Can Parham build off strong spring for Tigers’ O-line?
We continue the countdown of the 10 players who will define Memphis’ 2018 football season. At No. 9 - will freshman Dylan Parham be the Tigers’ fifth offensive lineman when the season kicks off?
Previous entries: No. 10 - placekicker Riley Patterson
The good news is Memphis returns four starters on the offensive line and both Athlon Sports and Phil Steele have ranked the group as the best in the American Athletic Conference.
Even better news is the quartet of Trevon Tate, Dustin Woodard, Drew Kyser and Roger Joseph started 12 of 13 games last year. Tate is a returning first team all-AAC selection as well and he, Kyser and Joseph are also seniors
It’s a luxury that offensive line coach Ryan Silverfield carries into the season. But now comes the rub in figuring out who will join them up front in that fifth spot after Gabe Kuhn graduated.
In the spring, that answer was freshman Dylan Parham but what will it be by Sept. 1 when the season starts?
Why fifth lineman is important
Parham stood out during the spring and played with the first unit at left guard in the team’s final opening scrimmage and spring game. He proved a fast learner after switching from defensive end last season.
At the same time, Silverfield stressed that there will be open competition on the line in the fall due to the level of depth.
Parham could work even harder to maintain his spot or it could slide to another candidate.
Former four-star recruit Obinna Eze had a solid spring playing with the second unit, but he was used more at tackle with his 6-foot-8, 315 pound frame. Junior college transfer Manuel Orona (Phoenix, Ariz.) will also be in the mix since the Tigers are no strangers to using JUCO transfers immediately.
It will be important for the line to maintain continuity with a running game that will take on a bigger role next year. With both quarterbacks — David Moore and Brady White — being right-handed throwers, a stout left guard will make it easier without worrying about an interior pass rush throwing them off.
The good news
As stated earlier, there is plenty of depth at offensive line. That will allow Silverfield to mix and match in fall
camp, or see how Parham handles increased competition. Parham did not look overwhelmed during the team’s open scrimmage or spring game. Silverfield praised him for his intelligence and work ethic, and Kyser said that Parham acted like a sponge in team meetings with trying to improve.
The cause for concern
Defense is typically ahead of the offense during spring practice, but one can hope bad tendencies won’t follow the team into the season. The Tigers’ offensive line gave up its share of sacks during the scrimmages and spring practice.
With Parham still learning after changing positions for the second time at Memphis, will his inexperience be a concern in live game speed?
The final say
Whether it’s Parham or somebody else, the Tigers’ offensive line will be one of the best Group of 5 units in the country after being ranked No. 39 in sacks allowed per game last season (1.62).
Parham proved himself more than capable to join the group and with a full month of practice looming, he has a good foundation to build on during the season.