This is Part II of a series of Memphis football previews leading to the start of spring practice on March 17. Today: Offensive line


If last season saw an offensive line grow more comfortable in Mike Norvell‘s offense, this season should reveal an even more confident unit. For the second consecutive season, four starters return and several others saw extended time up front.

Not only does this group boast experience, it also did a great job protecting Riley Ferguson last year, allowing an average of 1.25 sacks per game. That will be a boost for whoever the new quarterback is but also exciting for an experienced running back group to trust it’ll find lanes rather easy.

RETURNING STARTERS
Trevon Tate, Dustin Woodard, Drew Kyser, Roger Joseph

OTHER RETURNERS
Harneet Gill, Tau Ho Ching, Brytain Peddy, Obinna Eze

NEWCOMERS
Adam Williams, Michael Joseph, Josiah Perry, Daly Cul, Mikhail Hill

OUTLOOK

When 80 percent of your offensive line is back, there's really not much to worry about besides health. Tate, a first-team All-AAC selection, Woodward and Kyser have started the past two seasons at left tackle, left guard and center. Gill, who started last year’s opener, saw his share of time splitting reps at right tackle with Roger Joseph, who started the final 12 games.

The key will be a finding a right guard to replace Gabe Kuhn, the first player in school history to start 50 or more games. Peddy and Ho Ching saw time at left guard and center, respectively, last year so there are options for offensive line coach Ryan Silverfield.

Then there’s Eze. The 6-foot-8, 283 pound freshman was one of the highest-rated players to sign with Memphis and showed promise in fall camp before redshirting. As good as he is, Eze is still raw, having only played organized football since 2015. The spring will be a good chance to see if he’s still rough or a diamond waiting to show some shine.

Norvell said on signing day that recruiting linemen was a priority to add depth, but he also mentioned the strength of the first and second units up front. It’s a luxury that he and Silverfield have, and barring injury the only questions regarding the line besides right guard will be how much better it can be building off last season.

https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/s...397653002/

The offensive line looks solid again. Our QB (lat the best man win) will have plenty of horsepower to harness next year.

These seniors had better step it up this year. I know they play well, and have played well together. But they also got their lunch money taken in the last 3 bowl games.