National Signing Day 2024 Headquarters — Live Updates

It’s the Christmas before Christmas for football fanatics throughout the country — 2024 National Signing Day. Bring those fax machines out of retirement, fill up that coffee pot to the brim, and have an extra “work” window pulled up if you happen to still be in the office.

Throughout his head coaching tenure, Ryan Silverfield has managed to reel in some of the top recruiting classes in Memphis program history. With the Liberty Bowl remaining a little over a week away, stadium news trending in a positive direction, and some of the Tigers’ biggest contributors from the 2023 season declaring their intentions run it back in 2024, the Memphis coaching staff will try to work a little signing day magic before we put a bow on the 2023 season for good. Follow along with us throughout the day for full commentary on signings as they come across the fax line.

SIGNED 6:35 A.M. — South Carolina RB transfer Mario Anderson (3-Star Rivals)

Perhaps the crown jewel of the 2024 signing class thus far, the Tigers sign their next lead back in Senior RB Mario Anderson from Summerville, South Carolina. Anderson entered the transfer portal on December 8th and selected the Tigers over multiple high-level offers from the likes of Oklahoma, USC, and Cal. The Gamecocks’ leading rusher in 2023, Anderson averaged 4.9 yards per carry en route to 707 yards and 3 touchdowns on the year. He also showed flashes out of the backfield with 22 receptions for 153 yards and a touchdown. Anderson only spent one season in Columbia. Before playing for the Gamecocks, he starred for DII’s Newberry College, logging back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons in 2021 and 2022.

SIGNED 6:40 A.M. — Marshall OL transfer Trent Holler (3-Star Rivals)

The Marshall-to-Memphis pipeline continues with the latest signing of 6’2″, 306 lb. Center Trent Holler. When Memphis veteran Jacob Likes announced his intention to enter the 2024 NFL Draft following the Tigers’ bowl game, the Tigers needed to add depth at a position that has been rock-solid for Memphis for some time. Holler brings great playing experience to the table, appearing in 23 games through two seasons with The Herd. The graduate transfer from Pennsylvania also fielded offers from Iowa State and Boston College throughout the transfer portal recruiting process. He’ll compete with Mitchell Gildehaus and others for the Tigers’ starting Center in 2024.

SIGNED 7:55 A.M. — Oklahoma Baptist LB transfer Brett Karhu (unranked Rivals)

The first transfer portal addition for the Tigers’ 2024 class, Karhu earned CCA DII 2nd Team All-Super Region honors in 2023. With 11.5 sacks on the year, he led the conference in sacks and finished 6th overall in all of Division II Football. The Frisco, Texas native additionally recorded 41 tackles and 18.5 TFLs on the season. Many will chalk up Karhu’s signing as a depth addition, but after seeing Chandler Martin steal the show for the Tigers in 2023, Karhu’s proven ability to get to the quarterback is something Tiger fans should keep their eye on. He signs with Memphis over competing offers from Austin Peay, Southern Illinois, and Stephen F. Austin.

SIGNED 8:32 A.M. — Arkansas State LB transfer Javante Mackey (3-Star Rivals)

One of the favorite signings for us here at Bluff City Media, Whitehaven HS alumni Javante Mackey returns home to play for the Tigers after two seasons in Jonesboro. After redshirting for the Red Wolves in 2022, Mackey finished second on the team in tackles with 84 total as a redshirt freshman. Adding 7 TFLs and 2 sacks to the stat column, Mackey proved to be that sideline-to-sideline presence Memphis LB coach Jordon Hankins covets in his LB room. Against the Tigers on September 9th, Mackey finished the game tied for first with 8 tackles for the Red Wolves. Despite question marks entering the 2023 season, the Memphis LB room finished as the most consistent group on the Tigers’ defense this season. Adding Javante Mackey seemingly builds upon that the solid tradition of trustworthy play from the LB’s at Memphis on a year-to-year basis.

SIGNED 8:43 A.M. — Rivals 3-Star DB Ethan Wilder Gordo, Alabama

Listen to any opposing coaches’ press conference and the narrative on Memphis Football is unanimous — “Memphis has athletes.” With the signing of Wilder, the Tigers add another playmaking athlete to the roster. Earlier this year, Wilder made local headlines after scoring five touchdowns — two rushing, one pick-six, one fumble recovery, and a blocked punt, all for scores. The 6-foot, 175-pound Alabama product saw playing time on both sides of the ball in his four years of high school play. He’s projected to play defense for the Tigers, but we’ve seen athletes swap from side-to-side under Silverfield ‘s coaching tenure. Wilder is just one of several recruits from the Yellowhammer State to sign with Memphis in 2024.

