LINEBACKER

nior DeMarco Montgomery has taken first-team repetitions in his place and started the first two games of this season at the “Kat” hybrid outside linebacker/ defensive end position.

Because Dillon appeared in a game this season, he is not able to take a redshirt season. However, he can — and likely will — apply for a medical hardship waiver through the NCAA, which would give him another year of eligibility. Norvell expects him to return to the field in 2017.

“It’s going to be a pretty extensive rehab plan, with what he’s doing to get himself conditioned and ready for this next season,” Norvell said. “He’s going to do everything he can, but he will be out for the season.”

OFFENSIVE LINE SHUFFLES CONTINUE

Memphis used a variety of offensive line combinations in the opener against SEMO before, for the most part, settling in with a set five against Kansas.

This week in practice, there’s been more change.

“We’re looking at a couple different things,” Norvell said of the offensive line. “I think this week has been their best week. We’ve got a couple combinations, and I like what I’m seeing.”

Trevon Tate, Dustin Woodard, Drew Kyser, Gabe Kuhn and Jace Neville took first-team repetitions in practice Wednesday. Neville started the opener and Woodard, a true freshman, has rotated in with Chris Roberson at left guard in the first two games.

Offensive line coach Ryan Silverfield said his philosophy is simple: He’ll play the best five linemen in any given week.

“Competition is a huge part of what we do. I want the guys battling every day in practice, every drill, everything we’re doing. Every rep is a competition,” Silverfield said. “Now hopefully we’ll start to jell and come together. I’m not a big fan of constantly changing out offensive linemen all the time, but we’re working. It’s a work in progress. It doesn’t happen overnight.

“I think the guys are jelling and coming along together. Hey, if it’s a different five every week, so be it. I want to find the best five that give us the best chance to win every game.” Jamoral Graham hears