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.

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Tigers Football Insider: Defense determined to gel, sooner than later

Memphis’ defense has several new faces, but linemen Jaylon Allen and Cormontae Hamilton are happy about the progress so far. 

MAHS graduate Cameron Miller is back in his hometown of Memphis after spending one year with the Volunteers.

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Memphis has been identified as a target of the Big 12, but it has plenty of competition. Several factors would have to fall into place for the Tigers to make a move from the Group of Five to a Power 5 conference.

Pittsburg State product Christian Carter is the fourth receiver who has announced plans to transfer to Memphis since the end of the 2022 season.

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The California kid set college career passing records at the University of Memphis. Then, he became a starting USFL quarterback. Now, he’s returned to being a backup but handling the setback professionally.

“We need it to continue to elevate in terms of the renewals and new sales, but we really expect that to pick up over the next couple of months.”

Keveion’ta Spears, who appeared in 12 games as a redshirt freshman last season, is the fifth transfer defensive lineman joining the Tigers for 2023.

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Transfer portal tracker: Memphis Tigers football

Former Sam Houston State kicker Seth Morgan made 15-of-21 field goals last season. He made all 14 of his extra-point attempts and completed 36 kickoffs with nine touchbacks as a sophomore.

The 901 Fund raised $831,437 in 2022, and co-founder Clay Presley expects that to increase in 2023.

Former Georgia Southern kicker Alex Raynor flipped to Kentucky after initially committed to the Tigers Jan. 21.

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The Melrose High alum who played for Memphis from 2015-18 was the host of a football camp for youngsters ages 6 to 16 on Saturday at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. 

Cade Cunningham will reunite with Memphis offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey, who previously held the same position for the Thundering Herd.

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Transfer portal tracker: Memphis Tigers football

New Tigers addition Tyrin Taylor had 29 tackles, an interception and two pass deflections for the Buffaloes in 2022. 

Former Memphis defensive back Sylvonta Oliver has already participated in a New York Giants rookie minicamp. Now, he’s headed to Pittsburgh’s. 

Instead of relying on highlight spin moves and unnecessary dancing with defenders, Sean Dawkins teaches how to attack the correct angles.

Mike Aresco writes a 2,500-plus-word letter making the case for what he wants the conference to be called.

“Being in the state of Tennessee, I think it’s really important that we have a presence here in Memphis,” Vanderbilt athletic director Candice Lee said.

Former Tigers punter Joe Doyle felt confident in his chances of signing an undrafted free agent deal with the Houston Texans. 

Austin Smith caught one 4-yard touchdown pass for Colorado last season.

Safety Quindell Johnson is one of five former Memphis football players who signed an undrafted free agent deal or earned a mini-camp invite following the 2023 NFL Draft.

The University of Memphis has had at least one player taken in the NFL Draft for the last nine years. Former Tigers safety Quindell Johnson hopes to keep the streak alive. 

The Tigers haven’t been majorly impacted by the spring transfer portal. Defensive back Ladarian Paulk is the only major contributor from last season who has decided to leave so far. 

It was a low-scoring affair and coach Ryan Silverfield said the defenses played the better game. 

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