Norvell's first class is Memphis' best yet

Perry, a three-star recruit, is one of the 21 players, 16 of whom signed their national letter of intents Wednesday, who make up first-year Memphis coach Mike Norvell’s first recruiting class.

“There were two factors in every decision,” said Norvell at his press conference Wednesday. “Do these young men fit us? Do we fit them? And does it feel like family? That has made this group very special. That is what I believe is going to help this group stand apart in the future. It’s a tremendous day for us and our university moving forward.”

Norvell’s class ranks No. 3 in the American Athletic Conference and No. 62 nationally, according to 247Sports Team Composite Rankings as of Wednesday night. Former Tigers’ coach Justin Fuente’s 2015 class was ranked No. 5 in the American and No. 79 nationally, also according to 247Sports Team Composite Rankings.

Memphis University School duo linebacker Tim Hart, who was ranked the No. 19 recruit in Tennessee by both Rivals.com and ESPN.com, and safety Thomas Pickens, who played in the Liberty Bowl High School All-Star team, plus Briarcrest High School wide receiver Hunter Hill, who also had offers from Army and Harvard, made up the Memphis nucleus of Norvell’s recruiting class.

One of the pressing questions heading into next season for Memphis football is who eventually becomes the new starting quarterback. Former Tigers star quarterback Paxton Lynch announced in December he foregoing his senior season and declared for the NFL Draft.

Norvell’s class adds two names to the quarterback competition. Former junior college quarterback Riley Ferguson from Matthews, North Carolina, who enrolled at Memphis last month, and David Moore from Milton High School in Alpharetta, Georgia.

“I believe when you talk about experience, everybody has to start with no experience sometime,” said Norvell, when asked about Memphis’ quarterback situation. “When you look at this group, there’s one position I can guarantee you we will always have competition in and that’s quarterback. That position is usually going to be the key to your success.”

Another position of need, according to Norvell, was to improve the Tigers’ pass rush. Memphis added three linebackers: Hart, Nehemiah Augustus from Patterson, Louisiana and Bryce Huff from Mobile, Alabama. In addition, two defensive ends, John Tate, of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and Jacoby Hill from Atlanta also joined Wednesday.

However, not every player joined Norvell’s first recruiting class and he said while other coaches may get pissed off at players for not picking their school, Norvell holds no ill will.

“Last night I was on the phone with one them (who did not pick Memphis),” Norvell said. “I wished him all the best. I understood the situation. I understand what they were looking for and what we had. They thought it was in their best interest to go elsewhere. You encourage them. Because at the end of the day, it’s about that student-athlete.”

Regardless, Norvell said he’s excited about the future of Tiger football and recruiting for the class of 2017 started “yesterday.”

“It’s all about relationships,” Norvell said. “Every second. Every day. Don’t waste an opportunity to get to know somebody. That’s something we’re going to be big on, and something we’re excited about.”

And as for next year’s recruiting class, when asked if next year’s class will be better.

“It better be,” Norvell said.

Full list of Memphis' 2016 recruiting class