacks this year. I want double digit sacks this year.â€

Listed at 6-foot-1 and 255 pounds, Goodson is an intriguing prospect because he is widely regarded by opposing coaches as a stellar high school player, but his height had some programs at the next level shy away from extending an offer to him.

“I know I’m not a defensive tackle that is 6-foot-3 and 300 pounds and some schools won’t recruit me because of my height, but I don’t worry too much about that,†Goodson said. “I just go and keep playing ball and all I can do is make them wish that they would’ve had me.â€

Edited July 21, 2016 by kwc

[kwc]

U of M's Kyser named to Rimington Trophy watch list
Posted: July 06, 2016
By Tom Schad of The Commercial Appeal

Memphis sophomore Drew Kyser was one of 62 centers named to the Rimington Trophy’s fall watch list Wednesday.

Kyser started 12 of the Tigers’ 13 games as a true freshman last season, helping the offense set a program record with 6,330 yards of total offense. He is expected to be one of four returning starters on the offensive line this fall alongside left tackle Trevon Tate, left guard Chris Roberson and right tackle Gabe Kuhn.

A native of Opelika, Alabama, Kyser was also named to the spring watch list for the award, which is given annually to the nation’s top college center. The winner will be honored at a ceremony in Lincoln, Nebraska on Jan. 14.

Watch lists for 13 other major college football awards will be announced through the end of next week. Lists for the Lou Groza Award and Ray Guy Award, which are given annually to the nation’s top kicker and punter, respectively, will be unveiled Thursday.

Memphis will open fall camp Aug. 4.

AAC odds released

A Las Vegas sportsbook has pegged Memphis’ odds of winning the American Athletic Conference at 11-1, which is tied for fifth-highest among the league’s 12 teams.

Bovada LV has both the Tigers and Navy at 11-1 odds, behind Temple (15-2), Cincinnati (11-2) and South Florida (7-2). Houston is the significant favorite to win the AAC at 1-1 odds.

Memphis was given 11-5 odds to win the conference prior to last season and finished 9-4, capping the winningest two-year stretch in program history.

Edited July 21, 2016 by kwc

[kwc]

Tigers' kicker Elliott named to Groza Award watch list
Posted: July 07, 2016
By Tom Schad of The Commercial Appeal



Memphis senior kicker Jake Elliott was named to the preseason watch list for the Lou Groza Award on Thursday morning.

Elliott is one of 30 players on the list for the award, which is given annually to the best kicker in the country. The Western Springs, Illinois native was one of three finalists for last year's award, alongside Auburn's Daniel Carlson and UCLA's Ka'imi Fairbairn, who is now with the Houston Texans.

A three-time all-American Athletic Conference selection, Elliott was named a third-team preseason all-American by Athlon Sports earlier this summer. He converted 23 of his 28 field goal attempts as a junior last season and nearly 75 percent of his kickoffs resulted in touchbacks.

With just 11 field goals and 46 points during his senior season, Elliott will break program records currently held by New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski.

Elliott is the second Tiger to appear on a preseason watch list thus far this summer, joining sophomore center Drew Kyser, who was named to the Rimington Trophy watch list Wednesday. Watch lists for more than a dozen other major awards will be unveiled through the end of next week.

Memphis will return to the practice field Aug. 4 and open its season Sept. 3 at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium against Southeast Missouri State.

Edited July 21, 2016 by kwc

[kwc]

Big 12 commissioner "to actively evaluate" expansion candidates

 

 

Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby said he was instructed to "actively evaluate" expansion candidates' interests and report his findings at a future board meeting.

 

By Phil Stukenborg of The Commercial Appeal

Posted: July 19, 2016

 

Although reports the past month and a half seemed to indicate expansion talk would be tabled, the Big 12 Conference kept the discussion alive Tuesday and appeared closer to adding to its 10-school league, an encouraging development for the University of Memphis.

