University of Memphis Athletics
Photo by: Joe Murphy
Quick Study
Dec 17, 2018 | Football
Joseph is a member of the offensive line that helped the Tigers set several school records in 2017, 2018.
Note: The Roger Joseph feature first appeared in the Tigers Football GameDay program Nov. 10 when Memphis hosted Tulsa.
As Roger Joseph, a 6-5, 305-pound offensive lineman for the Tigers, crosses the field after a mid-week practice, he's talking with teammates and soaking in the beautiful mid-day sunlight, looking as if he were made for the moment.
But this moment was once in jeopardy. At Boyd H. Anderson High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Joseph only played on the school's football team for one season – his freshman season.
Joseph, now a senior at Memphis, almost walked away from the sport after graduating high school, going as far as applying for jobs after graduation. He was only convinced to try playing at the next level when a friend put him in contact with a community college coach in Fresno City, Calif.
Having reviewed his season highlight film, the coaching staff invited him on to the team. Joseph did not leave any room for questions about the decision once he started playing.
Joseph collected multiple accolades during his time at Fresno City College, and after a rewarding year, he moved on to Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, Iowa. The time spent at Ellsworth proved to be much needed for him.
"I went there to really focus up and get away from everyone else," Joseph said. "There weren't very many distractions out there. My time there allowed me to get done what needed to be done."
This is the phrase that has come to best summarize what Joseph is all about now that he's in Memphis. Coming to the Tigers program in the summer of 2017, Joseph joined a talented offensive line led by assistant head coach and offensive line coach Ryan Silverfield. Joseph quickly made an impression.
"He came here and grabbed the bull by the horns," said Silverfield. "He really embraced the idea of trying to play. At the beginning of last year, Roger was in a rotational spot, and he battled his way to a starting role. And he's not given that (starting spot) back."
The high-powered offensive attack that the Tigers have become famous for was nothing new for Joseph. During his time at Fresno City College, he blocked for an offense which averaged over 400 yards of total offense per game. At Ellsworth, he developed into a strong pocket protector, contributing to an offensive line that allowed only five sacks the whole season.
The work that Joseph has done has also impressed his teammates, including senior captain Drew Kyser.
"(Joseph) is doing a great job," said Kyser, who has 47 career starts on the offensive line. "I didn't even know he hadn't played football much. In film study, he's engaged, taking notes, asking questions and doing a lot to get better at football."
Joseph carries himself with a measured sense of composure and careful insight, most likely stemming from his love and continuous learning of music.
Having taken music classes his whole life, learning about the subject comes naturally. Once skilled in the drums, saxophone, and trombone, his time on campus is spent developing his musical prowess. A music production major, he aspires to get into the music profession after his time on the gridiron.
But right now, Joseph has made it abundantly clear that his focus is on football.
For the young man who describes himself as someone who will always try to make the most of his opportunities, Joseph is on the path to fulfilling that
commitment while wearing the Blue and Gray.
As Roger Joseph, a 6-5, 305-pound offensive lineman for the Tigers, crosses the field after a mid-week practice, he's talking with teammates and soaking in the beautiful mid-day sunlight, looking as if he were made for the moment.
But this moment was once in jeopardy. At Boyd H. Anderson High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Joseph only played on the school's football team for one season – his freshman season.
Joseph, now a senior at Memphis, almost walked away from the sport after graduating high school, going as far as applying for jobs after graduation. He was only convinced to try playing at the next level when a friend put him in contact with a community college coach in Fresno City, Calif.
Having reviewed his season highlight film, the coaching staff invited him on to the team. Joseph did not leave any room for questions about the decision once he started playing.
Joseph collected multiple accolades during his time at Fresno City College, and after a rewarding year, he moved on to Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, Iowa. The time spent at Ellsworth proved to be much needed for him.
"I went there to really focus up and get away from everyone else," Joseph said. "There weren't very many distractions out there. My time there allowed me to get done what needed to be done."
This is the phrase that has come to best summarize what Joseph is all about now that he's in Memphis. Coming to the Tigers program in the summer of 2017, Joseph joined a talented offensive line led by assistant head coach and offensive line coach Ryan Silverfield. Joseph quickly made an impression.
"He came here and grabbed the bull by the horns," said Silverfield. "He really embraced the idea of trying to play. At the beginning of last year, Roger was in a rotational spot, and he battled his way to a starting role. And he's not given that (starting spot) back."
The high-powered offensive attack that the Tigers have become famous for was nothing new for Joseph. During his time at Fresno City College, he blocked for an offense which averaged over 400 yards of total offense per game. At Ellsworth, he developed into a strong pocket protector, contributing to an offensive line that allowed only five sacks the whole season.
The work that Joseph has done has also impressed his teammates, including senior captain Drew Kyser.
"(Joseph) is doing a great job," said Kyser, who has 47 career starts on the offensive line. "I didn't even know he hadn't played football much. In film study, he's engaged, taking notes, asking questions and doing a lot to get better at football."
Joseph carries himself with a measured sense of composure and careful insight, most likely stemming from his love and continuous learning of music.
Having taken music classes his whole life, learning about the subject comes naturally. Once skilled in the drums, saxophone, and trombone, his time on campus is spent developing his musical prowess. A music production major, he aspires to get into the music profession after his time on the gridiron.
But right now, Joseph has made it abundantly clear that his focus is on football.
For the young man who describes himself as someone who will always try to make the most of his opportunities, Joseph is on the path to fulfilling that
commitment while wearing the Blue and Gray.
Players Mentioned
OL
/ Football
OL
/ FootballFootball: Ryan Silverfield Press Conference-November 2, 2025
Sunday, November 02
Football: Ryan Silverfield Press Conference - October 31, 2025
Saturday, November 01
Football: Kamari Wilson Press Conference - October 31, 2025
Saturday, November 01
Football: Frank Peasant Press Conference - October 31, 2025
Saturday, November 01