Mario Anderson wasted no time introducing himself to Memphis football fans.
The Tigers' highly touted running back, a transfer from South Carolina, made an immediate impression in Saturday's spring game, scoring a 43-yard catch-and-run on his first touch and leading the way with a short rushing touchdown a few plays later. He was the decisive standout in what was only a semi-competitive game and ended Spring Practice for the Tigers.
Coach Ryan Silverfield divided his players into blue and gray teams, and players on both teams shuffled in and out throughout the game. Quarterback Seth Hennigan only played two drives, but both ended in touchdowns.
Hennigan's Blue team won 14-6.
Only one more touchdown was scored in the game. Harris Boyd found Demir Blankumsee for a 1-yard score on the final drive of the game.
Here are my takeaways from the game:
Mario Anderson is impressed
Anderson was South Carolina's leading rusher last season, choosing Memphis over offers from USC and Oklahoma. He is expected to be the Tigers' top running back in 2024 and showed why in limited action Saturday.
His 43-yard reception on the first drive was definitely the highlight of the game.
Anderson also plays on the same team as Hennigan, giving fans a glimpse of the two players who will likely be in the backfield together for much of this season.
Backup QB competition takes shape
All three quarterbacks vying to back up Hennigan made significant moves. Cade Cunningham and Harris Boyd were both featured in gray, and Arrington Mayden took most of the photos as a player in blue.
Maiden is a 17-year-old freshman who joined the program this spring and hopes to be Hennigan's successor. Offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey said this week that the competition could also affect the future of the position in Memphis.
All three could return in 2025.
None for players:FedEx announces groundbreaking NIL commitment worth millions of dollars to Memphis athletics stadium.what we know
There were also many events other than soccer.
It was still a football game with pads and competition, but there was also plenty of side entertainment. Players were interviewed during the game, including Silverfield, athletic director Laird Veach and former Tigers receiver Anthony Miller, who were interviewed before and during the game.
There was also a tug-of-war competition in which eight students competed against linemen Jonah Gambill, Xavier Hill, and Patrick Lucas Jr., which the students won.
A dodgeball contest was held between players and students at halftime, but there was no winner as time ran out before everyone could leave.
Contact sportswriter Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @thejonahdylan.