 

During a conference call with Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby and Oklahoma President David Boren, Boren said the league’s board of directors, of which he is chairman, instructed Bowlsby “to actively evaluate (expansion candidates’) interests and report back those evaluations at a future board meeting.â€

 

The news kept the U of M, which has aggressively pursued the Big 12, in the mix for a spot in the more lucrative Power Five conference. Last month at the league’s spring meetings, the Big 12 announced it would be distributing a record $30.4 million in annual league revenue to each of its members. As a member of the American Athletic Conference, the U of M receives approximately one-tenth of that in annual league revenue.

 

Bowlsby said the Big 12 would continue to evaluate schools seeking inclusion in the league, which has considered adding two to four schools, in part to boost its chances of qualifying for the four-team College Football Playoff.

In addition to Memphis, Cincinnati, BYU, Central Florida, South Florida and Houston have been among more than a dozen schools mentioned as candidates.

 

“We want to find, if we are to expand, what might the strongest partners for expansion be,†Boren said. “We are not talking about just athletic partners, which, of course, is very important. But what is their fan base? What is their TV following? And also what are the academic standards of these schools? What reputations do these schools have as institutions (in terms of) integrity and shared values with us?

 

“So there are a number of factors that will be considered.â€

Bowlsby wouldn’t put a time frame on a decision regarding expansion but said “we intend to be very active very soon.â€

 

He said he envisioned a two-stage process that will involve some “preliminary work,†followed by a secondary process involving fact-finding and “perhaps even a negotiation stage.â€

 

The league’s board of directors met Tuesday during the second and final day of the conference’s football media days in Dallas and discussed two main topics: the Baylor sexual assault scandal and expansion. Expansion members would join Baylor, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State,

 

Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas Tech, TCU and West Virginia in the Big 12.

 

“I would say we are looking for members that will grow over time as we go and bring stability to the conference and have a high top end,†Bowlsby said. “They are going to join a family. It’s important they strengthen the family and we strengthen them.â€

 

Memphis has aggressively sought inclusion in the conference and received support from FedEx, which has proposed sponsoring a Big 12 football championship game and league football and basketball telecasts if the U of M is invited.

 

When reached late Tuesday, U of M athletic director Tom Bowen said the school would make "an official statement" Wednesday regarding the Big 12's decision to further evaluate expansion candidates.

 

Joining a Power Five conference would be a boon to the U of M athletic department, particularly its football program. Although the program has rebounded the past two years and won 19 games during the stretch, a Big 12 schedule likely would boost season-ticket sales and attendance.

 

The decision to potentially add two to four schools was surprising to some. At the league’s spring meetings in Irving, Texas, last month, Bowlsby said the presidents and chancellors — who ultimately would vote on whether to expand — indicated they were unsure about whether adding schools “was going to be the right thing†to do.

 

A consultant’s report in May showed adding two teams could increase the Big 12’s chances of earning a spot in the CFP by as much as 15 percent.

“It’s nice to be in position where you are wanted,†Boren said. “That is the situation. (Expansion candidates) are coming to us. There’s no need for us to recruit. Now we are going to move forward to the next step and seriously evaluate their interest.â€

 

Boren said the board’s decision Tuesday “shows momentum ... to very seriously consider (expansion) as a possibility.â€

Edited July 21, 2016 by kwc

[kwc]

Big 12 expansion: Memphis will make compelling case

 

Memphis Anthony Miller (left) scrambles for a first down against Kansas defender Marcquis Roberts (right) during first quarter action in a 2015 game in Lawrence, Kansas. (Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal)

 

 

David Williams Columnist

Posted: Yesterday 11:14 a.m.

 

 

Thoughts on Big 12 expansion, as the league begins exploring candidates with the possibility of adding two or four schools:

 

There’s bad news and good news in all this. But don’t sweat it so much – the bad news is the good news.

 

Meaning this: The University of Memphis, for all its charms as a Big 12 expansion candidate, also has its potentially fatal flaws. But so does every other school that’s been mentioned.

 

As ESPN’s Jake Trotter wrote:

Big 12 leaders have acknowledged that none of the available schools is a natural fit. None is guaranteed to deliver both highly competitive teams -- especially football teams -- as well as large new markets to increase the value of future media deals.

 

As consensus favorites go, Cincinnati isn’t exactly an unstoppable force or immovable object. It’s just the perceived best of a flawed bunch.

