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Welcome back to the Tigers Football Insider, where we bring you the latest news and analysis from The Daily Memphian’s Frank Bonner II, Geoff Calkins and Tim Buckley each week.
The Tigers have multiple new transfers that are expected to make an impact this upcoming season.
Memphis, however, still has transfers from last year who are entering their second season, linebacker Geoffrey Cantin-Arku chief among them.
He is the last man standing from last year’s strong linebacker core. Cantin-Arku has taken a more vocal role in the locker room heading into this season and is expected to be the main guy in the linebacker room.
Here are five more second-year transfers who should flourish in their second season.
Davion Ross
The coaching staff loved the production from defensive back Davion Ross in his first year with the program. He transferred from Eastern Kentucky and had seven starts in 12 games. The secondary brought some quality transfers this season, but Ross is still expected to be a leader in Year 2.
Jevyon Ducker
Running back Jevyon Ducker transferred from Northern Illinois last season and led the Tigers with 544 rushing yards. The running back room is stacked with returnees Brandon Thomas and Sutton Smith while also adding newcomers Blake Watson and Ke’Travion Hargrove. Ducker will be competing for a top-2 spot this season.
Cormontae Hamilton
Defensive lineman Cormontae Hamilton didn’t waste any time earning a starting spot after transferring from Ohio State. He started in all 13 games last season. Cormontae played a major role in helping the Tigers be the third-best run defense in the conference. Expect Hamilton to be even better in his second year with defensive line coach Kyle Pope.
Joseph Scates
Joseph Scates didn’t have as big of an impact in the wide receiver room as some people expected after transferring from Iowa State last season. He was the fifth-leading pass catcher with 18 grabs for 412 yards and four touchdowns. Scates, however, is the leading returnee with Memphis top four pass-catchers from last year gone. The Tigers have a new receivers coach in Larry Smith and Scates has the speed to be a threat with the deep ball.
Anthony Landphere
Former College of San Mateo transfer tight end Anthony Landphere appeared in all 13 games last season, but former Tiger Caden Prieskorn was the main tight end who led the team with 48 receptions. Prieskorn entered the transfer portal and landed at Ole Miss. That leaves room for another tight end to take that leading role. Landphere will have a chance to be that guy.
More from your Insider:
While the X’s and O’s of football are what reeled him into coaching, Matt Barnes became more interested in the interpersonal relationship side of it all as he got older.
The Tigers will start the 2023 season with three straight evening games
MAHS graduate Cameron Miller is back in his hometown of Memphis after spending one year with the Volunteers.
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