Johnson, Owens eye big goals for secondary
The Commercial Appeal is counting down the 10 most important Memphis football players before practice begins in August.
At No. 7: Safeties Quindell Johnson, a starter last season, and Rodney Owens, who started most of last season at linebacker
High expectations aren't new at Memphis. But Quindell Johnson and Rodney Owens chose to do so after they combined for six interceptions last season.
Johnson, an ALL-AAC second team selection at safety, believes the Tigers should be the AAC'S No. 1 defense this season because they return eight starters. Owens, who moved to safety during spring practice, took it further saying the Tigers are aiming to be a top 25 defense in the country.
Both are goals Memphis hasn't reached since starting a seven-year streak of winning at least eight games. However, the stakes are higher for the defense with its experience and Johnson and Owens must deliver again after breakthrough seasons.
Each player had three interceptions to lead the Tigers and Johnson also had a team-high 81 tackles. But can they help fix a secondary that regressed last season?
Why Johnson, Owens are important
For the third time in four seasons, Memphis' pass defense was ranked among the bottom 30 teams in the nation. The Tigers went from 20th in 2019 to 117th last season with 289.2 yards allowed per game, the most by a Memphis team since 2011.
Another concern? The Tigers were 118th in 24 touchdowns allowed. Some
of it can be blamed on learning a new system under defensive coordinator Mike Macintyre. Yet things must improve in Year 2 led by Johnson and Owens, who were two of the Tigers' best defensive players last season.
Johnson has been a playmaker since he had an interception in the Tigers' win over Ole Miss in 2019. Owens, who added he's working on being a more vocal leader, had six pass breakups while thriving as a hybrid linebacker/safety last season.
The Tigers' offense has usually bailed out the defense's struggles. But that might not be the case with a new quarterback learning the ropes. That means the Tigers' defense - especially the secondary - will have to do heavier lifting to keep the team on pace to start the season.
The Tigers will face their share of high-powered offenses, including Mississippi State and coach Mike Leach's Air Raid offense on Sept. 18. Memphis also plays UCF, SMU and Tulsa, which were three of the top five offenses in the AAC last season.
It'll be up to the secondary to not be the weak link of the defense. Johnson and Owens will need to provide the strength for the Tigers.