SIGNED 8:59 A.M. — Harvard LB transfer Matt Hudson (3-Star Rivals)

The first surprise signing of the day comes from Harvard LB transfer Matt Hudson. The Eagle, Idaho native will come to Memphis with one season of eligibility after having a All-Ivy League campaign in 2023. After entering the portal on November 22nd, Hudson quickly garnered interest from the likes of North Texas, Toledo, Coastal Carolina, and others. Hudson’s game film shows a superb ability to close on the ball carrier and he’s proven to be a sound tackler with a quick pursuit. Adding he and Mackey along with Chandler Martin moves the Tigers’ LB room from perhaps the least experienced unit in 2023 to a veteran-laden core in 2024. Hudson prepped for college at Fork Union Military Academy, a place very familiar to the Tigers’ coaching staff. Former Tigers’ Caden Preiskorn, Cam Smith, and Harold Nash III each played at the Virginia-based academy before enrolling at Memphis.

SIGNED 9:03 A.M. — 3-Star (247Sports) OL Elijah Williams Irmo, South Carolina

After committing to Georgia State in July, Memphis pulled the flip-and-sign of Elijah Williams on Monday. The 6’5″, 300 lb. South Carolina native ranks as the 154th OT in the nation according to 247Sports. Williams signs with the Tigers over competing offers from Georgia State, South Florida, Old Dominion, and others. The Tigers lost Makylan Pounders and Davion Carter to the transfer portal, as well as Jacob Likes to graduation, and thus Memphis has aggressively sought to add depth along the OL in the 2024 class. The Tigers’ offensive line appeared to perform at the highest level of Silverfield’s head coaching tenure in 2023, and he and OL coach Jeff Myers will undoubtedly look to build upon that success with this signing class.

SIGNED 9:16 A.M. — Indiana DL transfer Patrick Lucas Jr. (2-Star Rivals)

After a slow start to the transfer portal recruiting cycle, Silverfield and staff turned up the heat in the week leading up to National Signing Day. One of the many commitments this week came in Indiana transfer Patrick “P.J.” Lucas. The Prattville, Alabama native who started his career at Ole Miss spent two years in Bloomington, logging 8 tackles for the Hoosiers in 2023. Like several previous P5 transfers, Lucas will have an opportunity at increased playing time in Memphis should he beat out those who are already on the roster. He was rated the 25th overall DT in the 2019 signing class with offers from the likes of Florida, Texas A&M, Tennessee, and others.

SIGNED 9:22 A.M. North Carolina Central LB transfer Jayden Flaker (unranked Rivals)

Don’t let the lack of recruiting platform buzz fool you, Flaker was a star LB at the HBCU football level. A First-Team All MEAC selection in 2023, Flaker ended the season with 85 tackles, 10 TFLs, and 4.5 sacks. He helped NC Central finish the season with a 9-3 record and a FCS playoff appearance. In their first-round loss to Richmond, Flaker finished the game with a team high 10 tackles. He join the growing list of seasoned linebackers on the Tigers’ defense in 2024.

SIGNED 9:29 A.M. Louisiana-Monroe OL transfer Keydrell Lewis (2-Star Rivals)

Maybe you’re noticing a pattern here — the Tigers add another piece to their offensive line with the signing of Keydrell Lewis. He’ll immediately compete for a starting position with the Tigers after starting for multiple seasons with the Warhawks. Coming in at 6’6″, 316 lb., Lewis will add staggering size to the Tigers’ front. The Tigers reduced the amount of times Henigan was sacked this season and paved the way for their first 1,000-yard rusher since Kenny Gainwell did it in 2019. Lewis will hopefully pick up the lost production for the Tigers starting next season.

SIGNED 9:35 A.M. Ole Miss Kicker transfer Caden Costa (2-Star Rivals)

Memphis has added a kicker who will compete for a starting role with incumbent Tigers’ kicker Tanner Gillis. A 4.5-Star (Chris Sailer Kicking) out of high school, Costa’s premier season with the Rebels came as a true freshman in 2021. The Mandeville, Louisiana native tied school records for most FGs ever by a true freshman in Oxford. After no playing time in 2022, Costa appeared in three games for Ole Miss in 2023, going a perfect 1-for-1 in FGs and 6-for-6 in XPs. Costa’s career long of 50 yards came in a 52-51 victory of 13th ranked Arkansas in 2021.

