It wasn’t even supposed to be his job. Kenneth Gainwell entered the 2019 season as a potential rotational player in the backfield. With Patrick Taylor returning, the Tigers offense needed someone to step in when he needed a breather. When Taylor battled injuries for most of the season, Gainwell emerged as the starter. He took off from there, elevating the Tigers offense to a new level not seen before him. Is Kenneth Gainwell the best running back in Memphis history? Not yet, but he’s well on his way.
DeAngelo Williams and Darrell Henderson are two of the most notable running backs to ever play for Memphis, but they’ll have elite company at this rate.