The drama of Signing Day might have dampened with the early signing period in December, but that doesn't mean Wednesday won't be any less exciting for Memphis football.
With Memphis signing 12 players in December, Wednesday will be more about the Tigers coaching staff adding final pieces than making a big splash. Memphis' signing class will be smaller than recent years but head coach Mike Norvell has focused on targeting specific needs after two of the most successful recruiting classes in school history.
At the same time, there's always a chance for a surprise to happen. Signing Day is often unpredictable on its way to a satisfying conclusion. So as of Monday, this is what Tigers fans can look forward to:
WHO IS EXPECTED TO SIGN?
Five players are expected to honor their verbal commits without any doubt. Two are offensive linemen in Manuel Orona (Glendale Community College, Ariz.), a three-star junior college recruit according to Rivals, and Isaac Ellis, a two-star recruit from Carroll High School in Louisiana.
A pair of Memphis natives in running back Tyler Badie (Briarcrest Christian) and linebacker Nyle Love (Lausanne) are also expected to sign. Both are two-star recruits on Rivals while Badie is rated as a three-star on 247 Sports. Meanwhile, 6-foot-7 defensive end/tight end Kameron Wilson (Hueytown, Ala.) is also a solid Memphis commit after committing a week ago.
There's also a sixth commit who will be weighing his options Wednesday. Nigel Brannon, a three-star offensive line recruit from Oklahoma City who committed to Memphis last summer, announced last week that he will choose between the Tigers, Ole Miss, Arizona and Washington State on Signing Day.
TARGETS TO WATCH
The Tigers have their eye on a few more players that could sign. Safety Jeremiah Salaam, a two-star recruit from Frostproof, Fla., took an official visit last month and is considering Memphis along with offers from Ole Miss and Central Florida, among others.
Memphis also remains in the running for a pair of three-star recruits in defensive end Isaiah Forte (Carver High School, Ala.) and wide receiver Justin Oden from Columbia (Spring Hill High School). Jaylon Reed, a three-star cornerback from Olive Branch, Miss, also took an official visit to last month and is considering the Tigers among Florida and Oregon.
Offensive lineman Kameron Jones from Starkville, Miss, another Memphis target, announced last week that he had committed to Louisiana-Lafayette. Another offensive line target, Misi Aiolupotea Pei from Riverside City College, Calif., announced Sunday night that he had committed to Washington State.
WHERE TO WATCH?
The Highland Hundred, the official booster club for Tigers football, will be hosting a Signing Day Event at Beale Street Landing on Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. Norvell and his staff will be in attendance to discuss the class and Norvell will also introduce the newest members of his coaching staff.
Fans who wish to attend will be asked to pay a $30 donation at the door. The donation will be $20 for Highland Hundred members. Food and drinks will be provided.
https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/s...087875001/
/
Memphis football prepares for small, but satisfying Signing Day