SIGNED 9:45 A.M. 2-Star (Rivals) OL Taccofah Lewis Pearl, Mississippi

The first commitment of Silverfield’s 2024 class, Lewis holds true to his pledge and signs with the Tigers on National Signing Day. A 3-Star recruit according to 247Sports, Lewis was touted as one of the top offensive linemen throughout the State of Mississippi entering the 2023 season. In May, he chose to commit to Memphis over competing offers from Tulane, Southern Miss, Jackson State, and others and seemingly locked down his recruitment for the long haul. Coming in at 6’4″, 290 lb., Lewis will serve as an excellent prospect for Myers and staff to develop at Memphis. He helped the Pearl Pirates finish with an 8-4 record and a Mississippi 7A HS Playoff appearance.

SIGNED 9:56 A.M. 3-Star (Rivals) RB/LB Kamore Harris Sylacauga, Alabama

It will be hard to find an athlete who was more electric at the high school level than Kamore Harris was in 2023. The two-way superstar amassed an incredible 1,422 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns on 94 carries. Defensively, he logged 82 total tackles along with 4 TFLs, 3 forced fumbles, and one interception on the year. Harris was the lone Alabama 2A representative in the prestigious Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game last Saturday. Before committing to Memphis in July, Harris fielded offers from the likes of UAB, Colorado State, Troy, and others. He projects to play on the defensive side of the ball at Memphis.

SIGNED 10:03 A.M. Itawamba C.C. DB transfer Samson Israel (2-Star Rivals)

Memphis hopes to strike JUCO gold again with the addition of DB transfer Samson Israel. He’ll join the Tigers over competing offers from Temple, UConn, Louisiana Tech, and others. The 6’1″ 170 lb. 2nd-Team All-MACCC selection will join Tigers’ returners Davion Ross, DeAgo Brumfield, An’Darius Coffey, and others in the 2024 secondary. Memphis fans are still waiting to learn who the next Memphis DC will be after Matt Barnes left for Mississippi State earlier this month.

SIGNED 10:14 A.M. 2-Star (Rivals) DB Jordan Bell Munford, Tennessee

One of the best athletes throughout West Tennessee, Jordan Bell created a social media firestorm yesterday after announcing his commitment to the Tigers over Virginia and East Carolina. In 2023, Bell accounted for over 2,000 all-purpose yards en route to a Region8-5A First-Team Offense selection. He was recruited to Memphis to play defensive back, but it’ll be interesting to see if he’s ever involved in the Tigers’ special teams units throughout his career in Memphis. The Virginia Commadores received Bell’s first official visit of the month on the 3rd of December, but Silverfield and company evidently closed up shop as National Signing Day approached.

SIGNED 10:24 A.M. Holmes C.C. DL transfer Commondre Cole (2-Star Rivals)

Memphis DL Coach Kyle Pope has a record of being one of the best recruiters on the Tigers’ coaching staff. He brings aboard another sought after addition in JUCO transfer Commondre Cole. Fielding offers from the likes of Charlotte, Florida Atlantic, Western Kentucky, and others, Cole made his commitment to the Tigers official on Sunday. A First Team All-MACCC selection, Cole played two seasons for the Bulldogs. After similar production along the Tigers’ defensive line in 2022 and 2023, Silverfield and staff would certainly like to improve in pass rushing and tackling in 2024.

SIGNED 10:31 A.M. 3-Star (Rivals) DE Kavion Benton Memphis, Tennessee

One of the top recruits in the 2024 class has officially signed with the Tigers in hometown kid Kavion Benton. After receiving impressive offers from the likes of Louisville, Oregon, Florida, and others, Benton narrowed down his list down to 9 schools in August. Coming off a 5A Region Defensive Player of the Year Campaign at Southwind HS, Benton will look to compete early in his career with the Tigers. The 6’2″, 239 lb. rush end starred for a Southwind defense that gave up the least points in Tennessee 5A Football in 2023. Benton concluded his high school career with an excellent season of 11.5 sacks, 62 tackles, 21 TFLs, and 4 forced fumbles.

SIGNED 10:36 A.M. 2-Star (Rivals) DE Jalen Charles Manvel, Texas

Where Rivals and 247Sports (3-Star) differ on Charles, his 2023 stat line proves he has the ability to be a force at the next level. 15 sacks, 80 tackles, 27 TFLs, and 1 interception? Yeah, that sounds pretty good. A June commitment for the Tigers, Charles remained loyal to Memphis for quite some time leading up to National Signing Day. After committing to Memphis, Charles would go on to receive offers from Tulane, Arkansas State, Navy, and others. His spectacular senior season lead him to be nominated for Sports Illustrated Southeast Texas Football Player of the Year.

