Fall Preview: Memphis

Fall Preview for the Memphis Tigers

QB

#16 Taylor Reed QB 6-3/215 SO El Dorado, AR/El Dorado HS--11 games played, 9 starts. Returning starter. 77 yards rushing and 2 TD. 169-295 passing for 1690 yards and 10 TD.

#10 Will Gilchrist QB/WR 6-1/190 RS-JR Savannah, TN/Hardin County HS--7 games played. No stats in 2011.

#09 Jacob Karam QB 6-0/205 RS-JR Friendswood, TX/Texas Tech--No stats in 2011.

#?? William Gross QB Memphis, TN/Melrose 6'1" 170--Incoming freshman.

#?? Paxton Lynch QB Deltona, FL/Trinity Christian Academy 6'5" 225--Incoming freshman.

Sophomore Taylor Reed made 9 starts as a true freshman in 2011 passing for nearly 1700 yards and 10 TD. Reed comes into the fall as the unquestioned starter although redshirt junior Will Gilchrist will try along with Texas Tech transfer Jacob Karam to make it a battle for the quarterback spot in 2011. Both incoming freshmen Gross and Lynch should be seen as the future of Memphis at quarterback.

RB

#28 Artaves Gibson RB 6-1/220 SO Memphis, TN/Mitchell HS--11 games played, 2 starts. 104 carries for 316 yards. 9 catches for 46 yards.

#22 Jerrell Rhodes RB 5-10/215 JR Durham, NC/Hargrave Military--3 games played, 1 start. 30 carries for 152 yards and 2 TD. 4 catches for 6 yards.

#25 Jaquise Cook RB 5-6/180 RS-JR Ripley, MS/Northeast Mississippi Community College--No stats in 2011.

#23 J.C. Austin RB 5-7/150 RS-SO Ft. Campbell, KY/West Memphis HS--No stats in 2011.

#03 Carl Harris RB 5-10/195 RS-FR Dallas, TX/Woodrow Wilson HS--Redshirted in 2011.

#26 Clarence Marshall RB 5-10/200 RS-FR Memphis, TN/Bolton HS--Redshirted in 2011.

#?? Jai Steib RB Palm Desert, CA/College of the Desert 5'11" 220--JUCO transfer.

Although sophomore Artaves Gibson comes into the 2012 season as the projected starter, junior Jerrell Rhodes looks to push him for carries after averaging just over 5 yards per carry in 2011. Between Cook, Austin, Harris, and Marshall, there will be quite a battle for the 3rd running back spot that could see some carries in 2012. JUCO transfer Jai Steib could also work into the mix with a strong summer and early fall camp.

TE

#88 Justin Henderson TE 6-2/240 JR North Little Rock, AR/North Little Rock HS--12 games played, 6 starts. Returning starter. 8 catches for 100 yards and 2 TD. 1 tackle.

#46 Hunter Brooks TE 6-1/240 RS-SO Germantown, TN/Germantown HS--No stats in 2011.

#89 Jesse Milleson TE 6-4/255 JR Phoenix, AZ/Glendale CC--No stats in 2011.

#40 Alan Cross TE 6-1/230 RS-FR Millington, TN/Millington HS--Redshirted in 2011.

#33 Blake Veasley TE 6-1/205 RS-FR Cherry Valley, AR/Cross Country HS--Redshirted in 2011.

#?? Kerwin Harrison TE Lakeland, FL/Kathleen 6'3" 225--Incoming freshman.

#?? Daniel Montiel TE Arlington, TX/Arlington 6'4" 240--Incoming freshman.

As the only tight end with any game experience, the starting job this fall is junior Justin Henderson's to lose. Henderson made 8 catches with 2 of those going for touchdowns last season. Brooks, Milleson, Cross and Veasley all have a chance to earn the second tight end spot and see some playing time with the 1st team offense. Freshmen Harrison and Montiel could sneak in and play as freshmen with both having good size for the tight end position.

