Conference USA Preview: Memphis Tigers
New head coach, Larry Porter, brings with him a sense of renewal and rejuvenation for Tigers fans. Finding a new QB to lead the program is Porter’s most pressing current issue. The Tigers went an unattractive 2-10 last season, and the lack of any talent at the quarterback position was just one of Memphis’ glaring weaknesses during the 2009 season.
Andy Summerlin, a transfer from Coffeyville Community College, is expected to get first crack at the QB position. Summerlin is a 6’5” gunslinger who has no problem seeing over even the tallest defensive linemen. Tyler Bass is also expected to figure into the QB equation, as Bass has more game experience than any of the other 4 QBs currently on the roster.
Whoever emerges as the starter will have 6’4” Miami transfer Jermaine McKenzie to throw the ball to. McKenzie is expected to enter the fall as the #1 receiver on the roster.
Memphis’ defense got a huge boost when Porter brought in former Alabama head coach Mike DuBose to coach the defensive line while former Michigan assistant Jay Hopson was pegged to be the defensive coordinator.
Porter’s status as a top-level recruiter along with coaches like Hopson and DuBose leads one to believe that top defensive recruits will now strongly consider the Memphis Tigers when making their college choice.