 

Wonderful city, Cincinnati. Good sports town. Great chili town.

But, really, is UC a significantly more attractive candidate than Memphis? They’re similar in key ways – they seem to be the universities that want this the most. Both have strong leadership in the matter, and both have stout corporate support.

 

Cincinnati has a better record of sustained football success than Memphis, but last year’s Tiger football attendance was better (43,802 to 37,096). Cincinnati is a bigger, higher-profile market, but in terms of football, it is and always will be a Bengals town.

 

But, of course, this need not be Cincinnati vs. Memphis, when Cincinnati and Memphis seems such a logical conclusion, no?

 

If the national pundits are right, Memphis is a bit of an underdog.

 

Yeah, well, right up until Tuesday’s teleconference with Big 12 officials, the national pundits were predicting that expansion would be tabled.

That’s no knock on the national reporters and columnists chasing this story – they’re some of the best in the business. It’s just that expansion is complicated. Things happen. Circumstances change. And college presidents can be an unpredictable lot.

 

Predictions are interesting to read. They’re entertaining. But they don’t matter – especially as it relates to Memphis, which tends to be serially underestimated by national pundits, in everything but barbecue.

 

Here’s all that matters: Memphis is perfectly positioned to fight for one of these coveted spots. It has a president (David Rudd) who knows what’s at stake and has made this such a high priority, even at the risk of being seen as putting athletics ahead of academics. And it has a corporate partner (FedEx) that is both local and world-class.

 

Memphis may lose, in the end, but it won’t be because the effort was half-hearted or the bid half-baked.

 

This matters more to Memphis – and that will matter, in the end.

 

This is about money and football and money and TV market size and money and geography and money and academic reputation and – well, mostly it’s about money, isn’t it?

 

It’s about what schools make the most lucrative and enticing financial proposals. It all smacks of a bidding war, yes. As Dennis Dodd of CBSSports.com wrote:

 

The partners don't matter; the math does.

So, in a way, it seems silly to bring passion into this debate, to say that joining the Big 12 would be a bigger deal here than anywhere else. It seems silly to bother with that impossible-to-prove argument that the U of M means more in Memphis, and to Memphians, than (your school here) does in (your city here).

 

And yet it’s true – not even an NBA team with six straight playoff appearances, and a big ol’ bear hug on the citizenry, has loosened the hold the Tigers have on this city.

 

Why does that matter? Because it’s driving the U of M’s bid, and FedEx’s involvement. It’s the very reason that the Memphis bid will ultimately be so lucrative, so enticing – because there’s more at stake here, if the U of M is left behind.

 

Homerism, much?

 

Fair point. Pick a city, and the analysis there is probably kind to Hometown U.

 

As columnist Kurt Kragthorpe of The Salt Lake Tribune wrote of BYU:

The likes of Houston, Cincinnati and Memphis also are in the picture, but when it comes down to an evaluation of football tradition and the overall athletic programs, BYU should rise above the others — or at least make the cut to two or four schools.

 

But the optimism here is well-founded, for anyone who has lived through the long, lost NFL chase to witness the sports renaissance of the last couple of decades. 

 

Memphis in the Big 12? Don’t know, can’t say. But I’ll give it a sporting chance.

Edited July 21, 2016 by kwc

[kwc]

More thoughts on Memphis and the Big 12

Geoff Calkins, Columnist
Posted: July 20, 2016 12:38 p.m.

Five more quick thoughts on Memphis to the Big 12:

1. Seems like a good time to dig up the column I wrote earlier this year explaining why the Big 12 should take Memphis. Here's the argument.

2. How do we know Memphis administrators weren't surprised by Tuesday's announcement? As far back as basketball season, they were reluctant to buy out Josh Pastner at least in part because they thought they might need the extra money for the AAC exit fee. Here's that column.

3. Alan Graf of FedEx told WREG and Glenn Carver that "if they take four teams, I'm 100 percent convinced we'll be in. If they take two, I'm not so sure." The interview was apparently shot earlier this year -- not Tuesday, after the Big 12 conference call. But there's no particular reason to think Graf's assessment of Memphis's chances has changed.

