STORYLINES
Memphis has 18 starters — the second-most of any American Athletic Conference team —returning for the 2014 season.

The Tigers played in five bowl games between 2003 and 2008, but have missed the postseason in each of the last five years.

Memphis became the first American Athletic Conference program with a consensus All-America selection as P Tom Hornsey earned the honor last season.

OFFENSE
RB Brandon Hayes, who rushed for 860 yards and five touchdowns last season, was granted a sixth year of eligibility and will lead a group of nine returning starters on offense.


QB Paxton Lynch started all 12 games as a redshirt freshman and ranked eighth in The American in total offense (181.9 yards per game).

The Tigers return three starters on the offensive line and have a combined 63 career starts back up front.

Memphis returns its top eight receivers from last year. WR Joe Craig was the team leader with 37 catches and 338 receiving yards.

DEFENSE
Memphis was ranked 12th nationally in rushing defense (116.3 ypg) in 2013.

DE Martin Ifedi registered 11.5 sacks last season and was seventh nationally with 0.96 sacks per game. Ifedi earned first-team all-conferene accolades.

CB Bobby McCain led The American with six interceptions despite missing three games with injuires.

The Tigers return all three starting linebackers from a year ago. LB Charles Harris had 74 tackles, while LB Tank Jakes had 71 stops with three sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss.

SPECIAL TEAMS
K Jake Elliott emerged as one of the nation’s top kickers as a freshman last season. Elliott was 16-for-18 on field goal attempts, including 3-for-3 from 50 yards or longer.

Joe Craig had 724 yards on kickoff returns, averaging 26.8 yards per return.

The Tigers will go with a new man at punter to replace Hornsey. P Spencer Smith is the leading candidate following spring practice.