Express unveil uniform, set QB roster
The Memphis Express protected former UT Martin Skyhawk Troy Cook with its first selection in the AAF’s inaugural protect-or-pick quarterback draft.
With its next move, Memphis drafted former freshman All-American Christian Hackenberg (Penn State), who was drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the NFL Draft in 2016. The 23-year-old Hackenberg (6-4, 230) threw for more than 8,300 yards in three seasons at Penn State.
The four-round draft format is a unique one.
Each of the league’s eight teams must decide whether it will protect a quarterback currently on its roster or pick from the pool of unprotected AAF quarterbacks. If a team protects one of its quarterbacks, it loses its first-round selection.
Included among the quarterbacks currently on the Express’ roster are former LSU star and Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger and former Arkansas standout Austin Allen.
Memphis has the seventh choice in the third round and the second pick in the second and fourth rounds.
Cook (6-2, 210) started six games as a senior in 2017 at UT Martin and threw for 1,004 yards with nine touchdowns and six interceptions. As a junior, Cook started 10 games and passed for 2,321 yards with 22 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Earlier Tuesday, the Express gave fans an initial glimpse of the uniform it will wear during the inaugural Alliance of American Football season.
In a graphic released by the team Tuesday, red and navy blue are featured as the predominant colors in the uniform combination. In July, it was announced Starter will serve as the AAF’s jersey provider as part of a multiyear deal.
A local tryout has been scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Dec. 8 at the Murphy Complex. It costs $90 to register, and registration is set for 8 to 9 a.m. Prospective players must be three years removed from high school, must have exhausted all of their collegiate eligibility and must not have their rights held by another AAF team.
Memphis opens the season on Feb. 10 on the road against the Birmingham Iron. Its first home game is set for Feb. 16, when the Express welcomes the Arizona Hotshots, whose offensive coordinator is Hugh Freeze.