Eze

from spending as much time on the field as possible.

“It’s a process and I knew since the day I started recruiting him that it would be one,” Silverfield said. “It’s the same with any offensive lineman. Obinna’s learning curve was a little bit higher than most due to the lack of experience.”

Eze played one year of varsity football at Davidson Academy in Nashville before arriving at Memphis as the Tigers’ fourth-highest rated recruit since 2000, according to 247Sports.

Eze said his football IQ matured from being around Tate, Drew Kyser, and Dustin Woodard in meetings in the spring. He praised their knowledge of the game and it began to rub off on him.

During the summer, he worked on having better instincts at the line of scrimmage instead of relying on the center to point out certain coverages.

“I don’t have to make the calls because it’s the center’s responsibility,” Eze said. “I’m just trying to get myself to the level where I recognize it before it happens.”

He added that although his footwork is improving, there are more adjustments to be made. Silverfield is a willing teacher in that regard; part of the reason Eze committed to Memphis over other suitors from power five conferences.

“When I was coming into college, I had that insecurity of not having played football for so long so I wanted somebody who could take me under their wings," Eze said. "That’s proven to be true and its played out for me so far."

Eze is spending most of the practices so far with the second unit, but, that brief glimpse with the first team is a sign he could be a factor this fall or later. With four returning starters on the offensive line this year, Eze is likely setting a foundation for being a future anchor at tackle the next few years.

In the meantime, he'll continue to be his own toughest critic.

“He’s very intelligent and has a great understanding,” Silverfield said of Eze. “As things occur faster in the field, he has to continue to get those reps to see them at game-like speed against an excellent defense.”