Five things to watch at Tigers’ football Fan Fest
Memphis will host its annual Football Fan Fest on Saturday at the Billy J. Murphy Athletic Complex on the Park Avenue campus.
The event starts with open practice beginning 3:45 p.m. followed by the Tigers’ first scrimmage of preseason camp. At 4 p.m., a merchandise tent with an equipment sale featuring jerseys, shoes, T-shirts and more.
The scrimmage, which is open to fans, will begin at approximately 4:20 p.m. and players will sign autographs afterward at 6 p.m.
Here are five things to know and look for on Saturday.
The quarterback battle
Saturday will give fans another look at the quarterback battle between junior Brady White and sophomore David Moore. White has started with the first unit during 11-on-11 drills most of preseason camp, but Mike Norvell said both will get their fair share of first unit reps.
How do the receivers look?
The spring game gave the first chance to see the Tigers’ receiving corps and Saturday will show how much they have improved. Sophomore Damonte Coxie has looked great in practice leading the group. Juniors Pop Williams, Mechane Slade, and Kedarian Jones should see their share of first-team reps.
Also, keep an eye on junior Antonio Gibson; who caught two touchdowns in the spring game and has made a slew of tough catches so far in the preseason.
The improved defensive line
Junior Jonathan Wilson did not play in the spring practice — or the spring game — due to a turf toe injury, so Tiger fans will get their first extended look at him on the defensive line. Wilson and senior Jackson Dillon have both lined up on the edge and added a much-needed pass rush presence up
front.
Players to watch beyond the first team
With 16 returning starters, there aren’t many position battles to notice outside of quarterback and receiver. But, there is depth to keep an eye on Saturday.
Sophomore linebackers JJ Russell and Nehemiah Augustus have looked good in limited first-team reps and should standout among a second-team defense that includes junior linebackers Keith Brown and Bryce Huff. Also keep an eye on sophomore defensive back Jacobi Francis, who stepped in early for senior Tito Windham in the first two practices.
On offense, fans will get a good look at freshmen running backs Kenny Gainwell and Cameron Fleming, who have earned high praise for their solid hands as pass catchers. Freshman lineman Obinna Eze will get his chance to show improvement up front.
Where to Park
Fans can park in the left field lot of FedExPark and enter between the baseball stadium and the track and field complex. Parking is free and there will be a concession stand at FedExPark.
Fans are encouraged to arrive early.