The Daily Helmsman Sports Writers Abigail Warren and Jeremiah Graham answer seven questions about Memphis Tiger football.
1. Who was the best pickup on national signing day?
Warren: Offensive tackle Obinna Eze from Nashville. He will be a help on the offensive line giving Ferguson more time to make his plays with accuracy. He is also the third highest commit in Memphis history.
Graham: I'd say the biggest signing would be T.J. Carter. He'll give the tigers a much needed boost in the secondary and he'll be a big time play maker in the return game.
2. Which recruit will make the biggest impact in his first season?
Warren: Four-star corner back Terrell Carter is among the top ranked defensive players in Tennessee. Memphis struggled defensively too often last year and will be able to help them out.
Graham: I would say Nick Robinson. I like Robinson because of his 6’4 frame. He’ll be a nice red-zone target for Ferguson.
3. Outside of Riley Ferguson and Anthony Miller, who will be the Tigers best returning player?
Warren: Doroland Dorceus, he has already rushed for 1000 yards in his career. I expect him to have an exceptional senior year.
Graham: I'll say receiver Phil Mayhue. Anthony Miller will most likely see a lot more double coverage his way and he'll have more one on one opportunities to make plays on the outside
4. What are your expectations for Ferguson and Miller?
Warren: Ferguson should continue to improve. He proved himself as the starting quarterback last season. I hope to see him play cleaner games in the fall. I expect Miller to keep up his good play and for Ferguson to target him a lot.
Graham: I have high expectations for both. I think Miller will emerge as the best wide out in the conference. I expect him to lead the conference in all the major receiving categories. Ferguson’s play last year was a pleasant surprise. I think he’ll be top 3 in the conference in yards, touchdowns, and passer rating this year.
5. How many games will the Tigers win and will they win the AAC?
Warren: There is still a lot of young talent that I don't think has reached its potential on the team. They'll probably go 10-3. I don't expect them to win the AAC.
Graham: With it being another year under the Norvell regime, I think the Tigers will improve their win total to nine or ten wins next year. They’ll be right in the thick of the conference title race.
6. What is one prediction about the team that you haven’t anyone else say?
Warren: Memphis will have a first round pick in the 2018 NFL draft. I think that Anthony Miller and Riley Ferguson have a chance to prove themselves this season.
Graham: I think that the Tigers will finish the season in the top 25.
7. Will Riley Patterson be the next great Memphis kicker behind Jake Elliot and Stephen Gostkowski?
Warren: That's a high but not unreasonable expectation. Patterson is the fourth ranked kicker in the class of 2017. He's not to the level of Jake Elliott yet, but I think Memphis football can expect a lot from him.
Graham: It’s hard to say at this point. He definitely has the potential. He’s very accurate and seems poised in big moments. If I had to bet my money, I would say yes.
Phil Mayhue catches a pass from Ferguson then turns and runs for the long gain. Mayhue was the team’s second leading receiver behind Anthony Miller.
