Coach Ryan Silverfield discussed the Tigers’ lineup ahead of the season-opener Saturday at Mississippi State, and it had a couple of surprises.

The Tigers are about to enter a hostile crowd at Mississippi State on Saturday and sophomore Seth Henigan is staying level-headed through it all. 

Memphis defensive lineman Wardalis Ducksworth’s father died in a car accident when Ducksworth was 6 years old. The fifth-year senior said he can feel his dad’s presence at every Tigers game. 

Jevyon Ducker’s vision and detailed understanding of run schemes have helped him become a quality running back. 

The upgrades for the 2022 season include fan experience enhancements, security upgrades, expedited points of entry and concession improvements.

Offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey said simulating the noise at practice is a great situation to put players in as they prepare for the season opener. 

Tigers leaning toward Brandon Thomas to start at running back and receiver Eddie Lewis is a potential starter. Florida transfer Chris Howard has slight edge over David Kemp at kicker. 

The University of Memphis player is the only true sophomore on the watchlist that includes 30 college quarterbacks. 

Defensive back Joel Williams appeared in 16 games over two years at Kentucky and was a four-star recruit coming out of high school. 

Greg Rubin is on a mission to prove he’s one of the best cornerbacks in the country after having a solid freshman season last year. 

For University of Memphis linebackers coach Jordon Hankins, individual talent alone isn’t enough. He needs players who can coexist on the field together. 

Offensive line coach Jim Bridge said Myers is back to “playing stable” after suffering a season-ending injury. 

Memphis has a plethora of running backs to choose from, but Silverfield wants to find the top two guys he can rely on the most. 

Kamren Washington entered the transfer portal after committing to the University of Memphis in April. 

Special teams coordinator Charles Bankins wants to have the No. 1 ranked special teams unit and wants Joe Doyle to be nation’s best punter this season. 

University of Memphis junior Caden Prieskorn appears to be the front-runner to replace former Tiger Sean Dykes as tight end. 

A player who spent two seasons with the University of Memphis is no longer listed on the Tigers’ official roster for the 2022 season.

Entering his third season as head football coach at the University of Memphis, he has led the Tigers through a pandemic, adapted to the transfer portal and posted the highest winning percentage in program history by a first-year head coach.

The program has become a bright spot for players with local roots to show they can exceed at the highest levels of leadership, both on the field and for our country. 

The Tigers ranked ninth in the AAC in interceptions last year after finishing first or second in that category for five consecutive seasons. 

The Tigers have a new process of retiring numbers of former athletes and Danton Barto’s name has been submitted. 

Here are five interesting offensive players that fans may want to pay attention to. 

The Tigers are investing in new facilities and not shying away from the NIL era.