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    • Memphis Football Begins Fall Practices With Expectations, CFP Hopes
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    Memphis Football Begins Fall Practices With Expectations, CFP Hopes

    Vaseline Posted on

    It’s finally time to talk about football.

    Memphis’ offseason was monumental: the athletic department began a $220 million renovation of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, coach Ryan Silverfield signed a contract extension and FedEx announced a historic NIL deal that will pay Tigers athletes $25 million over five years.

    There’s been plenty of positive news surrounding the roster, too. It started before the 2023 season was over, when quarterback Seth Henigan, receiver Roc Taylor, linebacker Chandler Martin and other key players opted to return. Then the Tigers picked up several projected starters in the transfer portal, including South Carolina’s leading rusher in Mario Anderson and Tennessee’s leading tackler in Elijah Herring.

    It all sets up the most anticipated Memphis football season in program history. This is the first time the Tigers have a legitimate shot at the highest level of the college football postseason, as the expanded College Football Playoff will have a guaranteed spot for a Group of Five team. Memphis is one of the favorites to earn that spot.

    With fall practice just a day away, here are three things to watch before the season opener on Aug. 31 against North Alabama.

    How is Memphis dealing with playoff expectations?

    The playoff expansion came at a good time for the Tigers, who are poised to have their best team since Silverfield took over at the end of 2019. It means the Group of Five will receive more interest from the wider college football world, and Memphis is regularly mentioned as a top contender for the playoffs.

    Silverfield has been consistent throughout the offseason, saying the Tigers are focused on North Alabama and repeatedly stating that they haven’t accomplished anything yet. The stated goal is to win the American Athletic Conference title, with playoff seeding clearly out of the team’s control.

    But how will the players respond to the outside noise? It’s likely to get louder in August, as more preseason predictions emerge and more fans engage with the Tigers and learn more about their new roster.

    Who will win the battles for defensive position?

    The Tigers’ defense will be a big talking point before the season begins. They’ve been dominant on offense in 2023, but there’s still plenty of room for improvement on the other side of the ball.

    The strength will be in the middle, with Martin and Herring expected to play key roles. But there are pecking orders to sort out up front and in the secondary, two units that need to be better in 2024.

    Up front, Cormontae Hamilton and William Whitlow bring experience on the edges, while Indiana transfer Patrick Lucas Jr. is likely to play a key role on the interior. But anyone else with a strong camp could earn playing time.

    Senior Greg Rubin will anchor the defensive backfield, while Samford transfer Kourtlan Marsh is another name to watch at safety. The cornerback rotation will look significantly different, with Davion Ross returning from injury and pushing for a spot alongside returners DJ Bell and Julian Barnett. Indiana transfer Kobee Minor is also likely to play.

    How is the attack line composed?

    The measure of an offensive line’s success is usually: how much have fans and media talked about it during the season?

    It wasn’t a big story in 2023, and that’s a good thing. But Memphis will almost certainly have a new starter at every position on the line this season, and that’s something to focus on heading into August 31st.

    Silverfield has touted the depth of this room. Xavier Hill is a likely starter at guard. Also in the mix are Marshall transfer Trent Holler and redshirt freshman Malachi Breland. Last year’s starting left guard, Jonah Gambill, got reps at center in the spring and could be the replacement for Jacob Likes.

    Tackle will look very different. South Carolina transfer Jaylen Nichols was still recovering from a knee injury during spring training, and Old Dominion transfer Chris Adams joined afterward. Louisiana Monroe transfer Keydrell Lewis is a likely starter at right tackle.

    Contact sports writer Jonah Dylan at [email protected] or at X @thejonahdylan.

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