Norvell, Taylor address high expectations at AAC Media Day

If there's one word Memphis football coach Mike Norvell hopes to use more this year than last year, it's leadership.

Last week, Norvell said he was happy to see leadership emerge on this team coming off a strong spring practice. He reiterated that message Tuesday at AAC Media Day in Newport, Rhode Island, touting how different this year's team will be with more seniors and key returners.

"We have a lot of in-game experience, but then we've been able to add some key

pieces," Norvell said on the AAC Digital Network. "We've had a great offseason, and we're looking forward to getting the season started."

Memphis was picked to win a third AAC West Division title in the preseason AAC media poll.

Instead of only previewing his team's season outlook, Norvell also shared his views on some of the pressing issues surrounding college football.

During a round-table coaches session moderated by legendary broadcaster Verne Lundquist, each coach was asked how to deal with the rise of online gambling.

Although online gambling became legal in Tennessee on July 1, athletes are among those forbidden to participate. Still, it's a discussion Norvell said he's had with his players to make sure they understand what's at stake.

"Nobody on this stage has any true voice where gambling is going across the county, but we can do the best job with those 117 players on our team and how you’re going to educate them on the dos and don’ts," Norvell said.

He later addressed the issue of athletes being granted compensation for their name, imagine and likeness. The NCAA said in May it appointed a working group to examine the issue but wouldn't consider any arguments that involved paying players.

During a discussion with four football players, including Houston quarterback D'eriq King and South Florida quarterback Blake Barnett, all agreed that they were in favor of profiting off their likenesses.

Norvell, along with the coaches on his panel, disagreed

"These young men are amateurs," Norvell said. "I don’t think anybody wants to see collegiate athletes become professionals because there’s a lot of different dynamics that come with that.

"We offer scholarships. We provide education and support. I want to see these student-athletes get everything that they can, but I still want them to be amateurs."

Back on the AAC Digital Network, running back Patrick Taylor spoke about how he'll assume a bigger role in the Tigers offense with Darrell Henderson and Tony Pollard now in the NFL.

After rushing for 1,122 yards and 16 touchdowns last year, he now leads a younger running back corps but also knows more teams will be focusing on him.

"I just have to be consistent and focused on the little details and being the best player I can to help my team win games," Taylor said.

That was the message Norvell mostly preached Tuesday. Despite the expectations and praise, he expects to see a team growing more into who it is and ready to show it on Aug. 31 against Ole Miss.

"Each year you try to define your identity of what your team’s going to be all about, and these guys have really grown and progressed," Norvell said. "I think it’s given us great momentum moving forward to this upcoming season."

You can reach Tigers football beat writer Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_b) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com.