Tigers’ coordinator Ball optimistic for improved defense
Memphis defensive coordinator Chris Ball had much to love about his defense after spring practice.
There was a renewed effort to rush the passer. There is depth in a secondary that finished third in both turnovers gained and turnover margin among FBS schools last season.
Most of all, Ball saw a group that wasn’t satisfied with where it is. With the Tigers likely to lean heavier on their defense with their offense still a work in progress, Ball is optimistic the progress of the spring will show up in the fall.
“You set the standard, and the kids live up to it,” Ball said. “That’s what’s great about them. They want to be great, and they take pride in it.”
Meet the standard
With eight returning starters on defense, the Tigers have their most experienced unit since coach Mike Norvell took over before the 2016 season. Ball said that helps breed a familiarity of what to expect and how to continue building on what they’ve done.
“This group is special when it comes to not being afraid to work,” Ball said. “Any time you’ve got that type of culture, you have a chance to be pretty good.”
The secondary showcased that in the spring. With only two seniors, the group pushed one another to test a young receiving corps, and it showed with few big plays allowed in the team’s scrimmages.
It also helped they have a renewed energy from new defensive backs coach TJ Rushing, who was already familiar with the defensive scheme coming from Arizona State. But mostly, Ball said, the secondary’s work ethic has the drive.
He noted how well sophomore La’Andre Thomas transitioned into being a safety this spring and singled out
freshman Sanchez Blake for his improvement.
“They all want to be great, and it’s important to them,” Ball said.
Improving the pass rush
It’s no secret the Tigers have struggled to develop a consistent pass rush since Norvell took over. It became a point of emphasis that both Ball and defensive line coach Paul Randolph drove home this spring.
Ball said in addition to watching practice film, the team watched clips of NFL players so it could study effective pass rush moves. While on the field, the focus was on developing and mastering one pass rush move along with a counter.
“We want to impact the quarterback, and going into the spring, that was something we wanted to improve on,” Ball said.
He pointed to the development of junior linebacker Bryce Huff as an example. Huff emerged as one of the team’s best pass rushers this spring, and Ball said it was a combination of him being more comfortable on the field but also working closely with Randolph.
“Bryce had to play as a freshman, and now everything that he’s learned and the experience he’s got, he’s developed into a really, really good pass rusher,” Ball said.
With fall camp approaching, Ball has much to like about where the defense is heading but also stressed the real test will be how it can apply it in the season.
The potential, however, is there, and he’s optimistic not just because of the talent but because of how much they want to keep proving themselves to meet the standards expected of them.
“They’re still young players who had to play a lot,” Ball said, “but they have experience and they understand how great hard work is.”