10 questions for Memphis football 10 days away from season opener with Ole Miss

Evan Barnes
Memphis Commercial Appeal

Memphis is 10 days from kicking off the 2019 football season when it hosts Ole Miss at the Liberty Bowl on Aug. 31

Here are 10 questions about the Tigers along with 10 answers.

What does depth chart look like?

With the first depth chart of the season coming out Monday, most of the potential starters are set. Fourteen return from last year, Kedarian Jones is expected to start at No. 3 receiver, and Obinna Eze, Manuel Orona-Lopez and Scottie Dill will join Dylan Parham and Dustin Woodard on the offensive line.

Defensive end Joseph Dorceus is expected to be named a starter after playing with the first unit all preseason. The third linebacker spot with Austin Hall and JJ Russell has been rotated with Tim Hart and Josh Perry.

At safety, it was easy to assume La’Andre Thomas and Tyrez Lindsey would maintain their spots. Thomas started last season before he was injured and Quindell Johnson and Sanchez Blake have rotated first-team reps at Lindsey's spot. That leaves a bit of intrigue.

Are there any key injuries?

Besides several starters who were held out of the second scrimmage, Sean Dykes and Chris Claybrooks did not dress on Saturday. Dykes also was held out of the first scrimmage along with veterans like Patrick Taylor, Damonte Coxie, Joey Magnifico.

Coach Mike Norvell typically holds veterans out of scrimmages to get a better look at younger players. When asked about injuries on Monday, Norvell said he’s still evaluating players and nobody has been ruled out for the opener..

Is Kenneth Gainwell set as the No. 2 running back?

It’s not final but Kenneth Gainwell looked dynamic and consistent in both scrimmages. His experience last season is paying off and odds are he’ll get the first chance to get carries behind Patrick Taylor.

Kylan Watkins and Traveon Samuel will also be in the mix, with Samuel likely getting looks in receiver packages, too.

University  of Memphis defensive lineman Kayode Oladele during spring practice in South Campus.

Any impact freshmen to watch?

While the 2019 class may have not players  who’ll suit up right away, there’s a few redshirt freshmen who could see the field.

Besides Quindell Johnson, look for Kayode Oladele to add impact on the defensive line as another pass rusher. After redshirting last year, Oladele has  been getting reps with the second team as a backup pass rusher with Everitt Cunningham.

Should fans be excited about the defensive depth?

Yes. Oladele and Cunningham have shown there’s no drop-off from potential starting defensive ends Bryce Huff and Dorceus. The linebackers are almost interchangeable with Xavier Cullens and Perry pushing Hart and Russell for reps.

Oladele, Cunningham and returning defensive tackle John Tate will be key considering that defensive line injuries have hurt Memphis the past two seasons. If this group and the linebackers stay healthy, the front seven could be the deepest and most productive of Norvell’s tenure.

Is Brady White’s arm strength better?

Yes it is. Brady White’s short to intermediate passes have more zip in practice and he’s even flashed the deep ball more, as shown by his long touchdown pass to Calvin Austin in Saturday’s scrimmage that was nullified by a late sack.

White has shown an improved repertoire, including better command of the offense and being more willing to run.

Memphis Tigers wide receiver Calvin Austin III smiles as his side scores a touchdown during their Friday Night Stripes spring game at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on Friday, April 12, 2019.

What about receivers Calvin Austin and Antonio Gibson?

Norvell said Austin and Gibson have flashed signs of taking a bigger leap forward to help add depth.

Austin is the team’s speediest receiver and has been more consistent with his catching and route running. Gibson said he's more comfortable and knows the playbook better in his second year.

How is the offensive line progressing?

Eze, Parham, Woodard, Orona-Lopez and Dill had a better start Saturday, but how much remains to be seen.

Collectively, they are bigger than last year. This year’s group averages 293.2 pounds, 4.2 more than last year’s. Much of that has come from Parham adding weight from 256 to 286 pounds.

Size alone can’t replace the experience of two four-year starters but it helps when facing an SEC defensive front in Ole Miss.

Who could be team captains?

Norvell typically names captains on a game-by-game basis and he’s already said  how much better the leadership is among his players.

So who could go out for the opening coin toss against Ole Miss? Taylor,White, Woodward and Hall are leading candidates. All but White are seniors and have been mentioned by teammates or observed as players that have led by their words and actions.

Memphis unveiled the "turnover robe" during Saturday's 66-14 win over Mercer.

Will the Takeaway Robe and Takeaway Belt return?

The Takeaway Belt — Memphis’ celebration for creating takeaways — has been a staple for two seasons, and the Takeaway Robe became a team and fan favorite last season

When asked if it’s bringing those back, Fuller said he wasn’t opposed to anything that encourages good habits. He’ll often be the first person to celebrate takeaways more than some players.

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You can reach Tigers football beat writer Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_B) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com