The U of M Tigers aren’t known as DB U, and there’s a good reason for that.
Last year they were torched by good passing offenses, and this year may be the same. They’re adding 4 3-star recruits, two by transfer, two by recruitment.
2 Transfer Portal Additions – Joseph Norwood, New Mexico Mil Inst. Laudarian Paulk, Fort Scott Comm. College
2 Direct Recruiting Additions – Trevor Hardy, Alabaster, AL, Dredrick Bell, Pensacola, FL,
The four additions are relatively closely ranked by recruiting agencies, and there’s nothing notable except they’re predominantly six foot two or taller. If you watched Memphis DBs get out-jumped by WRs often six inches taller than the Memphis squad, you know this is not an insignificant fact.
They’re returning some depth, mainly Safeties Quindell Johnson and Rodney Owens. Also, CBs Greg Rubin, who was starting in his first season and also Sylvonta Oliver. Returning as well are Cameron Smith and Julian Barnett.
Quindell Johnson and Rodney Owens Will Have Good Years for Memphis
Quindell Johnson was second-team all-AAC last year, and was ranked 12th in the country in solo tackles. This is either a testament to his range and tackling ability, or an indictment to the DL and linebacker in front of him. Rodney Owens played in all 12 games last year, as well as the two years before. A veteran presence, he is in his sixth collegiate season. This is no longer a rarity because of the Covid restriction “added-year” from 2020. CBs Greg Rubin, who was starting in his first season and also Sylvonta Oliver may have larger roles. Cameron Smith and Julian Barnett are returning as well.
Hopefully the recruits will bolster a squad hurt by graduation and transfer, and ranking only 95th of 130 FBS schools, a dangerously low standing. However, because of the quick-strike offense, the defense was on the field a lot, and only gave up 4.42 yards a play, which actually put the defense comparable to Florida, Tennessee, and Ohio State, near the middle of the pack in per-play average.
My pre-camp guestimate for this defensive unit is a C+.