Tigers show growth in cold scrimmage
NASHVILLE -- The weather at Brentwood Academy made the Memphis Tigers' football scrimmage look like November instead of April, with temperatures below 40 degrees.
Yet with a week to go before the Tigers' spring game, Saturday provided the first chance for Tigers fans to see the team and more than enough made the drive worthwhile. What they saw was a team continuing to find rhythm on offense while the defense continues to flex its experience.
Memphis coach Mike Norvell said earlier this week this trip was as much about expanding the Memphis brand as preparing for a road trip.
"It was a challenge with some of the conditions but I tell ya, it's great to see Tigers Blue sitting in Nashville," he said.
Here are some takeaways from the scrimmage.
Quiet but effective day for offense
The offense only scored three touchdowns but two were outstanding plays. Darrell Henderson took a short pass from Brady Davis and ran for a long touchdown in the first period. In the second, sophomore Jahod Booker caught a pass from David Moore and made a nice cut back to find open space for a touchdown.
"I know the coaches were going to get mad at me if I didn't get vertical so I was just thinking I had to get it in," Booker said.
The Tigers were without Patrick Taylor (injury) and John "Pop" Williams, who left the team for a family matter according to Norvell. It allowed for Booker (4 catches, 81 yards) and junior Antonio Gibson to step up and make plays, with Gibson showing off his physicality on a few catches.
Damonte Coxie was also consistent when thrown at, getting four catches for 44 yards. Tim Taylor and Marquavius Weaver saw extended time at running back and both showed off, with Weaver running for a touchdown.
Another mixed day for the quarterbacks
It took the QBs a while to get going once again. Brady White opened the scrimmage with the first unit but he was unable to lead a scoring drive until the second period. That drive started well, but White nearly threw an interception to Tito Windham on third down before Riley Patterson kicked a field goal.
Moore looked the most comfortable of the group. In addition to his touchdown pass He led a quick scoring drive with passes to Damonte Coxie and Joey Magnifico before Weaver's rushing touchdown. Moore and Brady Davis each led the Tigers on two scoring drives.
Overall it was a better day but still not a day where one quarterback shined above the others. White said that he's getting more comfortable in the offense following his transfer from Arizona State but said he has to work on limiting mistakes.
"You just have to do your job. When we make a mistake or if something else busts, it can lead to just not being as successful as you possibly can," White said. "I think today I could've done better but the defense adjusted and other teams will adjust so we have to adjust as well."
Tony Pollard looked great in his first scrimmage
Pollard sat out the first two scrimmages with an injury and he was used briefly Saturday while wearing a green non-contact jersey. But like Henderson, he shined in limited work.
On White's scoring drive, Pollard caught several passes, including one where he shook off a tackle and took off for extra yards. His speed and strength were missed the last two weeks so it was good to see him regain his form.