Tigers add 4-star DE, ex-Auburn signee Oladele
Memphis added another player to the football team Tuesday in four-star defensive end Kayode Oladele.
Oladele, who played at Champagnat Catholic-Hialeah in Miami, signed with Auburn in December. However, in July it was reported that he would not enroll at the school.
"We're extremely excited about him and what his future at the University of Memphis is going to be," Norvell said. "He had a lot of choices and when the situation arose that he was looking for a new opportunity, I'm glad we were able to provide it for him."
Oladele, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 235 pounds, was ranked the No. 13 strongside defensive end in the country and ranked No. 310 overall according to 247Sports' composite rankings.
Originally from Nigeria, he had 56 tackles and six sacks in six games last year but did not complete his senior season due to eligibility issues surrounding his visa.
It's the third consecutive year the Tigers have added a former SEC commit late in August. Last year, the Tigers added defensive back Carlito Gonzalez, then a three-star recruit who had signed with Auburn but did not qualify academically.
Two years ago, wide receiver Damonte Coxie was an LSU commitment but enrolled at Memphis as an academic redshirt.
"It works out pretty good when we get them," Norvell said.
Norvell declined to comment if Oladele would be eligible for this season.
Parham ready for first college game, start
Dylan Parham was the lone freshman starter on offense listed on the Tigers' depth chart. Parham will start at left guard, a position he's held down since the spring.
He admitted Saturday will bring a
mix of emotions being his first college game, let alone his first start.
Parham redshirted last season as he switched from tight end to defensive line, which he played on the scout team. He was moved to offensive line in the spring
Switching positions twice in a year was an adjustment, but Parham found a comfort at the offensive line between seniors Trevon Tate and Drew Kyser. He doesn't miss catching passes because now he has a chance to contribute immediately up front.
"Regardless of not be able to catch the ball and get all the highlights, I can still help my team and play," Parham said, "I felt like it would be better for me regardless of making plays or tackles."