Which Memphis FB freshmen will make the biggest impacts in 2023?

Ryan Silverfield has proven to be one of the best individual recruiters in the history of Memphis football. Serving as the primary recruiter for many of Mike Norvell’s highest-ranked recruits at Memphis, Silverfield stepped it up a notch after being named head coach in 2019. For three consecutive years following Silverfield’s hire, each Memphis recruiting class broke the previous year’s record as the highest rated in program history. Memphis was able to secure another talented class in 2023, finishing second in the new-look AAC behind conference newcomer UTSA. 

The vast majority of the incoming class has arrived on campus following move-in day on May 28th. While many first-year Tigers will redshirt this upcoming season, Memphis has shown its willingness to trot out a young player if they believe he’s ready for the big stage. Seth Henigan, Greg Rubin and Roc Taylor are just a few current Tigers who saw considerable playing time as freshmen at Memphis. Who are the names Tiger fans could see playing early on in 2023?

Karmelo Overton (Linebacker)

An early enrollee and one of the highest-rated players in the 2023 signing class, Overton may have the best overall opportunity to see game action early in his Memphis career. Choosing to sign with the Tigers over a host of P5 programs, Overton appears to have already added mass to his frame since arriving at Memphis. “They like my physicality and my speed and the way I move compared to other players”, Overton told WDHN News on early signing day. With the LB position having perhaps the thinnest depth on the defensive side of the ball, it would come as little surprise to see the Alabama native at least reach his four-game minimum in the upcoming season.

Christian Ross (Tight End)

Arriving on the Memphis campus at 6’4”, 225 pounds, Ross should be at least physically prepared to see the playing field this fall. A superb athlete, he also took snaps out of the wildcat and lined up at defensive end in high school. With the TE room full of largely unproven talent, Ross could certainly earn playing time if he proves to be the superior option as the season progresses. Memphis remained consistent throughout Ross’s recruitment after he suffered an ACL injury that required surgery to repair. “Memphis was the only place I took an official visit to and the only place that allowed me to take an official visit”, he told the Dothan News last summer, “It was just a nice city and felt like home.” It’s a gamble that could pay off sooner rather than later for the Tigers. 

MarJayvious Moss (Defensive Back)

A signing day surprise and the top-rated recruit in the 2023 signing class, MarJayvious Moss currently sits as one of the highest-ranked signees in Memphis Football history (8th according to 247Sports). The borderline four-star recruit chose the Tigers over Oklahoma State, Minnesota, Baylor, and others. Moss possesses elite speed and recorded 61 tackles, three TFLs, one sack, and one interception in his senior season. Memphis has added a lot of experience in the defensive secondary and Moss just recently arrived on campus. Nevertheless,  Moss’s pure athleticism suggests he has as much opportunity as anyone to play early on in the 2023 season. 

Cevan Edwards (Defensive Line)

The Tigers appear to be deeper along the defensive line than they have been in several years. Regardless, Cevan Edwards’s talent garners some serious attention. This Georgia Region 6-AA first-team selection recorded an astounding 75 tackles, 31 TFLs, and 8.5 sacks in his final year at South Atlanta High School. Edwards feels like an under-the-radar pickup that could be looked upon as a hidden gem a few years down the road. Receiving offers from the likes of Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, and USF, Edwards didn’t exactly go unnoticed on the recruiting trail, however. Even if he sees limited playing time as a true freshman, this is a solid pickup that Tiger fans should be excited to see thrive inside SBLS in the future.  

Jarra Anderson (Defensive Line)

Like Edwards, Jarra “Bear” Anderson will be a piece that Kyle Pope and staff can build upon for years to come. Another Memphis signee with multiple P5 offers, Anderson will have to come in and find his place in a deep DL room with limited time as a summer enrollee. Anderson may earn his stripes by playing on the special teams units as a true freshman. Scouts praise Anderson for his explosiveness and aggression along the defensive front and if anything, he will add competition to a crowded DL room, something Silverfield has indicated the Tigers need this offseason. 

Honorable Mention — Harris Boyd (Quarterback)

Let’s get this out of the way — the chances Boyd sees the playing field this upcoming season are slim to none. Nevertheless, it’s prudent to include him on this list as someone Tiger fans should keep their eye on down the road. An early enrollee, Boyd got to participate in the Friday Night Stripes and he showed some good things considering his limited time on campus and a drastic step-up in competition. He seemed to navigate the pocket well and didn’t appear to panic while playing at a faster game speed than he’s previously seen. Memphis has a tradition of producing solid quarterbacks, and Boyd was a great addition by the coaching staff to continue that streak.