If you’re looking at Memphis’ defense this year and thinking, “Wait, who are all these guys?” — you’re not wrong. The Tigers basically hit the reset button on defense heading into 2025. Almost everyone from last year is gone, and the unit is being rebuilt with transfers and new faces. The one familiar name? William Whitlow Jr., the guy holding everything together in the trenches.
New Faces, Big Impact: Inside Memphis’ Revamped 2025 Defense
The Rock: William Whitlow Jr.
Whitlow’s the only returning starter, but he’s more than enough to set the tone. Listed at 6’2, 260 lbs, he’ll be rocking the No. 9 jersey this year after wearing 94 last season. And make no mistake, he’s the kind of player who can set the tempo for an entire defense.
In 2024, Whitlow earned First Team All-AAC honors with a stat line that says it all: 24 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 3 QB hurries, and a forced fumble. His best game? Against North Texas, where he racked up six tackles, two for loss, and lived in the backfield.
He’s durable, consistent, and delivers the kind of high-impact plays that flip momentum. Memphis fans already know it — Whitlow is the heart of this defense. In 2025, he’s not just a starter; he’s the face of the entire unit.
Key Newcomers
Chase Carter – Edge Rusher
Here’s the big question: Can Chase Carter’s production carry over from FCS to the AAC? The 6’5, 290-pound transfer from Incarnate Word basically copied and pasted his stat line the past two years: 20 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, and 3 QB hurries each season. In 2024, those TFLs alone pushed offenses back about 50 yards.
Carter’s game is all about pressure — he has the size and burst to cause problems off the edge. If he can bring that same disruption against tougher AAC offensive lines, Memphis just found a big piece of their new defensive front.
Pooda Walker – Space Eater in the Middle
You need a big man to plug the middle, and that’s exactly what Memphis got in Pooda Walker. At 6’1, 305 lbs, the Kennesaw State transfer brings experience and strength to the inside. In 2024, he put up 44 tackles, 5 TFLs, and a sack, proving he’s not just a body in the middle — he makes plays.
Walker’s biggest strength is winning leverage battles and taking up space, which makes life easier for the guys around him. If he can keep collapsing the pocket and shutting down run lanes, he’ll be one of the most important players in this entire defensive rebuild.
The Linebacker Room: Transfer Central
This group looks nothing like last season’s, and that’s by design. With the departures of Chandler Martin (NFL) and Elijah Herring (Florida State), Memphis turned to the portal to restock, and the new arrivals bring both talent and experience.
Drue Watts, the rangy Nevada transfer, has shown he can move sideline-to-sideline and make plays all over the field. In his career at Nevada, he racked up 182 tackles (109 solo), 19.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 8 passes defended over 34 games. In 2024 alone, he notched 65 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, a sack, and an interception, proving he can make an impact in key moments.
Everett Roussaw Jr., coming from UAB, is a tackling machine who brings reliability and physicality to the middle of the defense. Over the past two seasons, he totaled 125 tackles (63 solo), 10 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks, adding 4 passes defended and 2 fumble recoveries along the way. In 2024, he recorded 38 tackles, 3 TFLs, and 3 sacks, showing he can consistently disrupt plays.
Finally, Sam Brumfield, a Virginia Tech transfer, is a physical thumper known for his leadership and high football IQ. In 2024, he posted 60 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a sack in 12 games. While not flashy on paper, Brumfield’s experience in the ACC and his ability to read plays make him a key voice and presence for the linebacker room.
The key for this unit will be chemistry. All three bring talent and experience, but with so many new faces, how fast they mesh could determine just how good Memphis’ defense is in 2025.
Secondary: A Whole New Look
Just like the linebackers, Memphis’ secondary has been completely rebuilt — but this time, the Tigers didn’t just dip into the portal; they grabbed guys with Power Five pedigrees.
Omarion Cooper, a Florida State transfer, brings length and SEC/ACC experience to the cornerback position. In 2023 at Colorado, Cooper started eight games, recording 37 tackles, 1 sack, and 5 pass breakups. His versatility and experience make him a valuable addition to the Tigers’ defense.
Myles Pollard, a Michigan transfer, adds depth to the cornerback room. Though his 2024 season stats were limited (1 solo tackle), his experience in practice and games against top-tier receivers gives him a chance to step into a starting role right away.
Chauncey Logan Jr., coming from James Madison, brings toughness and ball skills to the safety position. In 2024, he tallied 23 tackles (13 solo), 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, and 3 pass breakups in 10 games. His ability to make timely plays could help Memphis create turnovers and swing momentum.
Kamari Wilson, a former blue-chip safety prospect who transferred from Florida and Arizona State, has the potential to be the star of the secondary. In 2024 at Arizona State, he appeared in all 13 games, recording 11 tackles (6 solo). His experience in the SEC and Pac-12, combined with his high school pedigree, suggests he could emerge as a standout for the Tigers.
This group is raw but athletic. If they start generating turnovers, Memphis’ defense could look completely different from last year’s bend-but-don’t-break approach.
Players to Watch
William Whitlow Jr. – DL – The heartbeat of the defense. First Team All-AAC last year, now wearing No. 9.
Chase Carter – DE – FCS disruptor with 4.5 TFLs and 3 sacks per season; brings edge pressure.
Pooda Walker – DT – 305-pound space eater; 44 tackles, 5 TFLs last season.
Drue Watts – LB – Nevada transfer; 182 career tackles, 19.5 TFLs, versatile sideline-to-sideline linebacker.
Everett Roussaw Jr. – LB – UAB transfer; 125 career tackles, 10 TFLs, 4 sacks; consistent disruptor.
Sam Brumfield – LB – Virginia Tech transfer; 60 tackles in 2024, strong football IQ, and leadership.
Omarion Cooper – CB – Florida State/Colorado transfer; 37 tackles, 5 pass breakups in 2023.
Myles Pollard – CB – Michigan transfer; Big Ten-tested corner with size and athleticism.
Chauncey Logan Jr. – S – James Madison transfer; 23 tackles, 1 INT, 3 pass breakups in 2024.
Kamari Wilson – S – Former blue-chip recruit; 11 tackles in 2024 at Arizona State, potential star.
Big Picture
This Memphis defense doesn’t look anything like last year’s, and that might be a good thing. With Whitlow anchoring the line, Carter and Walker pressuring the front, a veteran-but-new linebacker group, and a secondary full of talented transfers, the Tigers have the pieces to turn heads. The big question: can all these new faces gel fast enough? If they do, Memphis’ defense could go from a question mark to one of the most exciting storylines in the AAC in 2025.
