Tigers’ Thomas confident in his role this year
We continue the countdown of the 10 players who will define Memphis’ 2018 football season. At No. 8, sophomore La’Andre Thomas is expected to compete for a starting safety slot after playing cornerback last season.
Previous entries - No. 10, kicker Riley Patterson; No. 9, offensive lineman Dylan Parham
La’Andre Thomas wasn’t expected to be a key contributor last season. He wasn’t supposed to be a cornerback after being recruited at quarterback.
But when injuries hit the Memphis secondary last year, Thomas was thrust into duty. The results were mixed: He had an interception and three pass breakups, but the experience was valuable when he was asked to switch to safety in the spring.
This time, the sophomore is more confident about his role and now he’s part of an experienced secondary. Fellow sophomores Josh Perry and Tyrez Lindsey also started multiple games last year at safety.
With Thomas expected to challenge for a starting role, his growth will be key for a pass defense needing to improve.
Why is Thomas important?
Memphis was third among FBS schools in turnover margin, 19th in interceptions (16) and an atrocious 121st in passing yards allowed per game.
The Tigers did have their share of injuries in the secondary, forcing younger players into bigger rules, but this year, they can’t afford a similar showing. Not while its offense takes time to find a rhythm with a new quarterback.
This is where Thomas, who played in 12 games last year, can help. He’s ahletic enough to cover ground and also physical according to defensive backs coach TJ Rushing. Plus, he has an advantage being a former quarterback knowing how to read coverage.
“I know what the offense and defense do, so, the game is really slowing down
for me,” Thomas said in March.
Thomas showed potential in the spring but the Tigers’ secondary took advantage of an inexperienced offense that had trouble reaching the end zone. Now that needs to translate in the regular season.
The good news
Thomas won’t have to learn a new side of the ball like last year and with a year of defense under his belt, he has something to build on.
The Tigers also won’t face a proven quarterback until Tulane and senior Jonathan Banks on Sept. 28. Navy returns Malcolm Perry but with the Midshipmen running the triple option, Memphis’ secondary will focus more on run stoppage than an air attack.
The cause for concern
Thomas has the experience, but there’s always worry how somebody will adjust to a new role in game speed.
While the Tigers will feast early on unproven quarterbacks, that could lead to complacency that might catch them in the second half. Back-to-back games against UCF’s McKenzie Milton and Missouri’s Drew Lock, two potential NFL first round draft picks, will be the real test on how this unit grows up.
The final say
Thomas may have given up his quarterback days a year ago, but now he has the chance to show those same leadership qualities at safety.
He’s one of the reasons Tigers defensive coordinator Chris Ball said this secondary can be special because of their collective hunger. If Thomas can quickly gel and Perry and Lindsey continue to grow, this young group can make Tigers fans feel comfortable about its pass defense for the first time under Mike Norvell.