Memphis Tigers Roster 2019 Tigers Roster

Head Coach: Mike Norvell        2017 Salary: $1,860,000        Offensive Coordinator: Kenny Dillingham       Defensive Coordinator: Chris Ball         

Stadium: Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium       Surface: Turf        City: Memphis        State: Tennessee

Once again, the Memphis Tigers are poised to be an unstoppable offensive juggernaut this season who will seem to be able to score at will. Over the last seven games of 2017, the Tigers averaged over 50 points per game. Now the question is whether the system can carry the Tigers now that much of that powerful offense has been lost to graduation. The answer is yes.

David Moore is the frontrunner to start at quarterback. Last season's backup has the ability to hurt opposing defenses with his legs. The real threat on offense is running back Darrell Henderson. Him and Patrick Taylor form a two-headed monster in the backfield. The offensive line is experienced and able to open the holes necessary for these two runners. Look for Memphis to play to its strength and run the ball more this season.

This year's Tigers may have to rely more on their defense to survive. Last season, the Tigers had the ability to win track meets. They had to because the defense was one of the worst in the country. Now, with eight returning staters, Memphis will have to assume more of a defensive identity. The Tigers are going to have to improve after allowing 466 yards per game last season.

Memphis is established as a perennial power in the AAC. This has enabled coach Mike Norvell to land solid recruiting classes that befit the Tigers' status. Even with the recruits, another top-25 ranking may be a stretch for the Tigers this year.

Preseason Outlook

Memphis places their roster on the map with athletic talent in 2018. The Memphis mold usually favors this make-up but retaining and claiming talents to filled the skilled positions has been something that has proven difficult over the last few seasons. Mike Norvell finished 10-3 in his first season, a performance that won't be easily replicated with key losses at skill positions. For the first time in recent memory, the program will tout two QB talents that could claim the starting role: Brady White and David Moore. Both players are good contributors and fits for the position, opening offensive sets for some imaginative looks. The roster was incredibly young last season, so the climb to the sophomore ranks for freshman carryovers will equate to higher consistencies.

The defense returns all of its playmakers and looks to climb the CFB ranks in terms of havoc, stoppage, and other such tangibles. There will be less instance of folly and a better stance of well-rounded contribution. The Tiger's schedule is tame, but that can be attributed to in-conference competition level. UCF is the strongest opponent, which may help Norvell return to the land of double-digit wins in 2018. Reworking the quarterback position will be a refinement that tells the tale for the 2018 season. Being ranked just outside the top-25 could mark for a leap into the top-25 or top-15 come end of season, capping a successful second stint in Memphis for Norvell and company.