Another episode of “Friday Night Stripes” is in the books.
After almost five weeks and 14 practices, Memphis wrapped up spring practice last Friday night in spirited tradition by teeing off the annual spring game.
And they got it in gear. The football team came into spring practice with nothing short of an attitude. But it was okay, because this attitude didn’t need to be checked at the door.
Our motto this spring was "Show Me". Take that mentality with you every day to practice. #ShowMe #NextStep #TigerFam https://t.co/ammyZr8DvQ
— Memphis Football (@MemphisFB) April 26, 2016
The offense was ready to go. I think JUCO transfer quarterback Riley Ferguson knew what he was doing. He completed 15-of-20 passes for 172 yards and three touchdowns.
Sophomore running back Doroland Dorceus ran for 71 yards on seven carries and a 36-yard touchdown. He also caught two touchdown passes from the Ferguson to put the finishing touches on his stat sheet.
Top spring game stats:
Riley Ferguson: 15 of 20, 172 yds, 3 TD
Doroland Dorceus: 7 carries, 71 yds, TD; 2 TD catches
Kam Prewitt: 2 INTs— Tom Schad (@Tom_Schad) April 23, 2016
When asked for his take on his receiving corps, Ferguson said it’s probably one of the best groups in the country.
“No. 3, Anthony Miller, he’s one of the best receivers in the nation. No doubt,” Ferguson told The Commercial Appeal.
Memphis might have to show the rest of the AAC what having one of the best receiving corps in the FBS is supposed to look like.
Ferguson has continued to take most of the first-team reps at quarterback, and is the frontrunner to be Paxton Lynch’ successor for coach Mike Norvell’s explosive, up-tempo offense in the fall.
The defense came, too.
There wasn’t really a situation to speak of until a developing force listed on the roster as Kam Prewitt started doing his thing in the secondary. Prewitt’s presence was something of a nuisance for Memphis’ quarterback rotation, which was just trying to get some things done before summer hits.
To suggest that he was pretty sound in coverage doesn’t really do the sleeping sophomore cornerback justice. The kid had two interceptions in his “Friday Night Stripes” outing. I mean, my goodness.
He also had plenty of playing time with the first-team opposite in Arthur Maulet. Norvell didn’t seem to mind the ballhawk’s numbers, and he was happy to offer his two cents immediately following the game.
Maulet has made quiet strides during spring practices and looks to be the team’s unquestioned No. 1 corner heading into the fall.
You will probably be seeing an awful lot of Ty Northern this season, as well. He kind of had dibs on the team’s takeaway belt. He certainly wasn’t much for sharing it, having won the thing twice during spring practice.
He just brought it when he had the opportunity. Others didn’t.
Northern was really, really solid throughout the spring at the “Spur” hybrid positioned.
Shareef White may well be the defense’s most dependable player. It really doesn’t matter where he lines up on the field, or what package he is assigned to. You know you’re going to get some from him on every play. You just don’t want to be on the tail end of his assignment.
Joey Magnifico is a name you should probably know, if you don’t already. He’ll be the No. 2 tight end behind Daniel Montiel on the team’s depth chart but from the looks of things, he already has a bright future.
Sophomore defensive lineman Ernest Suttles had a fumble recovery, and sophomore linebacker White, defensive lineman Cortez Crosby and freshman linebacker Joseph Prevost all had sacks.
With only three months until fall camp gets underway, Norvell and company will be turning the team over to the strength and conditioning staff as the summer sets in.
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