University of Memphis Athletics
O-Line Shines in First Day with Pads
Aug 03, 2017 | Football
Memphis football fall camp ramps up with first day in pads
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The first day in full pads is met with excitement every season. The players get to move at full speed, and the physicality goes up a notch. Certain position groups tend to thrive with that added contact, and on Day 1 in pads Wednesday at the Billy J. Murphy Complex, it was the offensive line that stood out.
"It's always good to see the first day of pads. Things move a little faster," Memphis head coach Mike Norvell said Wednesday. "I was pleased with what I saw from the offensive line and our backs running the football. We have to have that. That's an area that if we can improve we have a chance to be pretty good."
Memphis threw their way to the No. 2 passing offense in the American Athletic Conference last season, but ranked seventh in the league in rushing. Led by quarterback Riley Ferguson and wide receivers Anthony Miller and Phil Mayhue, the hope is that the passing attack can be even better this season.
Any good running game starts up front and with a stable full of talented backs and with a matured offensive line, the Tigers expect improvement up front.
Junior center Drew Kyser was thrilled at the opportunity to hit somebody during the first practice with full pads. The Opelika, Ala. product has started 25 career games in his two seasons at Memphis, blocking for record-setting offenses along the way. Earlier this summer Kyser was named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List.
"It's been since April since we last got to strap it on so it just feels good to put it all back on and go out and hit somebody," Kyser said. "We want to be the most physical and dominating offensive line in the country. We have to continue to get better. We are pushing each other more than we have been and coaching each other up so at the end of the day we are making each other better each day."
Memphis returns four starters on the offensive line in Kyser, Gabe Kuhn, Trevon Tate and Dustin Woodard. In addition to the four returning starters, there are several newcomers who should give the Tigers much-needed size and depth along the offensive line.
Pads or not, Norvell wants to see continued improvement with every practice.
"I want a higher degree of effort. Every day that we come out here we need to see improvement. As you gain confidence and get that experience as a freshman or as a fifth-year senior we need to see heightened awareness and pursuit," Norvell said.
Saturday's practice at the Billy J. Murphy Complex will be open to all Tiger Scholarship Fund 901 Club Members. Fans must present the email invitation to be admitted to practice. Those that wish to purchase season tickets and join the TSF 901 Club can do so by visiting www.GoTigersGoTix.com or by calling the ticket office at 901-678-2331.
"It's always good to see the first day of pads. Things move a little faster," Memphis head coach Mike Norvell said Wednesday. "I was pleased with what I saw from the offensive line and our backs running the football. We have to have that. That's an area that if we can improve we have a chance to be pretty good."
Memphis threw their way to the No. 2 passing offense in the American Athletic Conference last season, but ranked seventh in the league in rushing. Led by quarterback Riley Ferguson and wide receivers Anthony Miller and Phil Mayhue, the hope is that the passing attack can be even better this season.
Any good running game starts up front and with a stable full of talented backs and with a matured offensive line, the Tigers expect improvement up front.
Junior center Drew Kyser was thrilled at the opportunity to hit somebody during the first practice with full pads. The Opelika, Ala. product has started 25 career games in his two seasons at Memphis, blocking for record-setting offenses along the way. Earlier this summer Kyser was named to the Rimington Trophy Watch List.
"It's been since April since we last got to strap it on so it just feels good to put it all back on and go out and hit somebody," Kyser said. "We want to be the most physical and dominating offensive line in the country. We have to continue to get better. We are pushing each other more than we have been and coaching each other up so at the end of the day we are making each other better each day."
Memphis returns four starters on the offensive line in Kyser, Gabe Kuhn, Trevon Tate and Dustin Woodard. In addition to the four returning starters, there are several newcomers who should give the Tigers much-needed size and depth along the offensive line.
Pads or not, Norvell wants to see continued improvement with every practice.
"I want a higher degree of effort. Every day that we come out here we need to see improvement. As you gain confidence and get that experience as a freshman or as a fifth-year senior we need to see heightened awareness and pursuit," Norvell said.
Saturday's practice at the Billy J. Murphy Complex will be open to all Tiger Scholarship Fund 901 Club Members. Fans must present the email invitation to be admitted to practice. Those that wish to purchase season tickets and join the TSF 901 Club can do so by visiting www.GoTigersGoTix.com or by calling the ticket office at 901-678-2331.
Players Mentioned
QB
/ Football
OL
/ Football
WR
/ Football
WR
/ Football
OL
/ Football
OL
/ FootballFootball: Jordon Hankins Press Conference-November 4, 2025
Tuesday, November 04
Football: Tim Cramsey Press Conference - November 3, 2025
Monday, November 03
Football: Ryan Silverfield Press Conference-November 2, 2025
Sunday, November 02
Football: Ryan Silverfield Press Conference - October 31, 2025
Saturday, November 01