Memphis Roar

Tiger football is approaching with Fall camp set to start in a little over a month. Memphis Roar has brought a nice addition to increase coverage for the gridiron Tigers. Memphis Roar is upping the ante with a nice addition to our football content. We are excited about introducing…

Chris Powers to the Memphis Roar team. Chris will bring a lot to our fans with his insight and current involvement with the Tigers’ football program. Chris will be providing a nice perspective from a player’s point of view, but also as a color analyst for the Tigers’ radio broadcasts. I had a chance to talk to our new contributor and fellow Tiger on a variety of subjects concerning himself and his opinions on varying subjects with this current Tiger team.

EC: Give us a brief history of your playing career:

CP: I arrived at the University of Memphis in the fall of 1994 from Winter Park, FL. I was redshirted my first year but traveled and dressed at every game. My first game action came in the fall of 1995 against Miss St in Starkville. My first start was against Arkansas in Little Rock. I went on to start three more games my redshirt freshman year, 6 games my sophomore year and all eleven at TE my junior year. The coaching staff asked me to move to center for my senior year and I started all eleven games. My final stats as a TE were 34 catches and 4 TD’s.

EC: What was some of your most memorable moments as a Tiger football player?

CP: Obviously, the Tennessee win is one that will never be forgotten and I was fortunate to play a significant role in the outcome. Aside from that game, the first touchdown of my career against SW Louisiana was exciting as was scoring my second about 15 minutes later. Looking back on my career, what I miss most are my teammates. The relationships I developed during my years at Memphis will last a lifetime and it was great fun being around your friends every day.

EC: Do people still come up to you and ask you about “The Catch” and how do you feel being a major participant in one of the most memorable games in our programs history?

CP: Many people still ask me about the TN game or will make a remark in passing about the game. It is nice to be remembered for anything, let alone one of the biggest wins in the programs history. I definitely wouldn’t mind, though, if we beat Tennessee this year in Knoxville and gave everyone another victory to talk about.

EC: Do you still stay in touch with your ex-teammates and coaches, and if so, who?

CP: Several of my teammates that I was close with are still living in the Memphis area. I feel fortunate to have had a great group of guys as teammates. One of the cool things about being teammates is the bond you develop. It is not unusual to run into an old teammate who I haven’t seen in several years and pick up right where we left off. It’s kind of like a little reunion.

EC: Since your playing days, give us a brief history of what you have been up to since your playing days?

CP: During the summer before my junior year, I started taking flying lessons at Olive Branch airport. I really didn’t have any intention of making flying a career but did really enjoy it. After I finished playing and graduated with a business degree, I completed the requirements for my pilot’s license. I earned my Flight Instructor license shortly afterward and taught lessons at Olive Branch airport for almost one year. I was hired at Continental Express Airlines in the summer of 2000 and am currently a Captain on the regional jet. My professional goal is to come home and fly for the hometown team, FedEx.

EC: What are some of your responsibilities as a color analyst on Tiger radio broadcasts?

CP: I provide analysis of the action on the field from the perspective of someone who has “been there, done that”. I will be doing the second hour of the pregame where we discuss matchups, keys to victory, and the lineups. During the game, Dave Woloshin gives the listener the “what” and I try to give them the “why”. If I can provide insight into some of the strategy that is involved then I feel I am doing my job.

EC: What is your expectations of the Tigers overall this season?

CP: I’m optimistic about the Tigers this year. I think the talent on this year’s squad is impressive. We look good on paper, now we have to wait and see how this team comes together this summer and in fall camp.

EC: What do you expect from the change from Tim Walton running the defense to first time Defensive Coordinator, Kenny Ingram? And what style of defense do you think he will run?

CP: I have a lot of faith in Coach Ingram. One of the most important aspects for a coach is to have your players respect you and want to play hard for you. Coach Ingram has that. It should be a seamless transition. Kenny is familiar with the type of defense that Coach West wants to run and I don’t think you will see a drastically different style this fall. Tim Walton’s defense was known for its aggressiveness and I think Coach Ingram’s will be as well. When you have the type of talent on the field that the Tiger D should this year, it can make a coordinator look pretty good.

EC: What do you feel are some of the strengths and weaknesses heading into fall camp?

CP: Obviously, the WR position and RB’s are the strength of this team. I think fans will also be pleased with the front seven on defense. I look for the secondary to be improved from last year, as well. Alton Starr really became a leader and a playmaker last year and DA Griffin asserted himself as the best cover corner we have. Much of this seasons’ success will hinge on the QB position and the O-line. Fortunately, Rick Mallory has an impressive track record of developing O-line units and he does have some talent to work with despite the loss of 4 starters. As far as the QB’s, we need consistency. The quarterback doesn’t need to win the game, but they must manage the game and not make mistakes that will lose a game.

EC: This is probably one of the toughest schedules the Tigers have faced in the last couple of seasons, have you looked at the schedule and how do you feel about how it will play out?

CP: I feel the most important part of the Tiger’s schedule is the beginning. The last few years have seen the Tigers dig themselves a hole early in the season with losses, and while they have done an admirable job righting the ship, it may be a little bit tougher this year with the schedule. If the Tigers can get out of the gate quickly and gain some confidence early in the season, that should prepare them nicely for what will be a brutal November schedule.

EC: Give us your take on the QB position? With the new emphasis on mobile QB’s, do you feel that we may see more spread option?