WR

#02 Kevin Wright WR 6-4/215 RS-SO Baton Rouge, LA/Christian Life Academy--12 games played, 8 starts. Returning starter. 36 catches for 398 yards and 1 TD. 7 kickoff returns for 15.7 yard average.

#18 Marcus Rucker WR 6-4/185 RS-SR Memphis, TN/Whitehaven HS--8 games played, 2 starts. 20 catches for 195 yards and 1 TD.

#84 Reggie Travis WR 6-2/190 RS-SO Plaquemine, LA/Plaquemine HS--12 games played, 7 starts. Returning starter. 18 catches for 146 yards. 1 tackle. 1 fumble recovery.

#07 Keiwone Malone WR 6-0/165 RS-SO Memphis, TN/Alabama--8 games played. 1 carry for 3 yards. 12 catches for 155 yards and 1 TD. 2 punt returns for 17.5 yard average.

#27 Jamere Valentine WR 6-1/215 RS-JR Myrtle Beach, SC/Butte College--No stats in 2011.

#08 LaMarvin Ashley WR 5-10/165 RS-FR McComb, MS/McComb HS--Redshirted in 2011.

#17 Ryan Byrd WR 6-0/160 RS-FR Greensburg, LA/St. Helena HS--Redshirted in 2011.

#82 Jason Harding WR 6-0/170 RS-FR Memphis, TN/Bolton HS--Redshirted in 2011.

#86 Curtis Johnson WR--Returning starter. Not listed on teams spring roster.

#87 Tevin Jones WR 6-3/200 RS-FR League City, Texas/Clear Creek HS--Redshirted in 2011.

#11 Tyriq Patrick WR 6-3/190 RS-FR Philadelphia, MS/Philadelphia HS--Redshirted in 2011.

#?? Daniel Hurd WR Memphis, TN/Wooddale 6'2" 205--Incoming freshman.

Redshirt senior Marcus Rucker is flanks on both sides by redshirt sophomores Kevin Wright and Reggie Travis with the trio combining for 74 catches and over 700 yards in 2011. All three have the ability to have big seasons in 2012. The biggest question mark is Curtis Johnson not being on the spring roster. If he is still part of the team, he will most likely move into a starting spot and bump someone to a reservce. There is some talent that will fight for playing time with 5 players coming off 2011 redshirt seasons.

OL

#64 Jordan Devey OL 6-7/315 SR American Fork, UT/Snow College--12 games played, 12 starts. Returning starter.

#71 A.J. Antonescu Ol 6-3/285 RS-JR Ridgeland, MS/Holmes CC--9 games played, 5 starts. Returning starter.

#54 Al Bond OL 6-5/295 RS-SO Memphis, TN/Southwind HS--10 games played, 7 starts. Returning starter.

#76 Nick Chartain OL 6-5/320 JR New Orleans, LA/Independence CC--11 games played, 10 starts. Returning starter.

#56 Chris Schuetz OL 6-3/275 JR Southaven, MS/Southaven HS--7 games played, 6 starts. Returning starter.

#68 Andrew Niblock OL 6-5/310 RS-JR Stockton, KS/Hutchinson Community College--No stats in 2011.

#72 Antonio Foster OL 6-4/300 JR Valdosta, GA/NE Mississippi CC--No stats in 2011.

#79 Deandra Simmons OL 6-1/275 RS-SO Memphis, TN/Lambuth--No stats in 2011.

#77 Taylor Fallin OL 6-6/330 RS-FR Bowie, MD/Hargrave Military--Redshirted in 2011.

#74 Tyler Marzette OL 6-6/330 RS-FR Birmingham, AL/Huffman HS--Redshirted in 2011.

#61 Markeith Minnick OL 6-5/290 FR Philadelphia, PA/Hargrave Military--Incoming Freshman.

#?? Latarius Brady OL Memphis, TN/Memphis East 6'3" 255--Incoming freshman.

#?? Hubert Mays OL Memphis, TN/Whitehaven 6'5" 260--Incoming freshman.

