Last season, Paxton Lynch and the Memphis offense led the Tigers to a 9-4 record and the school’s highest ranking in the AP poll. The Tigers will be counting on a number of key returners from last season’s team to help lead the way offensively as Riley Ferguson will take over for Lynch, who was taken in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos.
1. Anthony Miller
The top receiver, and possibly top skill player, to return to the Tigers’ offense is junior wide receiver Anthony Miller. Last season, he posted the second best stat line on the receiving core - Mose Frazier was the best. In 12 games, Miller caught 47 passes for 694 yards. He averaged 14.7 yards per reception and 57.8 yards per game. Miller also led the team in touchdown receptions with five. Miller will hope to find a similar rapport with Ferguson and build off his strong sophomore season.
2. Doroland Dorceus
Junior running back Doroland Dorceus is the most established player to return on the offensive side of the ball. He was heavily relied on as the top running back last season. Dorceus was the only back to take part in all 13 games and he had 64 more attempts than the next player. He led the team in rushing yards and touchdowns - posting 659 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. He also added 217 yards and three touchdowns receiving. His ability to contribute to the passing game makes him instrumental to success of the offense.
3. Daniel Montiel
Junior tight end Daniel Montiel has a big role to fill with the loss of Alan Cross. Cross did not post many stats last season, but he did do everything needed, and more, from a tight end – showing that he’s more than capable as a blocker and a pass catcher. Montiel played in all 13 games last season and did well when the ball came his way. He only caught 10 passes, but he averaged more than 15 yards per catch and three were for touchdowns. He has the potential to fill the void left by Cross and become a more featured option in the passing game.
4. Gabe Kuhn and Drew Kyser
Tied for fourth are offensive linemen Gabe Kuhn, right tackle, and Drew Kyser, center. Both players started 12 of the 13 games last season and both played in more than 85 percent of offensive snaps on the year. They were part of a high scoring offense that posted school record numbers. But, Kuhn and Kyser need to lead the line to a better season. Last year, the Tigers were top 50 in most passing line stats and bottom 50 in rushing line stats. In order for Memphis to keep succeeding, the line has to be solid.
5. Phil Mayhue
The No. 2 option at receiver, junior Phil Mayhue, is already at that level. Last season, Mayhue was a top possession option. He was second on the team in receptions with 51 and third on the team with 670 yards, averaging 51.5 yards per game. Those stats can already be considered good as a second option, but Mayhue was the third option last year. With more attempts bound to come his way, he looks to improve his numbers. His only downfall last season was that he only had one touchdown reception, but that can be explained by so many players in front of him getting the redzone touches. Being the third receiver, he was not on the field in some redzone packages. This year, he will have to step up and be a main redzone target with the loses on Cross and Frazier.
