Sources: Memphis Playbook Leaked to UTSA Before 2024 Matchup
Several individuals close to the program allege that former Memphis defensive back Tahj Ra-El provided UTSA with elements of the Tigers’ defensive playbook prior to their 2024 matchup.
The loss marked Memphis’ second and final loss of the season, knocking the Tigers out of AAC title contention despite finishing 24th in the AP poll.
A source tells TigerSportsReport that Ra-El had direct message conversations with UTSA quarterback Owen McCown. The exact nature of the DM’s are not known. This story will be updated as new details emerge.
An anonymous player from the 2024 Memphis squad tells me, “We’re on the field, and their offense has a check for every single one of our defenses’ checks. It felt like their offense was one of the best in the nation until I found out why.”
Ra-El declined to comment on the playbook situation, but told TSR, “My time at Memphis was good on the field, and every time I played, I gave it my all.”
Ra-El had a brief, bizarre stint with Memphis beginning with his initial dismissal from the team for a violation of team rules in August. He rejoined the team subsequent with starting safety Kourtlan Marsh’s preseason injury.
The former Tiger played four games with Memphis, totaling 19 tackles and an interception, before redshirting and entering the transfer portal in October. He is currently at Purdue for his final season of eligibility.
Ra-El ensured TSR in October that his relationship with Memphis’ coaching staff was still strong and that he entered the portal for off-the-field reasons.
“It wasn’t because of the coaches or anything, I was receiving threats over a vehicle that was stolen from me. Me and the coaches are on a good foot.”
Upon reviewing the tape, there is no apparent singular moment of blatant cheating; however, upon closer examination, multiple instances emerge that could raise concerns about advanced intelligence.
CLIP 1
Memphis comes out in a two-high safety look that is a disguised cover three with a single high safety. UTSA quarterback Owen McCown immediately throws a dart up the seam without looking anyone off or making a progressive read.
CLIP 2
Two off-ball linebackers blitz for the Tigers while the edge defenders replace them in another disguise look. McCown sees right through it, as the Roadrunners conveniently have the trips slot receiver replacing where the blitz came from.
CLIP 3
McCown has one read on his outside receiver. Keep an eye on the Roadrunners’ backfield here; it seems UTSA knew Memphis’ play-side safety was blitzing, turning this into a cover-one man defense, as shown by the running back being early to the spot and the team blocking six in pass protection.
While these plays do not confirm intent or malicious activity, these patterns raise concerns that either Memphis’ defense was tipping their hand through film study or the Roadrunners had inside information.
TSR reached out to Memphis for comment but received no reply.
