Memphis Tigers season football preview: QBs
We've saved the best for last and without a doubt, the biggest question this spring will be who takes the lead on replacing Riley Ferguson at quarterback.
Will it be last year's backup David Moore?
Is it graduate transfer Brady White? How healthy is White after his foot injury? Does Brady Davis have a shot to shake things up?
All those questions may not be answered until the fall, but the quartet of candidates will make it an interesting race. If there's one thing Memphis coach Mike Norvell loves, it's fostering a spirit of competition.
"These guys know if there's one position that's going to have the highest level of competition, it's going to be in that room," Norvell said on Signing Day last month.
Returning Starters
❚ None
Others Returning
❚ David Moore ❚ Connor Adair ❚ Brady Davis
Newcomers
❚ Brady White
Outlook
Each quarterback has their pros and cons. White was a former four-star recruit at Arizona State, but the junior hasn't played in a game since suffering a Lisfranc fracture in his food in 2016. He said in January that he feels 100 percent but how he regains his form will be key to watch.
Moore, a sophomore, is a dual threat quarterback and seemed groomed to be Ferguson's successor. Yet, Norvell hinted at the end of last year the team would possibly look for a graduate transfer at quarterback. How much of a fire will that light under Moore given his chance to step up?
Those two will be the early leaders heading into the spring. Davis, who was recruited under Justin Fuente, was the third-string quarterback last year and Adair was the Scout Team Offensive Player of the Year.
It all adds to the second time in three years Norvell enters the spring with a quarterback battle. Back then, the question was how to replace Paxton Lynch. They found an answer with Ferguson.
Now Norvell and offensive coordinator Kenny Dillingham have another decision to make and all eyes will be watching to see who fills Ferguson's prolific shoes.