The most anticipated season in Memphis football history is almost here.
For the first time, the Tigers and all Group of Five teams have a path to the highest level of the college football postseason. Playoff expansion to 12 teams includes a guaranteed spot for the Group of Five, and Memphis is one of the teams in the mix for that spot.
The Tigers kick off fall practices on Wednesday ahead of the season opener on Aug. 31 against North Alabama. With the season opener now just over a month away, it’s a perfect time to answer your questions about the defense, schedule and everything else going on with the Tigers.
Defense has always been a big question mark. What is the outlook for this year’s defense? – Jimmy Morgan
There’s no question that Memphis’ defense will need to improve if the Tigers are going to win the American Athletic Conference. Memphis was ninth in the AAC in both yards per game allowed and points per game allowed in 2023, and that hurt the Tigers in their losses to Missouri, Tulane and SMU.
There’s a new defensive coordinator in Jordon Hankins, and he aced his first test when Memphis allowed zero rushing yards during the win over Iowa State in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. There will be plenty of new faces, especially in the secondary. Indiana’s Kobee Minor will be an impact transfer, while Davion Ross is back after missing most of 2023 with an injury.
The strength of this defense will be in the middle, though. Chandler Martin projects as Memphis’ top player, while Tennessee transfer Elijah Herring will slot in next to him to form a formidable linebacker duo.
Which game is a trap? – Steve Martin
As we saw last season, almost every game in the AAC can be a trap. But the obvious answer is a non-conference opponent: Troy.
The Trojans will visit Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on Sept. 7, a week before the Tigers head to Tallahassee for a highly-anticipated game against Mike Norvell and Florida State. But Troy, the two-time defending Sun Belt champions, will be a stiff test. Ryan Silverfield knows it, too — he’s mentioned Troy almost every time he’s been asked about Florida State so far this offseason.
There has been a lot of talk about the offense and defense. Do you have an update on the special teams? – Wendell Tuggle
It looks pretty straightforward. Ole Miss transfer Caden Costa will kick, while UTEP transfer Josh Sloan will punt. Tanner Gillis, who became Memphis’ starting kicker last season after two other kickers went down with injuries, will likely be the backup at both spots.
Koby Drake will return punts, while Sutton Smith will be involved on kick returns. UMass transfer Greg Derosiers could also be in the mix.
Which freshmen or redshirt freshmen do you expect to have significant playing time this year? -John Lewallen
Not a lot, as has been the case throughout Silverfield’s tenure at Memphis. Seth Henigan is an obvious outlier, but Silverfield has not relied on freshmen to play major roles.
That doesn’t mean there won’t be circumstances where it can happen. Redshirt freshman guard Malachi Breland could push for a starting spot. Four-star receiver and true freshman Keonde Henry is a candidate to earn playing time behind Memphis’ top three receivers right away. Local products DJ Allen (Germantown) and Kavion Benton (Southwind) could force their way into the mix on the defensive line.
And then there’s the backup quarterback spot.
This is a hard question to ask, are the backup QBs able to step up if needed? – Herbert Taylor
We all know what Henigan can do. He’s Memphis’ all-time leading passer and is one of the top quarterbacks in the country.
Behind him, though, is another story. Offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey has reiterated throughout the offseason that there’s a three-way competition for backup quarterback between freshman Arrington Maiden, redshirt freshman Harris Boyd and junior Cade Cunningham.
Those three players have a combined zero passing attempts in college football. Preparing those other quarterbacks for potential game action will be a key focus before the season starts.
What are the primary areas that could upend Memphis’ season? – Verlinda Henning
Injuries, for one. That’s always at the top of the list.
Elsewhere? Defensive execution, especially down the stretch. Winning close games was a problem until last season, but will there be regression? Ditto for winning on the road, where the Tigers will play UTSA, Tulane and South Florida.
Remember, Memphis has a very slim margin for error if it wants to be a playoff team. A 10-2 record is likely the bare minimum.
Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis football mailbag: Areas of concern, position battles, trap games
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