There's nothing like a potential starting defensive tackle walking on to your campus in late July.
Second-year Memphis coach Justin Fuente may find that out. Former Nebraska DT Chase Rome has told MemphisRoar.com that he is transferring to Memphis.
Rome isn't listed on Memphis' official roster, but he is expected to complete his undergraduate degree this summer and will immediately be eligible to play for Memphis. He announced he was planning to leave Nebraska during the spring.
Rome (6-3, 290) is a fourth-year junior who has two seasons of eligibility remaining. He played in 24 games, starting five times, with the Huskers and made 32 tackles. He was a consensus national top-25 defensive tackle out of Columbia (Mo.) Rock Bridge High in the 2010 recruiting class.
His arrival would provide a lift to Memphis' defensive line, which was solid already. Memphis runs a 3-4 set, and Rome would team with Johnnie Farms and Terry Redden in what likely would be one of the best tackle rotations in the AAC. In addition, junior Martin Ifedi has some pass-rushing skills.
Memphis made huge strides defensively last season under coordinator Barry Odom, a former coach at Rock Bridge High -- he did not coach Rome, though. Memphis was third in Conference USA in total defense last season, one season after finishing last in the league. The Tigers improved their per-game average by 108 yards from '11 to '12 and clamped down against the run.