#?? Cody Quon OL Cordova, TN/St. Benedict 6'5" 220--Incoming freshman.

#?? Micah Simmons OL Lindale, TX/Lindale 6'4" 265--Incoming freshman.

#?? Michael Stannard OL Columbia, MO/Rock Bridge 6'3" 325--Incoming freshman.

In some form of fashion, the offensive line for the Tigers in 2012 should have the following five players: senior Jordan Devey, redshirt junior AJ Antonescu, redshirt sophomore Al Bond, junior Nick Chartain, and junior Chris Schuetz. All 5 started at least 5 games in 2011 and some started games at multiple positions throughout the season. With 6 incoming players on the roster, there could be a chance for a true freshman to see the field and maybe make some starts if inevitable injuries occur.

DL

#95 Zach Gholson DE 6-4/250 SR Carlsbad, CA/Palomar College--12 games played, 3 starts. 24 tackles, 5 for loss. 1.5 sacks. 3 forced fumbles.

#59 Johnnie Farms DT 6-2/310 JR Perry, GA/Perry HS/Hargrave Military--12 games played, 10 starts. Returning starter. 42 tackles, 8.5 for loss. 2.5 sacks. 1 fumble recovery, 2 blocked kicks.

#94 Corey Jones DE 6-3/260 JR Memphis, TN/Mitchell HS--12 games played. 5 tackles.

#99 Kendrick Golden DL 6-5/195 SO Memphis, TN/Southwind HS--11 games played. 1 fumble return for touchdown.

#97 Martin Ifedi DL 6-3/260 RS-SO Houston, TX/Westside HS--12 games played. 13 tackles, 1 for loss. 1 sack. 1 pbu, 1 pd, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble.

#56 Terry Redden DL 6-2/285 SO Memphis, TN/Whitehaven HS--9 games played, 1 start. 5 tackles. 1 fumble recovery.

#55 Jimmy Robinson DL 6-0/300 RS-JR Memphis, TN/Fairley HS--No stat in 2011.

#47 Anthony Brown DL 6-4/260 JR Cairo, GA/Northeast Miss. CC--No stats in 2011.

#91 Ricky Hunter DL 6-4/285 RS-FR Auburn, AL/Loachapoka HS--Redshirted in 2011.

#58 Donald Pennington DL 6-2/300 FR Amite, LA/Amite HS--Incoming Freshman.

#?? Carl Mitchell DE Memphis, TN/Wooddale 6'4" 225--Incoming freshman.

The Memphis defensive line has only two returning starters in senior Zach Gholston and junior Johnnie Farms. Combined, the two had 66 tackles and 13.5 for loss to go along with 10 sacks in 2011. The other defensive linemen positions are open races with Jones, Golden, Ifedi, Redden, Robinson, brown and Hunter all fighting for spots. Pennington and Mitchell face a long road up the depth chart this fall

LB

#10 Kenyata Johnson LB 6-1/230 SR Jackson, MS/Hinds CC--12 games played, 12 starts. Returning starter. 72 tackles, 1.5 for loss. 1 interception, 1 pd, 1 fumble recovery, 1 forced fumble.

#24 Akeem Davis DB/LB 6-1/200 RS-SR Laurel, MS/Jones County JC--12 games played, 12 starts. Returning starter. 78 tackles, 8 for loss. 3 interceptions, 4 pbu, 7 pd, 4 fumble recoveries, 3 forced fumbles.

#25 Khiry Battle LB 6-0/225 SR Dacula, GA/Arkansas--10 games played. 5 tackles.

#49 Charles Harris LB 6-2/215 SO Memphis, TN/Whitehaven HS--12 games played. 33 tackles. 1 blocked kick.

#31 Chris Bertucci LB 6-0/210 SR Gulfport, MS/East Miss. CC--12 games played. 23 tackles, 1 for loss.

#44 Ricky Holloway LB 6-1/235 RS-SR Somerville, TN/Fayette-Ware HS--12 games played, 1 start. 10 tackles. 1 blocked kick.

