This is part of a series of preseason position breakdowns for the University of Memphis; you can look at the others here, here, and here.
The Tigers receiving corps will be led by Javon Ivory, Gabriel Rogers and Eddie Lewis. Javon Ivory had 23 catches for 356 yards in 2020, and 29 catches for 413 in 2021. Eddie Lewis had 22 catches for 349 yards in 2021. Gabriel Rogers had 15 catches for 179 yards in 2021. These players will try to step up to fill the substantial loss of Calvin Austin III who was drafted last year.
Some notable additions to the receiving corps hope to make their mark this year.
WR transfer Joseph Scates played in 11 games for Iowa State across three seasons. He was recording 16 receptions for 304 yards and four touchdowns. Scates is a former four star recruit, and he announced last year he was entering the transfer portal for his last 2 years of eligibility, and he signed with Memphis.
TE transfer Anthony Landphere is a three-star recruit from the College of San Mateo. Th six foot five inch 255 pound TE was the number 3 junior college transfer TE according to 24/7 Sports.
There’s also incoming freshmen hoping to make an impact.
3 star WR recruit Destun Thomas, 6 foot 2 inches. He hailed from Cleveland High School. He arrived there after transferring from Bradley High School. His coach at Cleveland High School had praise for him. The comments were after Thomas making four touchdown catches in a 38-12 win over Hardin Valley, in his junior year.
3 star WR recruit Jamari Hawkins is from Baker High School, from Mobile, AL. He is Six feet two inches, 178 pounds. He also competed statewide in high school running hurdles, and is known for his speed.
These players will compete with other receivers for playing time.
These include Koby Drake, a red-shirt sophomore, and Roc Taylor sophomore. Also expected to compete are Marcayli Jones, a red-shirt sophomore, Zach Switzer, a red-shirt freshman, and Cameron Wright, a red-shirt Freshman.
Despite some highly ranked players, the preseason predictions have Memphis fifth in the conference. Esteemed publications like PFF have no Memphis receivers on their 1st, 2nd, or 3rd team AAC teams. Perhaps a strong second year from Quarterback Seth Henigan can raise this receiving corps to new heights.