Welcome to the new Tigers Football Insider. Each week, we’ll bring you the latest news and analysis from The Daily Memphian’s Steven Johnson, Geoff Calkins and Don Wade. 

So far, the Tigers’ season started out on a relatively high note, with a 37-24 win over Arkansas State despite being short-handed on defense.

Defensive coordinator Mike MacIntyre talked at length in the preseason about Memphis needing to have guys in the second and third string ready to go in this new COVID reality.

One of those players who was thrust into a larger role earlier than expected was defensive back Rodney Owens.

Playing a hybrid safety/nickel on Saturday against the Red Wolves, Owens was a fresh face who turned in a solid performance. 

At his weekly availability, head coach Ryan Silverfield went out of his way to praise how Owens filled in.

“Really happy with the way Rodney played. He stepped into that role being able to play back in the secondary. He was a young man that I recruited out of high school in Nashville and when he came, we were wondering, ‘Okay, does he have to be an in the box safety, more of a run-stopping guy?’” Silverfield said. “What he’s been able to show us since he’s been with us is that he’s grown a lot. He’s gotten stronger; he’s actually gotten faster.” 

Silverfield also praised Owens’ intelligence and toughness as well as his contributions on special teams. Owens could be a name to watch on defense going forward.

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