Likes is a redshirt Junior. Memphis used to be known as Running Back U, but the numbers show a little pullback since graduating two highly drafted NFL RBs the same year. The last Memphis interior lineman to be on a preseason watchlist was Dylan Parham (Outland trophy watchlist) in 2020-21.
This highly recruited offensive lineman graduated from high school at Christian Brothers High School, Memphis. He was graded a three-star prospect according to 24/7 sports.
These are the stats for rushing attempts, rushes, yards per play, longest run, and touchdowns.
2019 551 2,614 4.7 78 32
2020 396 1,597 4.0 47 9
2021 416 1,645 4.0 75 18
The numbers are striking when compared to the 2019 season. Losing 3 NFL draft pick running backs in 2 years can do that to you, though. (Gibson, Pollard, Henderson) Despite the efforts of Parham and Likes on the offensive line, there is clearly a backslide on the rushing side of the line. Parham graduated, but Myers (injured most of last year) returns to the offensive line. In addition a couple of new running back additions might help last year’s effort.
His line-mate Austin Myers’s season-ending injury in the fourth game might have affected his play. As a result of that injury, the Tigers started a freshman in Gambill. Other offense line disruptions were when Isaac Ellis lost his starting spot at left guard. Ellis transferred this year and no longer is a Tiger.
Even though Tigers football in the season has a relatively low profile, sometimes a players personality shows in the off-season. Listen to “this podcast”for a clearer picture of the person behind the player.
Even looking into next year, there’s been a little bit of buzz about Like’s prospects for the 2023 NFL draft. There’s some in-depth discussion of Memphis Tigers’ possible draft choices in next year’s drafts… even though we haven’t even started fall practice yet.
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