Memphis Linebacker Wynton McManis (6-foot-1 225 lbs) was calm cool and collected during the American Conference Media Day. Fall camp starts this week and the Tigers defense is looking to replace some starts and some leadership.
Memphis was co-champs of the AAC and the defense was a major part of that.
“Last season was special. We put in so much work and came so far, we worked 1 day at a time and that’s what we’ll do this year. It’s going to be 1 day at a time and 1 game at a time,” McManis told TigerSportsReport.
The Tigers were picked by the AAC media members to win the West division. McManis said it was nice to be recognized but this year is a different team. With Tank Jakes graduating, McManis now finds himself in a leadership role and that’s something he embraces.
“We want to pick up where we left off last year, build on that momentum to achieve bigger and better this for them team this year.”
On Twitter I gave fans a chance to submit their questions. @MarcusGronauer wanted to know how have the young players come along during the offseason.
“We have a lot of the younger players doing great on defense picking up the defense. Guys like Linebackers Darian Porter and Joe Prevost. On Offense, Wide Receiver Mechane Slade is doing well too.”
The Tigers will have a bullseye on their back after winning the league and their bowl game last year and that’s something McManis is well aware of.
“We know there’s a target on our backs but we’ll continue to work. This group of guys, we haven’t done anything yet. We’ll keep fighting to get back where last year. We have a long way to go to get better and achieve the things we want.”
Practice can be intense and there are some guys on offense who love to hit. Which offense player does McManis say can bring the heat and hit the hardest?
“(Laughing) Man, I’ll say Alan Cross. He’s got a little pop to him. He’s a solid guy.”
Cross was sitting right next to McManis and after hearing his answer he flexed his muscles.
While Memphis does lose a lot on defense, the players returning have the game experience. McManis started 6 games last season and 14 games so far in his Memphis career.
Losing Tank Jakes hurts but having an experienced player like McManis will help make sure the Tigers doesn’t miss a beat defensively.
McManis and the Tigers will start fall camp Thursday afternoon.
Memphis was co-champs of the AAC and the defense was a major part of that.
“Last season was special. We put in so much work and came so far, we worked 1 day at a time and that’s what we’ll do this year. It’s going to be 1 day at a time and 1 game at a time,” McManis told TigerSportsReport.
The Tigers were picked by the AAC media members to win the West division. McManis said it was nice to be recognized but this year is a different team. With Tank Jakes graduating, McManis now finds himself in a leadership role and that’s something he embraces.
“We want to pick up where we left off last year, build on that momentum to achieve bigger and better this for them team this year.”
On Twitter I gave fans a chance to submit their questions. @MarcusGronauer wanted to know how have the young players come along during the offseason.
“We have a lot of the younger players doing great on defense picking up the defense. Guys like Linebackers Darian Porter and Joe Prevost. On Offense, Wide Receiver Mechane Slade is doing well too.”
The Tigers will have a bullseye on their back after winning the league and their bowl game last year and that’s something McManis is well aware of.
“We know there’s a target on our backs but we’ll continue to work. This group of guys, we haven’t done anything yet. We’ll keep fighting to get back where last year. We have a long way to go to get better and achieve the things we want.”
Practice can be intense and there are some guys on offense who love to hit. Which offense player does McManis say can bring the heat and hit the hardest?
“(Laughing) Man, I’ll say Alan Cross. He’s got a little pop to him. He’s a solid guy.”
Cross was sitting right next to McManis and after hearing his answer he flexed his muscles.
While Memphis does lose a lot on defense, the players returning have the game experience. McManis started 6 games last season and 14 games so far in his Memphis career.
Losing Tank Jakes hurts but having an experienced player like McManis will help make sure the Tigers doesn’t miss a beat defensively.
McManis and the Tigers will start fall camp Thursday afternoon.
