There will be a lot of new additions to Memphis football in 2024.
In this era of the transfer portal, most college football programs are like this, with coach Ryan Silverfield bringing in 23 new players to strengthen the Tigers for a crucial season. Group 5 has qualified for the expanded College Football Playoff, and Memphis will be one of the favorites to qualify.
It is almost certain that the Tigers will begin making moves in 2024 at key positions in offense and defense.
With spring practice underway, strength coach Noah Franklin told The Commercial Appeal in his own words what to expect from the new players.
OT Trent Holler (Marshall)
“This kid bought into what we were asking him to do and came in and did a phenomenal job. Obviously, he has a connection with Marshall, our offensive coordinator, so he's a great addition strategically. He seems to be getting ahead of himself, but this kid has been phenomenal.'' He's a promising sixth-year player. ”
OT Keidrell Lewis (Monroe, Louisiana)
“He's been a phenomenal worker for us. We had some concerns because he was heavier than our previous offensive linemen, but he's been a real fighter for it. He pushed through. He's gained a lot of body fat and lean body mass, so I'm looking forward to continuing to work with him this summer and seeing what he can look like by the fall. It's very encouraging. ”
OT Jalen Nichols (South Carolina)
“When you think of SEC tackles, that's what you expect. Big, wide bodies, kids with strong bones. Incredibly strong. Exactly what you expect them to look like.”
RB Mario Anderson (South Carolina)
“He's a good addition to a solid running back room. He showed early leadership qualities as he got to know his teammates. He's a nervous guy who's going to compete.”
WR Jaire Shorter (Auburn)
“He's put on 7-8 pounds of muscle since he's been here. Kidd can definitely fly. Last week he hit 32 mph. I'm looking forward to him contributing to that big-bodied receiver role this fall. I’m really excited to see it.”
WR Jacoby Banks (Houston)
“He's a really fun young guy to work with. Great positive attitude. Works extremely hard. He'll get through a lot. I've never had a guy this young in my career and we've been together for three or four years. Really great to work with.'' Let's see what he can transform into. ”
LB Jaden Fraker (North Carolina Central)
“He's also a guy who can absolutely roll. He's 230 pounds and can move. He's really embraced what we're looking for in the players we have here. He's a good addition to our defense. I think.”
LB Matt Hudson (Harvard University)
“Obviously a smart kid from Harvard. He seems to be on a mission. He takes incredible care of his body and is always ready to train. He's usually the first one to enter the building. The guy's getting ready. He did a phenomenal job of jumping in,” putting both feet in at the deep end and chasing. ”
DL Mondo Cole (Holmes Community College)
“We have another guy who came in a little heavier. He's done a great job and lost about 20 pounds. He's moving really well and his strength numbers are up. Big body that can run away. I'm excited to have this nose.”
DL PJ Lucas (Indiana)
“He really stood out as a 325-pounder who can condition and train at a very high level. Nothing seems to faze this guy. He's just a solid worker.”
DB Jadyn Dennis (Elon)
“He doesn't say much, but he just has great eyes. He's very aware of everything we want him to do. He's another guy who can move very well in space. He continues to work hard in the weight room. He's a living thing. He's long.'' DB can really do something for us. ”
DB Cortland Marsh (Sanford)
“Personality-wise, he reminds me a lot of Quindell Johnson. Always positive, always here, encouraging his teammates, always working with a smile on his face. He shows some leadership ability. We're excited to have him out there. I’m really excited.”
Contact sportswriter Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @thejonahdylan.