CP: With the type of offense that clay and Tommy want to run, it is imperative to have a mobile QB. So much of the offense is predicated on play-action and you must maintain the threat of the QB running. Arkelon Hall struggled a bit last year in that department primarily due to not being in shape. The early reports are that he has been working hard this offseason and should be much more effective running the ball this year. Also, what was our biggest hurdle last year now becomes a positive. Having Brett Toney, Will Hudgens, and Tyler Bass all seeing game action last year and performing well, we have plenty of experienced depth.

EC: We lost four starters from the Offensive line, how do you see that unit turning out by the time the opening game comes around?

CP: The Tigers do have some talent returning along the O-line even with the personnel losses from a year ago. Malcolm Rawls and Dominik Riley will be counted on to provide leadership this year and moving Riley to center should really spearhead a unit that has great potential. Moving Joel McCleod over from the D line should bring aggressiveness to the group that every good o line needs. Ronald Leary looks like he will anchor the right side of the line at tackle and is a guy that the coaches are really high on. According to Coach Mallory, Leary will be equal athletically to the defensive ends he will be blocking. He really came on at the end of last year and was rewarded with increased playing time backing up Brandon Pearce. I can’t say enough about the job that Rick Mallory does, year in and year out. Even though this group lacks some experience I have no doubt that Coach Mallory will have these guys playing well at some point during the season. How quickly that happens will go a long way in determining the success of this season.

EC: How beneficial do you think it will be for Carlos Singleton and Duke Calhoun both playing at the same time instead of splitting snaps at the same position?

CP: I’m sure Duke and Carlos are excited about it. Anytime you can put more guys on the field who are truly difference makers, it is a good thing. And both of these guys are difference makers. It will give the opposing defenses that much more to worry about. It should be fun to watch this new wrinkle develop this season.

EC: You have seen a few scrimmages and got a good look at some of the newcomers, who do you think Tiger fans will be impressed with? Who are new guys to watch on defense? And offense?

CP: I’m really impressed with the talent assembled this year. Offensively, the top guys to watch have got to be Lance Smith, the transfer from Wisconsin, and Marcus Rucker. Both of those guys had great springs and should contribute greatly this year. Another guy I really enjoyed watching this spring is DajLeon Farr, a TE who transferred from Miami. He certainly passes the eyeball test, as he goes 6′5″ and about 245. He could develop as a great weapon in goal line situations this year. Defensively, I have been impressed with Justin Thompson who was a JUCO signee this past spring. He weighs close to 290lbs and can really run. He will create problems for opposing TE’s because of his size and for opposing Ts because of his quickness. I expect him to cause quite a bit of havoc in C-USA backfields this year.

EC: Tommy has been really high on the defensive improvement in regards to talent, what are your impressions of our front seven? How do you see the secondary play out in terms of performance and personnel?

CP: I believe the talent level on the defensive side of the ball is something we have not seen since the mid 1990’s when the University of Memphis had a reputation as a hard-hitting defensive football team. These guys can all really run and are all really big. After having lacked depth recently at LB, this should not be the case this year. With the transfers (Hughes and Odom) added to the guys we having coming back (Bowens, Jackson, Rockette, Longstreet) I look for this group to be the best we’ve had in quite some time. The depth along the D line is one strength. The Tigers have plenty of guys who will be capable of putting some pressure on the QB. In the secondary, I expect Alton Starr and DA Griffin to pick up right where they left off last year and should also be helped be transfer Deron Furr, from Auburn. New Defensive Coordinator Kenny Ingram’s job will definitely be made easier with this kind of talent to put out on the field.

EC: Now behind the scenes, there is finally some progress being made with facilities, what do you know about current projects, such as the weight room and turf field? And what have you heard about the progress of potentially building an indoor practice facility or any other potential upgrades with the football program?

CP: When I came to Memphis on my recruiting visit in 1994, I was shown the plans for the new athletic complex on South Campus and was told ground breaking would start within the year. I never go to use that facility; it wasn’t completed until after I was long gone. The importance of facilities cannot be underestimated in regards to prospective athletes. It really has become an “arms” race and we have struggled to keep up with the Jones’ in the past. That is why it is really exciting to see progress in the area of facilities. The new weight room should be under construction soon and I know field turf practice surface and indoor-practice facilities are high on the agenda. I believe the athletic administration really recognizes the significance of having top notch facilities and I applaud them for beginning to make the commitment to improve in that area.

EC: How about giving everyone a heads up about what you plan on bringing to the Memphis Roar team?

CP: I hope to add the same knowledge that I try to share with the listeners on the radio broadcasts, explaining the “why” and sharing an insiders perspective on the Tiger football program. We all share a love for the Tigers and the University and I am excited to be able to share my perspective and opinions with fellow Tiger fans.

EC: One more for fun. Having quizzed some fans for some of the questions, several wanted me to ask you, how bad would you like to put the pads on one more time, like maybe November 7th?

CP: I would absolutely love to put the pads back on. And not just for the Tennessee game. I was one of those guys that actually enjoyed practice. When late summer arrives and the air starts to change, if I smell freshly cut grass, my pulse still quickens and I get that old feeling; football is in the air. Last year, while traveling with the team to Marshall to work my first game on the radio, I had the same emotions as a player while riding on the bus to the stadium. Riding on the bus with the police escort and sirens blaring definitely got the adrenaline flowing. I guess some things never change. With that being said, I am a realist. I wouldn’t last more than one or two plays these days. I get sore after playing 36 holes of golf in one day.

As most of you can tell, Chris brings some keen insight into the football program. Memphis Roar is happy to welcome Chris to our group of dedicated Tiger fans and our Memphis Roar staff. He is an asset to our team and the Tiger Nation as a whole. Chris will be writing varying articles providing valuable information on our Tiger team and the challenges of their future opponents. Join us Tiger fans, in welcoming Chris Powers.