What we're watching as Memphis football starts 2023 spring practice

Memphis football kicks off its fourth spring practice Sunday under coach Ryan Silverfield after an offseason losing key contributors and adding a slew of transfers.

It’s why Silverfield preached patience this week. The Tigers have work to do with more new faces than usual and that’ll be the story of the next month besides position battles.

Here’s five things we’re watching to see over the next 15 practices.

FROM KNOXVILLE TO MEMPHIS:Justin Hunter, who played for Tennessee Titans, Vols is now Memphis football grad assistant

TIGERS 2023 SCHEDULE:Memphis football 2023 schedule includes Thursday night home game vs Navy

New additions

It’d be reasonable if Memphis passed out nametags for the first few practices. There are 14 Division 1 transfers and six junior colleges signees so it's understandable if players and coaches need time to get acquainted on the field.

The spring won’t just be about teaching, it’s how Silverfield and his staff develop chemistry with the most significant roster turnover he’s overseen. Silverfield is also breaking in three new assistants, including special teams coordinator Chris White.

Spring is mostly about refining the basics so it’ll be important to see how Silverfield integrates his new arrivals. He’ll also need to keep his returners happy since this begins an important year for the program after going 13-12 the last two seasons.

Wanted: New playmakers on offense

It’s never easy for a team to lose a key running back, a starting tight end and all three leading receivers. Four of those five departures came via transfer. So who replaces them?

Roc Taylor and Joseph Scates lead the returning receivers while Jevyon Ducker, last season’s leading rusher, and Brandon Thomas return among the running backs. Memphis also added three receivers and two running backs through the portal, including Old Dominion’s leading rusher Blake Watson and Toledo receiver DeMeer Blankumsee, who won the MAC championship.

The competition will be fierce but there need to be signs of emerging playmakers.

Who can have an immediate impact?

Besides running back and receiver, there’s a few other positions where Memphis needs help. The Tigers have big holes at offensive tackle, linebacker and safety.

Look for linebackers Davian Mayo, Cincir Evans and Andrew Jones to step up alongside Geoffrey Cantin-Arku but keep an eye on newcomers Chandler Martin and CJ Johnson. At tackle, newcomer Chris Morris could push sophomore Makaylan Pounders, who started two games last season before getting hurt. At safety, someone needs to fill Quindell Johnson’s role as he prepares for the NFL Draft.

Returners Cameron Smith and Joe Norwood can help but Memphis also added three more defensive backs in Jaylen Johnson (Ohio State), Simeon Blair (Arkansas) and Malik Feaster (Florida State).

Who leads with Seth Henigan?

There’s no doubt this is Seth Henigan’s team in year three as starting quarterback. For the first time since he’s arrived, there’s no quarterback battle to worry about. Time will show how he improves from a up-and-down sophomore season.

But with several veterans gone, who’ll help him? Keep an eye on senior defensive lineman Jaylon Allen, who’s both leads and speaks by example. Cantin-Arku emerged as the leader of the linebacker crew should take on an even bigger role.

Receiver Tauskie Dove was a captain at Missouri last season so he could help lead the receivers along with Scates and Taylor.

Will coaching continuity on defense ease transition?

Memphis’ defensive staff stayed the same entering the second consecutive spring. For second-year defensive coordinator Matt Barnes, it’s a bonus after the Tigers made strides forcing turnovers and stopping the run.

It could also help a unit that lost seven starters. With nine transfers or junior college signees this spring, the transition will be smoother with a clear voice among the staff. It’s also needed since the Tigers might need to lean more on their defense with so many questions around Henigan.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis football starts spring practice. Here's what we're watching