Silverfield content with state of current and future offensive line room
Memphis offensive line coach Ryan Silverfield steps into his offensive line room and is comfortable with the old and new faces he sees, no matter the situation.
When right tackle Roger Joseph left in the second quarter of the Tigers’ 47-21 win over Tulsa, Silverfield and head coach Mike Norvell weren’t worried about his replacement sliding in to provide relief.
Redshirt junior Scottie Dill stepped in after preparing like a starter every single week. The Tigers offense didn’t miss a beat, gaining 499 yards, 297 of which came on the ground, in the win. Quarterback Brady White was not sacked in 20 pass attempts.
“I was so proud of Scottie Dill,” Norvell said. “Roger (Joseph) went out in the second quarter and Scottie went in there and played at a high level. When you get thrown in there at the tackle spot, you never know what you’re going to get. He did a good job in that situation.”
Redshirt freshman Dylan Parham started every game at left guard this season. Norvell thinks he is a player who’s beyond his years.
The athletic Parham is becoming more comfortable in the Tigers offense and learning more about defensive schemes. He’s part of the future of the Tigers offensive line.
“He really came out this year with the purpose of helping this team,” right guard Dustin Woodard said. “He wasn’t selfish about it. He knew he had to be a team player and work hard.”
The only offensive line starter besides Parham returning next season is Woodard.
Last season Woodard played left guard, and this season he transitioned to right guard to replace former starter Gabe Kuhn. Moving positions required him to flip the field and flip his technique to compensate. Against Tulsa, he filled in at center and another line spot.
It’s no big deal to Woodard since he is familar with all positions and aspects of the the offensive line.
“He’s tried to take over a little bit of a leadership role," Silverfield said. "The move to right guard isn’t as easy as everyone thinks. Remember this is a kid who’s 6-foot-1 and played left tackle his entire high school career. Then he moved to left guard and got reps at center this past game. He plays really physical, and I love the way he tries to finish people.”
Silverfield has brought in a young group of offensive linemen including Isaac Ellis, who has seen reps at center this year. Each offensive lineman has impressed with their dedication to getting better.
After all, one of them will be in a situation similar to Parham next season.
“I love all of our newcomers," Silverfield said. "They work really hard trying to get better. They’re a hungry group. They’re excited. They’re working just as hard today as the day they stepped on campus. I’m excited about the future of the offensive line room.”
The SMU defense is multiple in the fronts they present to an offense. They fly around the field and hit hard. Still, head coach Sonny Dykes’ defense allows 446 total yards and 218 rushing yards per game this season.
Defenses with multiple fronts pose problems during weekly preparation. Offenses must practice against every front more than once. A short week for a Friday game only compounds matters.
“When you see different fronts, whether it’s an over, an under or three down, all of your run plays or protections, you have to practice against all of those different looks,” Silverfield said. “Sometimes it’s – for lack of a better term – simpler to practice against one front because that’s what you’re going to see. Now, you’re trying to split up the week of practice versus all possible looks.
Running back Darrell Henderson is second in the nation in rushing yards (1,446) and tied for second in rushing touchdowns (17). He’s also third nationally in yards per rush attempt at 9.2 yards and leads the nation with 12 plays of 40-plus yards. That has some mentioning him for potential mention for the Heisman Trophy. He also is one of 10 semifinalists for the Maxwell Award, recognizing the college player of the year.
When asked about the records and accolades, Henderson points to his offensive line. He credits them for every yard he’s gained and every touchdown he’s scored this season—That’s something that doesn’t go unnoticed by the guys in the trenches.
“Shoot, it feels good,” Woodard said. “Darrell is really humble and takes care of his teammates. Him being humble is one of the biggest reasons he’s successful. He knows who helps him get to where he’s at right now.”
Henderson isn’t the only Tiger being recognized for national awards. Silverfield was nomiated recently for the Broyles Award, given to the top assistant in college football. Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley won the award in 2015, while Texas head coach Tom Herman won in 2014. Five of the last eight winners have become head coaches.
“It’s a great honor,” Silverfield said. “I’m truly grateful for coach Norvell and his nomination. All it does is speak volumes about our players, the rest of the staff and the university of Memphis all together. It’s an honor to represent them in any small fraction I can.”
Memphis isn’t looking at the awards. They aren’t looking at replacing three of five starters just yet. Right now, they’re enjoying the depth and versatility they’ve built in their offensive line room.
“It’s impressive to see that room,” Norvell said.
Topics
Broyles Award Darrell Henderson Memphis Tigers Football offensive line Ryan SilverfieldJonah Jordan
Jonah Jordan was born and raised in Memphis, graduated from the University of Memphis and has covered the Memphis Tigers for three years. When he's not writing, he enjoys golfing and eating barbecue.
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