Ryan Silverfield: Memphis football RB Brandon Thomas could start vs. Mississippi State

Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield didn't want to say too much Tuesday on where his depth chart stood before the Tigers' season opener. But he did provide clues on his running back battle.

Brandon Thomas has emerged as a favorite to start against Mississippi State next Saturday. The sophomore led the team in rushing last season but battled fumbles and missed three of the last four games due to injury.

Silverfield was impressed by Thomas rushing for 421 yards through the team's first three games. A healthy spring and preseason camp also boosted Thomas' chances along with improving his ball security.

"We have the right to challenge where our running game was towards the end of the year but when Brandon Thomas is in the game, we were a little bit different," Silverfield said. "Whether it was the healthy O-line, healthy receivers blocking better, Brandon Thomas has shown that he's capable of being a starting running back so maybe that's the direction we're heading in."

HOMECOMING: Memphis transfer CorMontae Hamilton is home after 24-hour bus ride led to 3 years with Ohio State football

NEW DEFENSE: Here's why Memphis football's new defense is feeling like a better fit for players

GIANNOTTO: New LB Tyler Murray brought 'free agency' to Memphis football. Get used to it.

It was the most clarity on what's been the most watched position battle this month. Silverfield and running back coach Sean Dawkins have said they'd prefer to have two set running backs with a third who could spell them or be used in the passing game.

Sophomore An'Darius Coffey and senior Asa Martin have been singled out as passing game contenders, with Coffey's speed being a highlight. Sophomore Jeyvon Ducker has been praised as a hard runner as the Northern Illinois transfer recovered from being injured most of last spring.

Silverfield also said freshman Sutton Smith will see time as his skill set reminded him of former Tigers back Kenneth Gainwell, now with the Philadelphia Eagles.

However, Thomas having close to a defined role helps shake out the pecking order as the team wraps up preseason practice this week.

"I do feel like we're starting to hone in on some of those guys. Even in our COVID year (2020), we played seven different running backs with five different starters so obviously we don't want to get to that point," Silverfield said.

Receiver battle

As for receivers, Silverfield didn't say who was leading that group but singled out senior Eddie Lewis as a potential starter after a strong preseason.

Lewis and junior Javon Ivory boast the most experience but the third receiver is less determined. Silverfield named multiple candidates including Gabriel Rogers, Joseph Scates and Koby Drake yet said all of the receiver spots remain open.

"We'll rotate different guys," Silverfield said. "To sit here and say where these guys fall on the depth chart, especially at receiver? Nobody's going to go out there and play 85 straight reps for us."

Kicking competition

Silverfield added that as of Tuesday, senior Chris Howard has a "slight edge" over sophomore David Kemp to earn the starting job.

Howard transferred from Florida after the spring and special teams coordinator Charles Bankins praised his experience as an asset. Kemp struggled with injuries and accuracy, but made his last five field goal attempts last season.

Injury update

Sophomore receiver Eric Rivers, who showed off his speed with several long catches in the spring, had surgery for an undisclosed injury and will miss the rest of the season, Silverfield said. Rivers converted from being a defensive back last season.

Linebacker Bryce Edmondson also had surgery and is expected to miss most of the season yet could return near the end of the year.

Want to stay informed on the latest Memphis sports news? A Commercial Appeal subscription gets you unlimited access to the best inside information and updates on local sports, and the ability to tap into sports news from throughout the USA TODAY Network's 109 local sites.

You can reach Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_B) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis football RB Brandon Thomas could start vs. Mississippi State