Christian Ross is Proof That Patience Still Pays Off in College Football

Christian Ross tore his ACL as a high school senior. Despite going through the most adversity he had ever faced, Ross’ long-term commitment to Memphis was solidified even more than it already was.

“I was worried about my scholarship,” Ross said. “But when I called Coach Silverfield, he told me, ‘That’s fine. You’re good. We’ll work with you.'”

It was this initial trust from Ryan Silverfield that had Ross bought in. He did not play a snap his first two seasons with Memphis, but now he is a key contributor at tight end in his redshirt sophomore season. More than 3,400 college football players entered the NCAA transfer portal following the 2024-25 season. Memphis added 43 transfers this past offseason. Simply put, it is more uncommon than ever to see players stick around after being a backup in their first season or two on a team.

Ross’ outlook on his situation and relationship with the coaching staff had him locked in despite the lack of playing time.

“Any opportunity anywhere is the same opportunity here,” Ross said. “Coach Silverfield is genuine, and Coach (Tim) Cramsey is the best.”

Ross credits tight ends coach Brad Salem for keeping him bought into the process while waiting his turn.

“Since the first day I got here, Coach Salem has not stopped believing in me,” Ross said. “He’s been on my butt since day one, trying to make me be the best version of myself.”

Ross said Anthony Landphere, Brendan Doyle, and Jamauri Chisholm pushed and encouraged him daily, even though he was not playing.

“Anthony Landphere helped me the most,” Ross said. “My freshman year, he would even come to my dorm, help me with the playbook. Either I’d go to his, or we’d get food, talk about the playbook. He’d check on my mental, see how everything was going.”

From a football standpoint, adjusting to the tight end position was challenging for Ross coming out of high school. Ross prepped at Dale County High School in Midland City, Ala, where he played wide receiver.

“I’d never put my hand in the dirt,” Ross said. “I didn’t know what to do at first. There’s so much to it that I get now.”

The city of Memphis has also been a change of pace for Ross. Midland City has a population of 2,344. Ross said one of the reasons he signed with Memphis was to start something on his own.

“I love everything about it (Memphis),” Ross said. “Especially the food.”

Soul Fish Cafe, One & Only BBQ, and Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken are Ross’ go-to food spots.

Memphis’ next game on Sept. 13 in Troy, Ala against the Troy Trojans will be a full circle moment for Ross. Veterans Memorial Stadium is about 50 minutes from Midland City. Ross said Troy was the program that started his recruitment. His high school teammate, offensive lineman Ricky Timbers, plays for Troy. Ross expects to have between 20 to 30 people at the game.

Although Troy is right up the road, Ross’ decision to sign with Memphis is paying off.

“I felt like this was the right place for me,” Ross said. “It wasn’t too far; it wasn’t too close. And when I came here, the coaches were genuine.”