5 takeaways from Memphis’ spring game

Memphis fans got a sneak preview of what they can expect in the post - Justin Fuente era of Tiger football – including a look at the three quarterbacks vying to replace three-year starter Paxton Lynch.

Here are five takeaways from “Friday Night Stripes.”

1. Riley Ferguson – One of the biggest storylines entering Friday night was Memphis’ quarterback situation. This is the first time in three seasons that there has been any question who will be under center for the Tigers, but it appears at least this particular question has a clear answer.

His name is Riley Ferguson, and unless there is a dramatic change between now and early September, which is possible, Ferguson will be the man tasked with replacing Lynch.

Ferguson, a former Tennessee Vols quarterback who transferred to junior college before ending up at Memphis, separated himself on Friday from the other two competing for the job – Jason Stewart and Brady Davis. He completed 15 of 20 passes for 172 yards and three touchdowns while also displaying his ability to run when necessary.

Though he doesn’t have the size of Lynch – and few do – Ferguson does stand a 6-foot-4, 190 pounds, which is pretty prototypical for a quarterback. Ferguson also mentioned he has put on a considerable amount of weight since enrolling in January after coming in with a slight frame.

Again, barring something unforeseen, Ferguson will be the Tigers starting quarterback in 2016.

2. Running Backs – The Tigers are going to be extremely deep at running back in 2016 – probably even more so than the 2015 unit that saw four backs rush for over 300 yards.

Doroland Dorceus is back for his redshirt junior season, and he looks as good as ever has. He carried the ball seven times for 71 yards.

Sophomore Jamarius Henderson and freshman Darrell Henderson (no relation) also looked very good carrying the ball. Sam Craft, who spent most of his time lined up at receiver, carried the ball out of the backfield several times like he’s done for his entire career. Plus, Jarvis Cooper, the Tigers second-leading rusher from a year ago, will be back for his junior year.

Norvell’s offense involves using multiple backs at times, and involving them heavily in the passing game, so there will be plenty of touches to go around.

3. Wide Receivers – Memphis returns three of its top-four receivers from last season led by redshirt junior Anthony Miller, who had a terrific spring game. Miller displayed great hands and body control in reeling in several catches while also showing his elusiveness in gaining yards after the catch.

Craft, Phil Mayhue and Roderick Proctor all return to add plenty of experience to the Tigers receiving core while younger guys like Jae’Lon Oglesby and Kedarian Jones should also receive plenty of snaps.

4. Kam Prewitt – The rising sophomore from Pison, Alabama, stole the show defensively for the Tigers. Prewitt had a pair of interceptions, and showed his athleticism on returning one deep into opposing territory. He also played exceptional defense on thrown his direction in the end zone that he managed to breakup without being flagged for a penalty.

5. Atmosphere – One thing that stood out was the atmosphere at “Friday Night Stripes.” DJ Devin Steel from K97 in Memphis was on the field mixing up rap and hip-hop on turntables throughout the entire game.

There were dozens of recruits on the field, and Norvell made it a point to go and talk to each one.

Norvell and his staff kept an upbeat atmosphere throughout the entire event. It felt like a big-time football program that was putting on a big-time production. If nothing else, Norvell has proved through his first five months on the job that he’s going to get high-level players, and he’s going to take the necessary steps to help Memphis football take the next step as a program.

University of Memphis quarterback Riley Ferguson during a spring practice. Ferguson has emerged as the frontrunner for the starting quarterback job.