Memphis Football Fall Camp Underway
Fall camp opened today for the Tigers, with plenty of questions about this year’s roster ready to be answered. The Tigers will have a new starting quarterback and a completely fresh group of skill position players on offense.
“The effort was there,” coach Ryan Silverfield said. “Lots to clean up like there always is in day one.”
Quarterbacks
Arguably the biggest point of discussion about the Tigers this offseason is who will replace Seth Henigan at quarterback. Silverfield said it is a three-man competition between Nevada transfer Brendon Lewis, four-star freshman AJ Hill, and redshirt freshman Arrington Maiden.
“That’s kind of how we’re going to grade each practice, which quarterback gives us the best chance and the offense to have the best chance,” Silverfield said. “Who can be efficient, who can get things done.”
Mystery of a roster
The Tigers return just five starters from last season. With plenty of positions up for grabs, Silverfield is operating with no real depth chart to open camp.
“I don’t control the depth chart, the players do,” Silverfield said. “This early in camp, we just want to see who can play football day-in and day-out consistently.”
Running backs
Despite the mystery of the majority of the roster, Silverfield does feel good about the running back position. Greg Desrosiers Jr. and Sutton Smith are both back for the Tigers.
“I think there’s the most depth at any position either at running back, or at O-line,” Silverfield said.
Wide receivers
Wide receiver is a position with three starting spots open. While there is some talent in the room, the Tigers are certainly lacking proven guys out wide.
“I’m okay if it’s 7 or 8 guys,” Silverfield said. “That’s okay to have that.”
The Tigers’ most productive wide receiver from last year’s team is Marcello Bussey, who had 10 catches and tore his ACL last season.
“That was one day down, I told the guys it was just okay,” Silverfield said. “Okay is not even close to what we’re looking for.”