4. The weakest part of Memphis's case is academic reputation. As many have pointed out, the university is among the schools listed as not ranked by the U.S. News & World Report. Is that a challenge? Yes, it is, one that university president David Rudd has worked hard to overcome. But you know one sure way to boost the university's ranking? Get admitted to the Big 12. Roughly a quarter of the ranking is based on a purely subjective, reputational survey of other academics. It's hard to think of anything that would do more for Memphis's reputation than to join the Big 12.

5. I may be writing more about this later this week, but the shots that are being taken at FedEx from around the country are cheap and misplaced. Fred Smith isn't supporting the Memphis bid because he's some wild-eyed Memphis football fan. He's supporting the bid because it would be good for the entire community and, by extension, good for FedEx. It's the same reason FedEx supported the Grizzlies' move to Memphis. The company needs to recruit smart people to the city, and it needs to persuade them to stay once they arrive. If the community prospers, FedEx prospers. There's nothing insidious about that.

Edited July 21, 2016 by kwc

[wingman10]

I think Cincy and Houston are in..hope Memphis gets in...will be good to see Kansas and Memphis St in basketball

[kwc]

Tiger football season-ticket Sales up nearly 18 percent

 

February 3, 2016 - Hundreds of University of Memphis football fans, including William Edwards (front), applaud new head coach Mike Norvell during Highland Hundreds gathering at Beale Street Landing to celebrate National Signing Day. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal)

 

Posted: July 21, 2016

By Tom Schad of The Commercial Appeal

The beginning of fall camp is just around the corner, and for the second consecutive year, University of Memphis football season-ticket sales are trending upward.

The school announced Thursday that its season-ticket sales are up nearly 18 percent from a year ago, a reflection of the Tigers' recent success and continued improvements to Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. This time last year, the program had sold 4,000 more tickets than at the same point in 2014.

"Memphis football is on the rise and the city has taken notice," athletic director Tom Bowen said in a statement. "I'd like to sincerely thank our fans for their support and passion for Tiger football. We have built a successful program and greatly enhanced the game-day experience. That combination has made Memphis football one of the very best family entertainment options in the region."

The department did not specify how many season tickets have been sold.

Memphis is coming off the winningest two-year stretch in program history, including a 9-4 finish last season. The Tigers knocked off then-No. 13 Ole Miss in a nationally-televised game and climbed to as high as No. 15 in the Associated Press' Top 25 rankings.

As the team has improved, the university has also worked to improve the gameday experience at the Liberty Bowl, namely with pregame activities along Tiger Lane. Premium seats with backs have also been installed at the stadium this summer, and several suites have been renovated.

Memphis plays seven home games in 2016 including its season-opener Sept. 3 against Southeast Missouri State.

Poe hosting fundraiser

Poe Man's Dream, a nonprofit organization founded by former Memphis football player Dontari Poe, is holding a fundraiser to give backpacks to children in the Memphis area.

Fans have an opportunity to purchase T-shirts from Poe's foundation, and proceeds from every shirt sold will provide one backpack filled with school supplies for a student in need at Oakshire Elementary School, Whitehaven Elementary School or Wooddale Middle School.

To purchase a T-shirt, or learn more, visit PoeMansDream.org.

Edited August 1, 2016 by kwc

[kwc]

Breaking down the Tigers: Quarterbacks

 

April 22, 2016: University of Memphis quarterback Riley Ferguson (left) fakes a handoff to running back Jamarius Henderson (right) during the Friday Night Stripes spring scrimmage game. (Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal)

 

Posted: July 25, 2016

By Tom Schad of The Commercial Appeal

 

Another University of Memphis football season is quickly approaching, with players scheduled to report Aug. 3 and open the season a month later against Southeast Missouri State. So for the next nine days, we'll be breaking down the 2016 Tigers, position by position, with projected starters, newcomers to know and other summer tidbits. Let's start with the quarterbacks.

 

Projected Starter: Riley Ferguson (Jr.)

