By Ralph Lauro Aug 20, 2007, 14:10 GMT
OFFENSE: The Tigers struggled with consistency on offense last season, but with the return of seven starters this unit could be among the top in the league. Senior quarterback Martin Hankins came on strong last season and fared well in his first year at Memphis. The Southeastern Louisiana transfer completed 59.9 percent of his throws, for 2,550 yards and 18 touchdowns last season and he could be primed for a big campaign in his second season in this system. Hankins should be aided by a solid wide receiver corps that is highlighted by sophomore Duke Calhoun. The 6-4, 185-pound Calhoun showed glimpses of his talent last year, catching 42 passes for 681 yards and a team- high six touchdowns, and should have no trouble surpassing those numbers as the top target this season. As for the ground game, it averaged a mere 111.7 rushing ypg last season, but the Tigers appear more committed to controlling the clock and running the ball this season. This is good news for senior tailback Joseph Doss, who racked up 910 rushing yards and seven touchdowns as the starter last season. Doss can also be used out of the backfield, catching 25 passes for 205 yards and two more scores. The offensive line returns three starters and that should help Doss crack the 1,000-yard plateau this season.
DEFENSE: Last season was a complete disaster on defense for the Tigers, who surrendered a whopping 30.4 ppg and 408.7 total ypg, so there is only room for improvement in 2007. Several new coaches were brought in on this side of the ball in an attempt to generate more big plays and slow down opposing teams. Along the defensive line Memphis is deep and talented and that is no more evident than in the fact that the three returning starters from last year could end up in reserve roles in 2007. In the middle, junior LBs Heath Grant (81 tackles) and Greg Jackson (69 tackles) return as starters and they will be helped by Tommy Phelps, who has all the tools to flourish after transferring from community college. In the secondary, Memphis made it known that it is going to start all over and that means a lot of growing pains in the defensive backfield. Brandon Patterson started at corner and safety a year ago and he finished with 47 tackles and three interceptions. His experience and leadership will go a long way in molding this young secondary.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Sophomore Matt Reagan nailed 12-of-17 field goals last season and he will once again handle the kicking duties. Juco transfer Brent Sutherland will take over as punter for the departed Michael Gibson, who was an All-C-USA player.
OUTLOOK: The Tigers should be able to move the ball a lot better, but stopping teams from doing the same won't be easy. Memphis has numerous questions surrounding its defense and that will most likely be the downfall of this club. Still, an improvement from last year's two win showing shouldn't be hard for this team, but a winning campaign is probably out of the question.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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