SIGNED 10:43 A.M. 3-Star (Rivals) RB Makari Bodiford Marietta, Georgia

The Peach State has been pretty good to Ryan Silverfield since taking the lead job for the Tigers. Walton HS (GA) sends another RB to the 901 with the addition of Makari Bodiford. He chooses Memphis over offers from South Florida, Appalachian State, Troy, and others. Another favorite of the Bluff City Media staff, Bodiford ended his high school career with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023. Combine that with an average YPC of 7.2 and 61 career touchdowns, and Memphis fans have a lot to be excited for with this one. Bodiford comes from a winning program in Georgia HS Football. The Raiders just recently made a 7A state championship appearance a week ago.

SIGNED 10:56 A.M. MTSU DL transfer Richard Kinley II (2-Star Rivals)

Another hometown kid returns to play for the Tigers. Through five seasons in Murfreesboro, Kinley logged a total of 80 tackles and 6.5 sacks for the Blue Raiders. The Lausanne alumni held offers from Cincinnati, South Alabama, Colorado State, and others coming out of high school. Kinley joins a host of other additions to the Tigers’ defensive line.

SIGNED 11:03 A.M. 2-Star (Rivals) WR Bryce Dorsey Hitchcock, Texas

5’10”, 172 lb. Bryce Dorsey is signed to be a Memphis Tiger. He committed in early December after receiving offers from UTSA, Texas State, Louisiana, and others. The Hitchcock Bulldogs ended the 2023 season with a 9-2 record and Dorsey was selected to the First Team All-District roster. Much like other Tiger additions on National Signing Day, Dorsey exhibits pure athleticism that’ll be molded to the collegiate level once arriving in Memphis. Dorsey lettered in basketball and baseball in addition to being a HS football standout.

SIGNED 11:13 A.M. Louisville OL transfer Izaiah Reed (3-Star Rivals)

Another native West Tennessean is returning home to play for the Tigers. Reed became the Tigers’ latest signing day commitment with his pledge on Wednesday. A native of Jackson, Tennessee, Reed played high school football at North Side High School, a program that is historically known as a highly competitive throughout the rural West Tennessee area. The Tigers were deeply involved with Reed’s initial recruitment in 2022 and he’ll complete for early playing time after spending two initial seasons with the Cardinals.

SIGNED 11:20 A.M. 3-Star (Rivals) WR Brady Kluse Kennesaw, Georgia

Committing to the Tigers in June, Kluse served as the go-to option in the Harrison High School (GA) offense in back-to-back seasons. He wrapped up his high school career with 2,559 receiving yards, 28 touchdowns, and a career average of 15 YPC. He’s a big-bodied threat that will only get better in a college weight program. Mark it now Tiger fans, Kluse will be a “sign-and-stash” that could emerge as a big-time play threat in the Tigers’ passing game down the road.

SIGNED 11:26 A.M. Holmes C.C. OL transfer Calvin McMillian (3-Star 247Sports)

To compete at the highest level in college football, many coaches will suggest a program has to have substantial depth along the offensive line. The Tigers add their sixth offensive lineman of the day (with more to come) in JUCO transfer Calvin McMillian. The one-time Mississippi State Bulldog has made stops at Southern Miss and Holmes C.C. en route to his signing with Memphis. McMillian joins Holmes teammate Mond Cole as the latest addition to the 2024 roster.

SIGNED 11:46 A.M. Northwest Mississippi C.C. OL transfer Cameron Pascal (2-Star Rivals)

The Tigers add their seventh offensive lineman of the day with the addition of JUCO transfer Cameron Pascal. The Second Team All-MACCC selection committed to the Tigers in October. Northwest Mississippi, who have won four national championships in their team’s history, finished with a 7-3 overall record in 2023.

SIGNED 12:14 P.M. 2-Star (Rivals) LB Nate Thomason Helena, Alabama

A First Team All-Region selection in 2023, Thomason is perhaps one of the biggest “sleepers” in the Memphis Tigers’ signing class. The 6’2″, 207 lb. Alabama native quietly recorded an impressive stat line of 141 total tackles, 27 TFLs, 7 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and an interception in 2023. While playing in the same classification (6A) as former Memphis commit Jamison Curtis (who flipped his commitment to Vanderbilt), Thomason actually put up better numbers. Both may go on to have excellent college careers, but Thomason may be one of those signings that Memphis fans look back on and say, “Wow, how didn’t he get more attention?”