 

Returners: Paxton Lynch is now in Denver competing for the Broncos’ starting job, but his two backups from a year ago -- Brady Davis and Jason Stewart -- are both back for another season. Davis, who was highly-regarded by the previous coaching staff, redshirted in 2015 and showed glimpses of talent during spring ball. He figures to be in the mix for several years to come. Stewart, meanwhile, is the veteran of the group, having played for two junior colleges before joining Memphis in 2014.

 

Newcomers: Ferguson, a junior-college transfer, has emerged as Lynch’s apparent heir at quarterback after an excellent showing in the spring. The former four-star recruit and Tennessee quarterback completed 67.8 percent of his passes and threw for 35 touchdowns at Coffeyville Community College last year and was an NJCAA All-America honorable mention selection. True freshman David Moore, a three-star recruit who flipped from SMU late in the recruiting process, has also joined the fold, as has DeSoto Central product Cameron Bowman.

 

The Skinny: Coach Mike Norvell has yet to name a starting quarterback, but the choice, at this point, is clear. Ferguson stood out in spring ball -- Norvell has said he was slightly ahead of the others -- and the junior has continued to impress this summer, too. He has been able to add and retain weight, thanks to strength and conditioning coach Josh Storms’ summer program and an improved diet, sometimes with five or six meals a day. Barring injury or a dramatic change, he should start Sept. 3. And much of Memphis' showing this year may ultimately rest on his shoulders.

 

 

 

Edited August 1, 2016 by kwc

[kwc]

Breaking down the Tigers: Running backs

December 28, 2015 — Memphis running backs Doroland Dorceus (left) and Sam Craft (right) practice in a heavy rainstorm as they prepare for Wednesday’s matchup with Auburn in the Birmingham Bowl during a morning workout at Birmingham-Southern College in Birmingham, Ala. (Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal)

Posted: July 26, 2016

By Tom Schad of The Commercial Appeal

The University of Memphis football season is fast approaching, with players scheduled to report Aug. 3 and open the season a month later against Southeast Missouri State. So we're breaking down the 2016 Tigers, position by position, with projected starters, newcomers to know and other summer tidbits. In part two of our nine-part series, we look at running backs.

Projected Starters: Sam Craft (Sr.), Doroland Dorceus (R-Jr.)

Returners: Coach Mike Norvell announced Monday afternoon that Jamarius Henderson will be granted a release to be closer to his son, which means two of the Tigers’ four top running backs from a year ago are no longer with the team. (Jarvis Cooper transferred to Central Arkansas in May.) However, Craft and Dorceus both return and are projected to start alongside one another in Norvell’s two-back-heavy offense. Dorceus ran for 661 yards as a redshirt sophomore and could have a breakout year in 2016. Craft will be used in a hybrid wide receiver-running back role, which should play to his strengths. Senior Tearris Wallace will also return.

Newcomers: Here’s a name you’re going to be hearing a lot this fall: Darrell Henderson. The former Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year enrolled at Memphis in January and was one of the most impressive offensive players this spring. He’ll get a lot of touches, both rushing and receiving, and should make an immediate impact in 2016. Memphis native Tony Pollard is another guy to keep an eye on. After redshirting a year ago, he’ll fill the same hybrid role as Craft and could create some serious mismatches in the passing game. Patrick Taylor Jr., who is listed at 6-feet-3 and 216 pounds, may also work his way into the mix as a true freshman, depending on how quickly he can pick up the nuances of the offense.

The Skinny: Memphis is worse off without Jamarius Henderson. There’s no debating that. But his departure should not be blown out of proportion. Between Craft, Dorceus, Pollard and Darrell Henderson, the Tigers still have solid depth in the backfield -- and perhaps a group that is now better suited to Norvell’s offense. Expect all four of them to be involved in the passing game, Craft and Pollard in particular. And if his fall mirrors his spring, Darrell Henderson may very well become one of the team’s most explosive playmakers.

