Memphis Tigers College Football Media Day Quote, 08/04/2021

On what he learned from his first year at the helm of Memphis:

The first year as a full-time head coach was a lot to learn. The returning players on our roster now are fighters, they persevered through a lot last year and things could have happened without it. The group of young men that are representing the University of Memphis in this 2021 football season are fighters and young men of high character that go out there day in and day out for the name on the front of their jersey and the back. Really excited about this group of men.

On building on his previous experience in choosing a new quarterback for the offense:

From Paxton Lynch to Riley Ferguson to Brady White, the all-time winningest quarterback in program history, those are big shoes to fill. We’re excited about the competition. We have four capable bodies that will be in there competing for the quarterback spot and I am excited about all of them. There’s no panic and our players have great faith on the offensive side of the ball. Whomever we put back there will lead us and we will be successful as we’ve always been. That’s the fun thing. We’ll throw the ball out there on Friday and let the guys compete day in and day out. Will we have a starter in a week? I don’t know, but a couple weeks into training camp we’ll make sure everyone involved is pleased with the decision. Whoever we decide to stick with, all hands on deck moving forward.

On any motivation for his team based on preseason predictions:

The preseason polls are great for everyone to talk about and answer questions about, but once the ball is kicked off the preseason poll doesn’t mean a darn thing. One thing I like about this is our guys have a chip on their shoulder. If they ranked us first or last it doesn’t matter, we’ve got work to do. We’re excited about training camp and the upcoming games, one day at a time and one game at a time. That’s just part of it. Let’s talk about it in January and see where we end up in the poll.

WR Calvin Austin III

On having to adjust coming out of a COVID year and moving forward into this season:

Last year was an extremely different experience but I think it allowed us to focus on controlling what we can control. We can’t really control if we catch it or another team catches it, we just go out each day at practice have that mindset that we’re going to play that week. We try not to care too much if this happens or that happens, last year allowed us to come closer as a team and continue to build to our goal of winning a conference championship.

On excitement of being able to show more of his versatility in 2021:

Coming from last year I just want to continue the momentum into this season. I think our team as well is going to continue that momentum into this season. This season I have just been working at it to improve my game and just understanding the entire game of football, understanding coverages. The quarterback situation, that’s going to get figured out with all of the talented guys that can throw the ball. Really I’m just focused on my job so I can make their job easier.

CB Quindell Johnson

On taking advantage of NIL legislation:

It’s been a blessing for everybody for all student-athletes because it gives you a chance to get paid for your name, image and likeness and all those things that come with it. It can be a distraction to some, if some, because it takes away from what you’re here for. Playing football, the game you love. For me if it comes it comes, I’m just worried about the season and if those things come along the way they come. We’re just concentrating on preparing for the season.