Grading Each Offensive Position Heading into Conference Play
Memphis is a third of the way through its season and is 4-0. The Arkansas game was viewed as a temperature check for the Tigers. Ryan Silverfield’s team answered by rallying from a 28-10 deficit to beat Arkansas 32-31.
With the non-conference slate behind Memphis, here is an assessment of each offensive position group headed into American Conference play.
Quarterback
Grade: B
Brendon Lewis has been solid so far. This grade is not because he has not been good, he just has not done anything spectacular. He has played within the structure of the offense, which is all Memphis asks him to do. His running ability has been a real weapon for the Tigers’ offense. Lewis has rushed for 293 yards and 5 touchdowns, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Through the air, he has thrown for 807 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions.
Redshirt freshman Arrington Maiden deserves mention as well. The redshirt freshman’s only snap was the game-sealing third-and-8 run against Arkansas.
Running Back
Grade: A
Memphis’ rushing attack has been the strongest part of the team so far. Sutton Smith has arguably been Memphis’ best player. After tearing his ACL in the opener last season, he has looked like one of the nation’s top running backs. Smith has rushed for 394 yards and 5 touchdowns, averaging 7.4 yards per carry.
Greg Desrosiers suffered an injury against Chattanooga and returned against Arkansas. He is expected to be a significant contributor to Memphis’ offense in conference play. Makari Bodiford scored 3 touchdowns while Desrosiers was out but expect the backfield to be a two-man show going forward.
Wide Receiver
Grade: B-
This group raised plenty of questions before the season started. Memphis has plenty of depth at receiver, though more in quantity than proven quality. Cortez Braham has emerged as the top target for Lewis. He had 7 catches for 102 yards and a touchdown against Arkansas. Jamari Hawkins has 10 catches for 182 yards and has solidified himself as the top slot receiver.
With the exception of Braham, Memphis has yet to find any consistency in this group, but they still have time to do so. Brady Kluse has gotten more snaps as the season progresses, and Marcello Bussey and Jadon Thompson have each made a few chunk plays.
Tight End
Grade: C+
Christian Ross and Bryce Anderson have split most of the reps at this spot. The two of them, along with Matt Adcock, have been impressive as blockers. The grade is similar to Lewis’ situation. The group has done all that is asked of them which is not much. They haven’t been featured much in the passing game, but Memphis could use the help later in the year.
Offensive Line
Grade: A-
This group has been dominant in the run game. As a team, Memphis is averaging 6.1 yards per carry on the season. Chris Adams and Malachi Breland have provided nice continuity on the left side. Impressively, three new transfers Yakiri Walker, Parker Mitchell, and Travis Burke have meshed well at center and the right side. Burke has struggled at times in pass protection, but this group has had little to complain about overall.
