Can sophomore WR Coxie fill Miller’s cleats?
We continue our countdown of the 10 players who will define the Memphis Tigers‘ 2018 football season. At No. 7, sophomore wide receiver Damonte Coxie has big shoes to fill.
A year ago, big things were expected from wide receiver Damonte Coxie after turning heads in the fall.
While Anthony Miller embarked on an All-American season, Coxie, who was previously committed to LSU before arriving at Memphis, showed potential in a solid freshman campaign with 21 receptions for 323 yards with three touchdowns. His 61-yard touchdown catch against East Carolina hinted at things to come.
Now with Miller and Phil Mayhue gone, Coxie has even higher expectations on him. In fact, the entire Tigers’ receiving corps has to meet the challenge of replacing Miller.
“It’s a big offseason for them to get in shape and mentally get ready for 50-60 snaps a game at that high level,” offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham said. “Last year they were asked to play 20 snaps a game.”
Coxie will get the first crack at being this year’s No. 1 receiver, but he won’t be alone.
Why Coxie is important
Coxie averaged 15.4 yards per catch last year, and at 6-foot-3, he’s one of the tallest receivers on the team.
He also wasn’t afraid to get physical in one-on-one matchups with defensive backs TJ Carter or Tito Windham during the spring. It’s that attitude that bodes well in trying to fill Miller’s shoes.
Being taller than Miller also helps with being a downfield threat. With a new quarterback under center, Coxie has the tools to become a favorite target.
The good news
Coxie won’t have to carry the load by himself. Junior tight ends Joey Magnifico and Sean Dykes bring plenty of experience from last year and should be relied upon often.
Junior receivers John “Pop” Williams and Mechane Slade showed growth this spring and could take on a bigger role as well. Junior Kedarian Jones is ready to step up, and junior transfer Antonio Gibson showed off the size and physicality that could make him an impact transfer.
There’s also the wild card of junior Tony Pollard being used more as a pass catcher along with running backs Darrell Henderson and Patrick Taylor.
The Tigers probably will spread the ball more this season, so it will be a collective effort to replace Miller.
The cause for concern
Of course, a big reason Miller put up huge numbers the past two seasons was because he was reliable time and time again. If the Tigers needed a play, No. 3 was the primary target.
Can Coxie be that player? That’s the question the entire receiving corps needs to ask. Who will be that go-to guy? Who will overcome inexperience to emerge as a consistent threat or be a secondary target like Mayhue was.
Dillingham provided a road map that he hopes they will use between now and September.
“They have to learn and study film more because they will be in more situations,” Dillingham said. “There’s the mental part of learning down and distance, learning types of coverage and parlay that with the physical part of having to play three times as many snaps.”
The final say
Coxie has the pedigree to be a potential No. 1 receiver but it will be up to him to take that leap. The good thing is coach Mike Norvell’s offense is fluid to work around his players’ talents more than forcing his players to do what their predecessors did.
Coxie doesn’t need to be the next Miller. As wide receivers coach Desmond Lindsey said in March, he only needs to be first Coxie, and that will be enough for the Tigers.