The traditional national signing day is Feb. 3, but the most important recruits right now for Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield are the seniors from this past season.

With the NCAA granting fall athletes an extra year of eligibility because of the coronavirus pandemic, seniors have an opportunity to come back for another season.

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So far, Silverfield has already gotten good news from key players, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

There are still a few players who have yet to announce their intentions. But with those who are returning, the Tigers should be one of the favorites in the AAC in 2021, right behind Cincinnati.

Here’s a complete rundown of who’s coming back and who’s not:

Out

Brady White, QB

White’s decision to try the NFL wasn’t much of a surprise. He will turn 25 before the start of next season. The Arizona State transfer accomplished everything he and Memphis fans could have hoped for when he arrived on campus. The program’s all-time leading passer and winningest starting quarterback wrote the perfect ending to his career by snapping the Tigers’ five-bowl game losing streak with a win over Florida Atlantic in the Montgomery Bowl.

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O’Bryan Goodson, DL

Goodson was a dominant force in the middle of the defense and earned All-American honors from Pro Football Focus. A late-season injury caused Goodson to miss the Tigers’ final three games of the season. With his stock as high as ever, it makes sense for Goodson to move on.

Who’s coming back:

Jacobi Francis, CB

The highest-graded cornerback for the Tigers this season, Francis’ return will be vital for depth in the secondary. He was locked in during the last few games of the season and could be an all-conference type of performer in 2021.

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Sean Dykes, TE

Dykes said it on Twitter: It’s time to spin the block again. He established himself as one of the nation’s best tight ends in 2020. He already has the most yards by a tight end in program history and will be a tremendous asset to whoever ends up being the starting quarterback next season.

Thomas Pickens, LB

Last time out, Pickens was a human wrecking ball in the Montgomery Bowl. He had eight tackles, a sack and the game-sealing interception.

In the regular-season finale against Houston, Pickens had a season-high nine tackles, including eight solo stops. He was playing his best ball, and a good sign for next season.

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John Tate IV, DL

Tate was actually the first one to say he’d be coming back for his extra year. He missed this season with an injury; one can only imagine how agonizing it was for him not to be able to compete with his brothers.

In 2018, he was a key reserve, picking up four sacks and two blocked kicks. With Goodson departing, Memphis will need similar production from Tate next season.

Key decisions to watch:

T.J. Carter: One starting corner is back; how big would it be if the other did? Another year of tape with Carter being fully healthy would be huge for his chances of making an NFL roster.

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JJ Russell: Russell has had 58 tackles in three straight seasons and is Memphis’ best linebacker in coverage. He averaged nearly eight tackles per game during the last four games of the season.

Joseph Dorceus: Dorceus was tied for third on the team with three sacks. Memphis could certainly use his pass-rushing skills next season, and he also showed his impact on special teams.