Tigers look to avoid complacency this spring
On the eve of the start spring practice, Memphis’ 10-win season could have felt like a distant memory given the changes within the football program.
Riley Ferguson and Anthony Miller, one of the nation’s top quarterbackwide receiver duos, are now preparing for the NFL along with Genard Avery. Five new assistants have joined coach Mike Norvell’s staff.
But as Norvell addressed the media Friday, he believed the new faces on his staff were as much of a positive as seeing what new players could emerge to fill holes left by graduation.
“One of the biggest fears you have as a coach, especially in our situation, is that you get complacent,” Norvell said. “When you have a little turnover, when you have change, it provides an opportunity for everybody to continue to push.”
That will certainly be the case in the quarterback competition to replace Ferguson, but Norvell added that he wants all of his players to chase improvement this spring. Offensive line coach Ryan Silverfield said that all five positions will be up for grabs despite four returning starters.
Sophomore David Moore and junior transfer Brady White lead the quarterback competition, but here are five additional things to keep an eye on:
Tony Pollard will be all over the field
There’s no doubt who will be the top
playmaker to watch. Junior All-American Tony Pollard will see his role expanded this year and it starts this spring
“We’re really going to focus a lot on what he’s doing on the perimeter,” Norvell said of Pollard. “Having Darrell (Henderson) and Patrick (Taylor Jr.) back, we have a three-headed running back stable that’s pretty impressive.”
Norvell added that while Pollard will still receive handoffs, he’ll be used more in the slot in addition to his return duties.
Expect receiver by committee for now
Even with Pollard’s playmaking ability, the Tigers still need to find ways to replace Miller’s production, and Norvell said that while there’s quality depth at the position, this spring will be key for it to show up.
“We need everybody in that group to help offset some of that production that one player had,” Norvell said.
One thing working in the receivers’ favor is the flexibility of the Tigers’ offense. Offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham said Norvell’s strength is being able to adjust it to his playmakers’ unique ability instead of forcing them to duplicate what’s already been done.
So instead of looking for a No. 1 guy, it might be a case of finding multiple guys to produce this spring.
“I know we have capable guys to fill that position and provide their own unique skills and talent to what we do but you’ve got to be able to do it on the field,” Norvell said.
Bigger, stronger ... better?
Memphis’ strength and conditioning program was on full display with Miller and Avery performing well in the weightlifting portion of the NFL Draft Combine.
But it’s also paying off at home. Associate head coach Will Hall mentioned last week that tight ends Sean Dykes and Joey Magnifico are bigger than they’ve been before and on Friday, Dillingham mentioned that sophomore quarterback David Moore has added 16 pounds in the offseason.
Strength and conditioning coach Josh Storms can take credit for keeping the Tigers hungry in the weight room and this spring could see a more physical group, especially with an experienced running game and a defense that prides itself on creating turnovers.
La’Andre Thomas moves to safety
Sophomore La’Andre Thomas came to Memphis as a quarterback, but last summer, he switched to cornerback to help the team at an area of concern. Thomas ended up playing in all but one game. This spring, he’s making another move, albeit in the same position group. Defensive coordinator Chris Ball said that Thomas will slide over to safety.
“He’s got to make an impact at a new position, (but) his communication and leadership skills are really going to help us there,” Ball said.
How do Jackson Dillon and Sam Craft look?
Norvell said that both players are still waiting to hear from the NCAA on whether they will receive a sixth year of eligibillty but both are ready to return the field after season-ending injuries last year.
Several coaches remarked that Dillon’s presence as a hybrid linebacker/ lineman will serve as an inspiration given how he’s working after two serious injuries and looking to regain the form he had as a three-year starter.
“His work ethic and his performance demands respect and that’s because he works his tail off to earn it,” defensive line coach Paul Randolph said. “We’re really excited about adding him back to the family, especially up front.”
Craft will add depth at wide receiver.