SIGNED 12:41 P.M. Iowa Central C.C. OL transfer Jonathan Young (3-Star Rivals)

Who’s up for an eighth offensive lineman signing? The Memphis Tigers are. Standing at 6’6″, 280 lb., Young was a First Team NJCAA All-American who played in every game for the Iowa Central Tritons in 2023. He had a grocery list of suitors prior to signing with the Tigers, including Colorado, San Diego State, North Texas, UAB, and others. Playing LT, could he be a plug-and-play replacement for outgoing transfer Makylan Pounders? Only time will tell.

SIGNED 1:10 P.M. 3-Star (Rivals) OL Kobe Williams Aberdeen, Mississippi

Williams will make the short trip up from Aberdeen to Memphis, becoming the Tigers’ ninth overall offensive line addition in the 2024 signing class. Committing to Memphis in June, Williams picked the Tigers over offers from Houston and Arkansas State. He helped pave way for one of the highest-scoring offenses throughout North Mississippi. Like others in the 2024 class, the Tigers’ coaching staff and evidently prioritized size in their recruiting efforts. Williams will arrive in Memphis at 6’3″, 336 lbs.

SIGNED 1:29 P.M. 4-Star (Rivals) WR Keonde Henry Lake Dallas, Texas

In the biggest surprise of the Tigers’ National Signing Day events, Silverfield once again pulls off a huge victory in the signing of 4-Star Keonde Henry. A 6’3″ 190 lb. homerun threat who was once committed to Boston College and Purdue, the Tigers landed what could be the go-to option of the future on Wednesday. Henry additionally fielded offers from Utah, Texas Tech, Northwestern, and others throughout the recruiting process. In his final two seasons at Lake Dallas, Henry combined for 1,595 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns. He becomes a Top 5 all time signee for the Tigers according to 247Sports.

SIGNED 1:35 P.M. 3-Star (Rivals) QB Arrington Maiden College Station, Texas

The Tigers are bringing in another QB from the Lone Star Star. Like the Tigers’ current QB, Memphis signee Arrington Maiden has plenty of experience playing in big-time Texas HS football games. He concluded his senior season with 3,112 total yards, 34 total touchdowns and a .67% completion percentage. The 6’2″, 204 lb. gunslinger received offers from Tulane, UTSA, Utah State, and others.

SIGNED 1:48 P.M. Samford DB transfer Kourtlan Marsh (unranked Rivals)

After three seasons with the Bulldogs, Marsh is on the move to Memphis. In what was an unknown transfer portal addition before today, the Tigers’ added experience to their secondary in the 5’11”, 190 lb. defensive back from Warrior, Alabama. Marsh recorded 42 tackles and 1 interception at Samford in 2023. In 2022, he finished the season with 50 tackles and 11 PBU’s. Finding success in the past with lower-level additions like Chandler Martin and Davion Ross, Silverfield looks to add depth via the FCS route again.

SIGNED 2:00 P.M. Auburn WR transfer Jyaire Shorter (unranked Rivals)

After one quiet season at Auburn, Shorter signs with the Tigers after beginning his college career at North Texas. Shorter, who will be a graduate transfer at Memphis, put up impressive numbers while with the Mean Green. In 2022, the Killeen, Texas native caught 23 receptions for 628 yards and 11 touchdowns. A true big play threat, Shorter led the FBS in yards per reception with an average of 27.2. Losing Joe Scates to graduation, Shorter appears to be the next potential vertical threat for Memphis.

SIGNED 2:10 P.M. Elon DB transfer Jaidyn Denis (unranked Rivals)

In what could be another under-the-radar addition, Charles Clark and staff add an All-CAA conference corner in graduate transfer Jaidyn Denis. The Charlotte, North Carolina native started 17 games at Elon and recorded 30 tackles, 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, and 3 interceptions for the Phoenix. Denis selects the Tigers over competing offers from Houston, Western Michigan, Buffalo, and others.

SIGNED 2:24 P.M. UTEP Punter transfer Joshua Sloan (unranked Rivals)

After a one-year rental of Arkansas transfer Reid Bauer, the Tigers were in the market for a punter once again. They added their man for the 2024 season in graduate transfer Joshua Sloan from UTEP. A 2023 Second Team All-CUSA punter, Sloan will join the Tigers having punted 51 times for an average of 44 years this season. His career long is 66 yards.

SIGNED 2:44 P.M. Louisiana-Monroe Safety transfer A.J. Watts (unranked Rivals)

The Tigers close out the 2024 early signing class with the addition of Louisiana-Monroe transfer A.J. Watts. Through four seasons at Akron and ULM, Watts has combined for 142 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 4 interceptions. He’s a veteran addition that will bring solid playing experience to the Tigers’ locker room. Memphis fans can expect him to jump into the secondary rotation from day 1 at Memphis.