Edited August 1, 2016 by kwc

[kwc]

Breaking down the Tigers: Wide receivers

 

November 7, 2015 - Memphis receiver Anthony Miller (left) dives for a touchdown in front of Navy defender Lorentez Barbour (right) during first half action at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. (Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal)

Posted: July 27, 2016

By Tom Schad of The Commercial Appeal

The University of Memphis football season is fast approaching, with players scheduled to report Aug. 3 and open the season a month later against Southeast Missouri State. So we're breaking down the 2016 Tigers, position by position, with projected starters, newcomers to know and other summer tidbits. In part three of our nine-part series, we look at the wide receivers.

Projected Starters: Daniel Hurd (R-Sr.), Phil Mayhue (Jr.), Anthony Miller (R-Jr.)

Returners: In short, there are a bunch. Mose Frazier and Tevin Jones graduated, but the Tigers bring back an extremely strong core of wideouts, led by Miller. The Christian Brothers product was the most explosive offensive player on the field this spring, and it wasn’t particularly close. He could be a difference maker for Memphis this fall. Mayhue, Roderick Proctor and Hurd also return and will likely play big roles. Hurd, a redshirt senior, only caught five passes a year ago but stood out this spring. Drew Bishop and Jae’Lon Oglesby, if healthy, could also contribute.

Newcomers: Kedarian Jones and Mechane Slade were both on the roster last year but, for all intents and purposes, will be new to the fold in 2016. Each has plenty of room for improvement but brings a ton of speed to the table. The Tigers also signed three receivers in their most recent recruiting class: Jahod Booker, Hunter Hill and John “Pop†Williams. Of the three, Williams has the best chance of seeing the field as a true freshman after a stellar summer.

The Skinny: Memphis lost two NFL-caliber receivers to graduation, and yet this is still probably one of the deepest position groups on its roster. Miller will be a focal point of the offense and could put up huge numbers. But if opposing defenses pay too much attention to him, that will likely free up Mayhue, Proctor, Hurd or others -- each of whom can either stretch the field vertically or make defenders miss in space. Also keep an eye on some of the newcomers, like Williams, whose speed could help them carve out roles early.

 

Edited August 1, 2016 by kwc

[kwc]

Breaking down the Tigers: Tight ends

 

November 7, 2015 - Memphis tight end Daniel Montiel (middle) races for a first down against Navy. (Mark Weber/The Commercial Appeal)

Posted: July 28, 2016

By Tom Schad of The Commercial Appeal

The University of Memphis football season is fast approaching, with players scheduled to report Aug. 3 and open the season a month later against Southeast Missouri State. So we're breaking down the 2016 Tigers, position by position, with projected starters, newcomers to know and other summer tidbits. In part four of our nine-part series, we look at the tight ends.

Projected Starter: Daniel Montiel (R-Sr.)

Returners: It’s difficult to replace the leadership and toughness of a guy like Alan Cross, but there’s a lot of excitement in the program about Montiel. We saw flashes last year of what the redshirt senior can do, especially in the red zone, and this year he’ll be thrust into more of a featured role. Though he should receive the vast majority of snaps this fall, Joey Magnifico will also see some playing time after redshirting last year. Redshirt junior Robby Young also returns, and former linebacker Ross Burcham is now competing at tight end as well.

Newcomers: In a somewhat recent development, the Tigers appear to be adding an SEC-caliber talent when fall camp begins next week: Former Tennessee tight end Kyle Oliver. The 6-foot-4, 226-pounder was only recently added to the team’s online roster. Oliver left the Volunteers last summer because of unspecified off-field issues, then spent time at Jones County Junior College. It’s unclear what impact the former three-star recruit and Murfreesboro native will have in 2016, but he certainly has enough talent to contribute. True freshman Sean Dykes will also get plenty of opportunities in fall camp and could see the field sooner rather than later. Memphis has been raving about what he will bring to the table since National Signing Day.

The Skinny: There are really two questions at the tight end spot entering the season: Can Montiel step up and thrive in a larger role, and, if so, who will step up behind him? Magnifico has the upper hand by going through spring ball and getting a head start on learning Mike Norvell’s offense, but Oliver and Dykes are both intriguing additions. It will be interesting to see how they fit, and how their roles change over the course of the year.

 

Edited August 1, 2016 by kwc