The Memphis Tigers open the season against an FCS opponent that posted a 2-9 record last season, so there shouldn’t be any problems putting away Bethune-Cookman early. Tigers kick off yearlong recognition of first Black student-athletesRelated story:
“I like to think of our team and particularly our defense as sort of a representation of the City of Memphis,” Matt Barnes said.
For the first Memphis football Tigers Talk, Frank Bonner II and John Martin discuss the ceiling and floor of this year’s team while sharing who they believe will be the biggest playmaker this season. Tigers Football Insider: Defensive Coordinator expects defense to be grittyRelated story:
While there were some obvious answers to the depth chart that any media member or knowledgeable fan could have figured out, the Tigers did offer a surprise or two in its release.
“The game’s really not complicated,” Barnhart said. “You’ve gotta have the facilities, and then you’ve gotta recruit. You gotta do those two things.”
University of Memphis president makes a case that the Tigers’ hunt for a new home is real.
Should the city move forward with funding for the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium? Of course. But only as part of a larger agreement that keeps the Grizzlies in town. U of M president on realignment: ‘We are a well-kept secret and we should not be’Related story:
Bill Hardgrave and athletic director Laird Veatch spent nearly 25 minutes Monday assuring Tiger fans that Memphis is still a part of the realignment conversation.
Brad Loos will manage the Memphis Athletics Fund and lead the strategic planning of major gifts for the athletic department.
The Memphis offense has relied heavily on its tight ends in recent years, and the Tigers are hoping to strike gold for a fourth consecutive time. The next man up is Anthony Landphere.
“The job in front of Silverfield is immense, and it’s not as simple as a win/loss record or a mediocre bowl game appearance.”
Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield said Anthony Landphere is the starting tight end, Makylan Pounders gets the nod at left tackle and he named the three running backs who are expected to see the field the most.
“Our goal is to provide a great experience for all fans, whether it’s your 40th year as a season ticket holder or you’re attending your first game,” athletic director Laird Veatch said in a statement.
The city is still debating how to fund renovations to both Simmons Bank Liberty Bowl and FedExForum.
Josh Ellison appeared in all 37 games during his three years at Oklahoma but didn’t play the number of snaps he was looking for. He plans to be a significant part of the defensive line at Memphis.
Memphis football players spent an afternoon hanging out with patients at the Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital before enjoying Fan Fest with Tiger fans.
Chris Morris signed with the Tigers in December and entered the NCAA transfer portal in July.
Deputy athletic director Jeff Crane said Memphis would like to sell at least another 1,000-1,200 more season tickets before the 2023 season starts. Single-game tickets sales are on the rise, he said. Tigers Football Insider: Memphis volunteers at the Mid-South Food BankRelated story:
The Memphis athletic department doubled down on its commitment to combat hunger in the community by volunteering at the Mid-South Food Bank Wednesday, Aug. 16.
Eight-event series features three college coaches, including Memphis’ Ryan Silverfield. Tony Barnhart, “Mr. College Football,” kicks things off Aug. 28.
Davion Carter has come a long way from the jitters he had during his first snap as a Tiger last season. That starts with watching film, and he’s passing down the habit to the younger players. Arkansas-to-Memphis move rekindles Simeon Blair’s love for footballRelated story:
New Tigers safety Simeon Blair contemplated his future as the Razorbacks were busy beating Kansas in the crazy 2022 AutoZone Liberty Bowl. Now, the safety is expected to play an integral role in Memphis’ 2023 secondary.
New special teams coordinator Chris White offered updates on the kicking battle and mentioned a couple of players who could start as returners. Tigers Football Insider: Players on preseason watchlists for national awardsRelated Story:
Three Tigers were included on four different national award watchlists with quarterback Seth Henigan being named on two of them.
Blake Watson came to Old Dominion as a receiver. The Monarchs were shorthanded at running back during a spring practice, so they used Watson. He hasn’t looked back since.