Memphis LB Brown proves a quick study
Keith Brown knew when he arrived to Memphis, the speed they played with on defense would be an adjustment after transferring from Northwest Mississippi Community College.
At the same time, being a student of the game means you expect and prepare for the next challenge.
“I’ve always been taught at a high level from JUCO and all the other places I’ve been at just prepared me for this,” Brown said.
The 6-foot-1, 235 lbs. junior linebacker, who was a mid-year enrollee, has been a quick study and has made an early impression in the spring with his pass-rushing ability and intensity. Even being surrounded by experienced linebackers in Tim Hart and Curtis Akins, he’s made an impact getting to the quarterback.
During the Tigers’ scrimmage last week, Brown’s play drew the notice of defensive coordinator Chris Ball. Bryce Huff had three sacks but Brown’s pressure also helped lead to a strong day by the defense.
“He’s long, athletic, smart and he understands the game,” Ball said following the scrimmage. “His football IQ is really high.”
Inside linebackers coach Scott Symons said its rare to see somebody adjust so soon from the junior college ranks just because of the speed and complexity of schemes at a 4-year college.
“Usually for the first couple months, guys generally struggle and that doesn’t have anything to do with IQ, there’s just so much more defense at this level,” Symons said, “(Brown) is picking it up really fast and that’s a credit to his IQ but also the leadership in our room.”
Brown said he began devouring the Memphis playbook as soon as he could but then studied his teammates like Hart and Akins. Akins became a role model for Brown to follow and Brown is often right behind Akins when the linebackers do position drills.
Brown said he came to Memphis knowing this group could be the best linebacking corps and now he’s just happy to play his role in doing that.
“It’s just good being able to watch somebody like Curt go through it and follow him,” Brown said, “I’m just trying to elevate it after him and we all just compete off each other and feed each other.”
Carter, Eze have mixed emotions on Nashville homecoming
The Tigers’ first open scrimmage this Saturday in Nashville at Brentwood Academy will serve as a homecoming for five players, including TJ Carter and Obinna Eze.
Carter, Jerome Ward and Bradley Jones all attended Stratford High School, Eze went to Brentwood Academy and De’Andre Alexander went to Hillsboro High School.
“Some of my family and friends who don’t get to see me a lot, this will be a chance to see us play and see what Memphis is about,” Carter said.
Carter said he won’t be any more excited than usual on Saturday despite the friendly surroundings and Eze took it one step further, saying that the scrimmage will all business until it’s done.
“It’s like an away game. It’s football. I’m not going to be looking who’s behind me or calling my name, I’ll be zoned in,” Eze said.
What to watch for in Saturday’s scrimmage
For those making the road trip, the scrimmage will begin at 3 p.m. and is open to the public. Here’s three things to watch
Can the offense find a rhythm: Last week, the offense only had four scoring drives. David Moore led two of the four scores so the offense could use a boost after being disappointed with how it looked last week.
Good news is that Tony Pollard will be playing in his first scrimmage so that might be the spark the offense needs.
Moore was the best of the bunch in last week’s scrimmage and this week, he, Brady White and Brady Davis split most of the reps with the first unit in practice as usual.
The quarterback battle has remained fierce and with no clear leader, Saturday will be fans (and media’s) first chance to decide who looks best in game action
Who will shine on defense: Josh Perry and TJ Carter shined in the first scrimmage. Bryce Huff was the standout in last week’s scrimmage at the Liberty Bowl.
Our bet? Look for somebody in the secondary, which has gotten interception happy in practice this week. Carter has recorded an interception in each scrimmage so he could make it a trifecta playing in front of his home fans.
Which QB will stand out?: