Memphis football roster tracker: Who will play for Tigers in the 2022 season?
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Roster turnover has become a bigger part of college football's offseason and Memphis is no exception.
Some Tigers said goodbye as their careers have ended or they've entered the transfer portal. Some have returned to use their super senior year. The Tigers have also added several transfers hoping they produce better than last year's newcomers.
Here's a look at the main players returning at each position. Things remain fluid as the Tigers' roster will keep changing through the start of spring practice.
Quarterback
Who’s gone: Peter Parrish is no longer with the team.
Who’s back: Seth Henigan started 11 of 12 games last season and remains the starter. Grant Gunnell will try to challenge after a season-ending injury in preseason practice. Freshman three-star recruit Tevin Carter enrolled for the spring semester and fellow three-star recruit JC French will arrive for preseason practice.
For new offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey, his most important job is evaluating this position. Will Henigan stay QB1 or does a healthy Gunnell change things? Parrish's departure means it'll be important to have depth but Carter is at least a year away from contributing despite his belief that he'll challenge for the job. Walk-on Hunter Hulsey is also on the roster.
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Running back
Who’s gone: Kylan Watkins entered the transfer portal.
Who’s back: Brandon Thomas’ health remains a question but the Tigers’ leading rusher is enrolled for the spring semester. Rodrigues Clark and Asa Martin return as does power back Marquavius Weaver. An’Darius Coffey and JP Martin also return as young backs to push the vets ahead of them.
Transfer Jeyvon "Jay" Ducker’s arrival from Northern Illinois brings more competition after he rushed for 1,184 yards last season. Either way, this group needs more speed, pass-catching versatility and just more production overall after the Tigers ranked 10th out of 11 AAC teams in rushing.
Wide receiver
Who’s gone: Calvin Austin III finished his eligibility.
Who’s back: Javon Ivory (413 yards, four TDs), Eddie Lewis (349 yards, four TDs) and Gabriel Rogers (179 yards, one TD) form the core that must replace Austin’s production. Koby Drake (125 yards) and Roc Taylor (117 yards) had solid freshman seasons. Marcayall Jones and Cameron Wright could also contribute.
Junior Joseph Scates is looking for a fresh start after three years at Iowa State. However, the Tigers are looking someone to be a clear-cut No. 1 receiver as well as a strong No. 2 option.
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Tight end
Who’s gone: Sean Dykes finished his eligibility
Who’s back: Caden Prieskorn (four catches, 46 yards) is the only tight end besides Dykes who caught a pass last season. Someone must step up between him and fellow returners Drew Martin, Jeremy Tate and John Hassell. Freshman Errington McRae is healthy after a preseason ACL injury.
Memphis also is hoping for immediate help from juco signee Anthony Landphere. Just like at running back and receiver, the Tigers need a playmaker to emerge.
Offensive line
Who’s gone: Right guard and four-year starter Dylan Parham is prepping for the NFL Draft. Left guard Isaac Ellis entered the transfer portal and Evan Fields, who replaced Ellis as a starter, has medically retired.
Who’s back: Three starters including left tackle Jonah Gambill, , center Jacob Likes and right tackle Matt Dale. So is left tackle Austin Myers, who started four games before a season-ending knee injury.
Transfer Ira Henry III (Florida State) and juco signees Davion Carter and Terrance McClain will add some competition. Parham must be replaced and the whole group needs to improve with run blocking.
Defensive line
Who’s gone: Defensive tackle John Tate finished his eligibility. Devon Robinson and Kajuan Robinson are in the transfer portal. Two-year starter Morris Joseph transferred to Georgia Tech and starter John Cartwiright medically retired
Who’s back: Starter Wardalis Ducksworth is back for one last season as is senior Maurice White. Defensive tackle Zy Brockington will look for more reps. Senior Cincir Evans could also take a bigger role as could sophomore Cam'Ron Jackson. The Tigers also added former Arkansas State defensive lineman (and Kirby High School graduate) Corbet Mims.
However, the Tigers have a lot of young players in this group without much proven depth. Freshman like Javon Nelson and Dedrick Smith and incoming three-star recruit Joshua White might not be ready to contribute but they’ll benefit getting tested in spring practice.
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Linebackers
Who’s gone: Starters JJ Russell and Thomas Pickens exhausted their eligibility. Fellow starter Cole Mashburn had to medically retire this offseason.
Who’s back: Senior Xavier Cullens (team-high 8.5 tackles for loss) returns.Jaylon Allen (team-high five sacks) was used as a hybrid lineman-linebacker but what role will he play under new coordinator Matt Barnes? Sophomore Bryce Edmondson gained experience as a true freshman.
Memphis added five newcomers who'll enroll this spring. Geoffrey Cantin-Arku had 43 tackles at Syracuse last season while Tyler Murray was an All-Conference USA honorable mention at Charlotte. Warren Peeples was an impact pass rusher in junior college.
This group will miss Russell and Pickens but has to find players to add depth to get better stopping the run.
Defensive backs
Who’s gone: Jacobi Francis finished his eligibility. Devonte Nelson and Jashon Watkins-Perkins entered the transfer portal. Starting safety Sanchez Blake has medically retired.
Who’s back: Safeties Quindell Johnson and Rodney Owens are arguably the team’s best returning defenders. Cornerback Greg Rubin was solid starting in his first season and Sylvonta Oliver has experience.
Cameron Smith played 10 games as a freshman. Julian Barnett was mostly used on special teams. Ladarian Paulk could be another impact transfer at safety. More depth is needed because the Tigers must improve in pass coverage and forcing more third-down stops.
Specialists
Who’s gone: Holder/long snapper Preston Brady exhausted his eligibility.
Who’s back: Kicker David Kemp and punter Joe Doyle aim to have better seasons. Doyle shouldn’t have to worry about juggling both kicking duties this time. If Kemp has a healthier 2022, he can build on making his last five field goals and 10 of his last 11 PATs.
Memphis also added junior college signees William Stewart (long snapper) and Tanner Gillis (punter)
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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis football roster tracker: Who will play for Tigers in 2022