#57 Trever Miller LB 5-11/215 RS-JR Munford, TN/Central Methodist--No stats in 2011.

#62 Sam Cage LB 5-10/210 RS-JR Memphis, TN/Bethel--No stats in 2011.

#13 Bronterrious Jakes LB /225 SO Phenix City, AL/Holmes CC--JUCO transfer.

#39 Reggis Ball LB 5-11/200 RS-FR Stone Mountain, GA/Stephenson HS--Redshirted in 2011.

#35 Kevin Green LB 6-1/220 RS-FR Memphis, TN/Wooddale HS--Redshirted in 2011.

#?? Wynton McManis LB Olive Branch, MS/Olive Branch 6'0" 201--Incoming freshman.

#?? Leonard Pegues LB Olive Branch, MS/Olive Branch 5'11" 185--Incoming freshman.

Two of the best players on the Tigers defense return for 2012 in senior Kenyata Johnson and redshirt senior Akeem Davis. Both started all 12 games in 2011 and had over 70 tackles per player last season to go along with 4 forced fumbles and 5 fumble recoveries. Senior Khiry Battle looks to take the third linebacker spot although Harris Bertucci and Holloway all have experience and may end up in the rotation. Miller and Cage will be hard pressed to find any time other than special teams in 2012.

DB

#30 Taurean Nixon CB 6-1/180 JR Baton Rouge, LA/Southern Lab HS--10 games played, 9 starts. Returning starter. 33 tackles, 1 for loss. 1 interception, 1 pd, 1 forced fumble.

#21 Bobby McCain CB 5-11/180 SO Oxford, AL/Oxford HS--11 games played, 9 starts. Returning starter. 29 tackles, 1 for loss. 1 interception, 4 pbu, 5 pd, 1 forced fumble, 1 defensive touchdown.

#05 Cannon Smith S 6-0/205 RS-SR Memphis, TN/Miami--11 games played, 11 starts. Returning starter. 51 tackles. 6 pbu, 6 pd, 1 forced fumble.

#41 Mitch Huelsing S 6-0/200 RS-SR Munford, TN/Munford HS--12 games played, 5 starts. Returning starter. 64 tackles, 1.5 for loss. 0.5 sacks. 2 interceptions, 2 pbu, 4 pd, 4 fumble recoveries, 1 defensive touchdown.

#04 Lonnie Ballentine DB 6-4/215 JR Memphis, TN/Southwind HS--11 games played, 8 starts. Returning starter. 35 tackles, 1.5 for loss. 1 pbu, 1 pd, 1 fumble recovery.

#37 Bakari Hollier CB 5-9/190 SO Lafayette, LA/Acadiana HS--9 games played, 4 starts. 21 tackles, 0.5 for loss. 1 interception, 2 pbu, 3 pd, 1 forced fumble.

#03 Derek Smith S 6-1/210 RS-JR Evergreen, AL/Hillcrest HS--5 games played. 1 tackle.

#29 Derek Howard DB 6-2/190 SO Killona, LA/Hahnville HS--10 games played. 1 tackle.

#46 Tarondal Phillips DB 5-11/205 RS-JR Memphis, TN/Northeast Mississippi Community College--No stats in 2011.

#42 Willie Williams DB 6-0/180 RS-JR Memphis, TN/Brighton HS--No stats in 2011.

#33 Stephone Allen DB 5-11/190 JR Ft. Lauderdale, FL/Central Methodist--No stats in 2011.

#23 Blayze Jones DB 6-0/175 RS-SO Birmingham, AL/Shades Valley HS--No stats in 2011.

#36 Eric Battle DB 5-11/175 RS-SO Saint Charles, IL/St. Charles North HS--No stats in 2011.

#15 Fritz Etienne DB 6-2/210 RS-SO Miami, FL/Coffeyville CC--No stats in 2011.

