Of the 11 players who saw the majority of the action for The University of Memphis last season, only three will step foot on the brand new FieldTurf Sept. 5 at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium.
The squad has lost four of five offensive line starters from last year, four of its five top receiving yardage leaders and a quarterback who holds five single game passing records, four single season passing records and five of seven career passing records.
The biggest piece of the new offensive puzzle is Patrick Byrne, who was appointed to the position just last week in time for the season opener against Ole Miss.
Byrne has yet to attempt a pass for the Tigers in his career.
However, with the news in January that running back DeAngelo Williams would return for his senior season, the offense can still plant fear in opposing defenses.
The men paving the way for Williams and his race for the Heisman trophy will be very different from last year.
Blake Butler is the lone returning starter and will move from guard to center. Senior Andrew Handy, a three-year starter, will return to his guard position one year after injuring his leg.
The development of the offensive line will help both Williams and Byrne.
Although summer scrimmages riddled with mental errors and poor execution aren’t to head coach Tommy West’s liking, Handy said the line will be ready for the Rebels.
“We try to do it to perfection and try to make as few mistakes as possible,” he said. “We’re getting better. Everybody is doing their jobs. (There have been) no problems.
“We’re real close now. These past couple weeks everything has just been clicking.”
Offensive Coordinator Randy Fichtner’s spread offense will still be in full effect this fall and it should help Byrne.
The system allowed the Tigers to average 6.1 yards per play and 30.2 points per game in 2004, which contributed to a second straight bowl appearance and an 8-4 record.
The unpredictability of the offense played a large role in the success the Tigers had in moving the ball. Although the team has a running back with NFL talent, the team will still be deceptive with the ball.
“You never know where the ball is going,” said Williams. “It could go to the receiver, quarterback (or) running back. It’s just wide open right now.
“It’s very important (to be unpredictable) because when you’re predictable it’s easier to contain the offense and pickup on your plays.”
The squad will also rely on Maurice Avery and Mario Pratcher to pick up slack left by the departure of Tavares Gideon and Darron White.
Pratcher missed the Aug. 20 scrimmage with a foot problem, which progressively got worse to the point he had to wear a protective boot. At last Tuesday’s post-scrimmage practice, Pratcher took a few passes at half speed.
Joseph Doss, backup running back, will see a lot of action this year and play along side Williams in the backfield. Doss has put on muscle to match his quickness, but does not see himself as a change of pace back.
“DeAngelo is back there and he’s quick, too. I’m another weapon,” he said.
