Silverfield mum about Gainwell
Ryan Silverfield's first home game as Memphis head coach will be a challenge against an Arkansas State team on Saturday whose offense is just as potent as the Tigers.
However, the Tigers now have to prepare without their most dynamic playmaker as All-american running back Kenneth Gainwell decided Sunday to opt out of the season.
Silverfield did not address Gainwell specifically during his weekly luncheon Monday and added that he'd only discuss players who opted out once their paperwork was signed or if they made the decision public..
He also said he stands behind any player who decided not to play this season.
"I always talk to them about the different situations but for health and safety reasons, or whatever they may choose to be opting out. I will support them and I think that's the right thing to do," Silverfield said.
Gainwell's father, Curtis Sr., told The Commercial Appeal Sunday that his son decided to opt out following the death of an uncle due to COVID-19. Gainwell Sr. added the family has lost four relatives to the virus.
"He decided that he didn't want take any chances with the coronavirus going on. You don't want to to get out there and get sick and bring it to us, his brother or his teammates," Gainwell Sr. said.
The Tigers will turn to either Rodrigues "Dreke" Clark, Asa Martin or Kylan Watkins to help shoulder the load at running back. Clark was listed as the opposite starter at running back alongside Gainwell with Martin and Watkins as their respective backups.
The staff has been high on Clark since fall camp began and now the sophomore will get ample time to be showcased.
"He's great in protection, he's got great hands, can be used in passing concepts as well," Silverfield said. "He's a smart, hard-working, intelligent young man that will succeed in carrying the rock and we got full faith in him."
Silverfield also said that over 220 people involved with the football program were tested for COVID-19 on Sunday. He added that all personnel will be tested again Wednesday as well as next Sunday following their game in accordance with AAC testing protocol.
But he said that any results would not be made public unless it was
deemed necessary.
"I just think its best, unless our COVID numbers get out of control, to keep those results to ourselves," Silverfield said. "I think it's just for the personal factor of keeping things hidden but as long as we feel safe and comfortable playing the game, that's something will keep within our program.
Freshman WR Washington earns starting spot
Tahj Washington was singled out for his improvement during fall camp and the redshirt freshman reciver was rewarded with a starting spot on the depth chart alongside Damonte Coxie and Calvin Austin III.
Washington appeared in four games last season and the coaching staff knew his potential for his speed. Coxie praised him this month for being a better student of the playbook and Silverfield
But in fall camp, Silverfield said he looked more comfortable on the field and Coxie praised him for being a better student of his playbook.
"He's matured greatly and he understands our route concepts and what we want to do in the passing game. He gets it, he does it the right way and so he's certainly earned the right to play quite a bit for us," Silverfield said.