Tony Pollard (Photo courtesy of University of Memphis)
Memphis Tigers Running Backs 2018-21
The Memphis Tigers running backs from 2018 to 21 are legendary. Usually, each year small schools have a dozen lucky athletes achieve their NFL dream for a year or two. Time for running backs is especially short, about a three and a half year stay in the NFL. But this is one of the “Squads of the Gods” that has five, yes five RB/slot/WR still signed to NFL rosters four years later.
In 2018-21 the University of Memphis had a couple of exceptional running backs fulfilling their dreams. But Tony Pollard, Antonio Gibson, Calvin Austin III, Patrick Taylor, Jr., and Calvin Austin all achieved that dream. Four years later, they’re all on an NFL roster! And during the 2018-21 seasons, they were all work rostered in the same G5 squad.
Even national commentators have noticed the strong squads. Dan Patrick even called Memphis the new Running Back U. The 2018 Memphis running back room was crowded. Tony Pollard was a running/receiving threat. Patrick Taylor Jr. was a big, tough, under tackle, and much heavier than Pollard. Antonio Gibson was a backup in first year. Then in 2019 Gibson had a breakthrough game with a conference record 386 all-purpose yards in a game.
2019 New Running Back Renewal
In 2019, the University of Memphis running back room had a reload of excellence! But Kenneth Gainwell, Patrick Taylor Jr. stepped up to fill the gap. In four years, they’ve been on an NFL roster. And during the 2019 season, they all wore roster in the same 65 squad.
Gainwell and Calvin Austin III were very young. Gainwell started gaining traction through injury early in his career. He did have an amazing year when he did – almost 1500 yards rushing and an amazing 2000 yards when receiving is combined. Calvin Austin III played some RB, slot and wide receiver in 2020. Gainwell opted out in 2020, and Calvin Austin III took on the receiving mantle having two of the top 5 receiving games in Tiger history, plus almost 100 yards rushing, mainly end-arounds.
Excellence and Perseverance
In four years, they’ve been on an NFL roster. And during the 2018-21 run, they all wore rostered in the same 65 squad. These 5 Running backs/slot-receivers have all survived 4 NFL seasons and remain on NFL rosters. Currently Patrick Taylor Jr. is with the Niners, Tony Pollard with the Titans, Calvin Austin III and Kenneth Gainwell are on the Steelers, and Antonio Gibson for the Patriots. This was truly one of the Squads of the Gods.