#26 Chris Allen DB 5-9/177 RS-FR Memphis, TN/Southwind HS--Redshirted in 2011.

#?? Derrick Bobo DB FR Memphis, TN/Whitehaven 5'8" 167--Incoming freshman.

#?? Dontavious Heard DB Lithonia, GA/Martin Luther King 6'0" 180--Incoming freshman.

#?? Chauncey Lanier DB Davie, FL/Nova 5'11" 170--Incoming freshman.

#?? Chris Morley DB Plantation, FL/South Plantation 5'11" 175--Incoming freshman.

#?? Anthony Watson DB Brenham, TX/Blinn C.C. 6'1" 200--JUCO transher.

#?? Dion Witty DB Coral Springs, FL/Coral Springs 5'11" 175--Incoming freshman.

With 6 players with starting experience in the Tiger's defensive backfield, the passing defense shouldbe very good in 2012. Nixon and McCain are the corners making 9 starts a piece in 2011 with McCain making them as a true freshman. Redshirt seniors Cannon Smith and Mitch Huelsing are the safeties and made a combined 16 starts in 2011. Huelsing led the secondary in tackles with 64 and also had 4 fumble recoveries. Ballentine, Hollier, Smith, and Howard all have experience in 2011 and look to be in the rotation this fall. With 5 incoming freshmen and a JUCO transfer, there looks to be quite a few redshirts handed out in 2012.

LS

#50 Jeremy Singler DS 6-1/165 RS-SR Memphis, TN/CBHS--11 games played. Returning starter. 3 tackles.

#52 Sam Billings DS 6-0/210 RS-FR Memphis, TN/FACS--Redshirted in 2011.

Redshirt senior Jeremy Singler looks to spend one more year snapping for special teams in 2012 after snapping in 11 of the 12 games in 2011. Singler also made three tackles on special teams as well. Redshirt freshman Sam Billings looks to learn from Singler and be the snapper of the future for Memphis after Singler graduates.

P

#43 Tom Hornsey P 6-4/200 JR Geelong, Victoria, Australia/St. Joseph's College--12 games played. Returning starter. 95 punts, 42.0 yard average. 23 inside the 20 yard line. 19 over 50 yards, 1 blocked. 4 tackles.

#92 Austin Weaver H/P 5-10/195 RS-SR Germantown, TN/Houston HS--10 games played.

Junior Tom Hornsey had an impressive 42 yard average on punts in 2011 to go along with 19 of hsi 95 punts going 50+ yards. Hornsey looks to have a strangle hold on the punting job and redshirt senior will be used for holding duties.

K

#98 Paulo Henriques K 5-10/220 SR West Memphis, AR/West Memphis HS--12 games played. Returning starter. 8-15 field goals. 2-8 from 40+ yards. Long of 50 yards. 45 kickoffs, 8 touchbacks. 6 tackles.

#38 Tyler Spurlock K 6-0/180 RS-SO Olive Branch, MS/SBEC--No stats in 2011.

#34 Andrew Diamond K/P 6-4/210 RS-SO Jackson, MS/St. Joseph Catholic--No stats in 2011.

After a disappointing 2011 season that saw him make just barely over 50% of his field goals, senior Paulo Henriques looks to work on his distance kicking. 6 of the 7 misses were from 40+ yards with him only making 2-8 from 40+. Spurlock and Diamond should only be pressed into action is Henriques struggles or is injured this fall.

Overall, Memphis is a team in rebuilding mode that has some talent on the roster that could win some games if properly coached. The Tigers see all four non-conference opponents in the first 4 games of the season with Tennessee Martin, Arkansas State, MTSU and Duke being the opponents. Realistically, the Tigers are looking at 1-3 or maybe 2-2 with MTSU not looking to be much better than in 2011. With trips to ECU, SM, 2011 over achiever Marshall, and UAB, the Tigers did get lucky on their road conference games. Memphis also got luck in not having to face Tulsa or Houston this fall. The realistic expectation for the TIgers in 2012 is 4 wins.