The Tigers are off to a spectacular start, signing their first freshman of the 2025 class and adding two three-star wide receiver prospects.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It's been a big offseason for Memphis football: big-name players returning, a groundbreaking NIL deal with FedEx and national media propelling Memphis into an expanded playoff contender. Now we're seeing it all culminate with a big-name freshman choosing to commit to the Tigers.
“This is by far the most exciting thing I've seen in my nine years of offseason,” University of Memphis head coach Ryan Silverfield told media at the final Tigers on Tour event of the summer. “The passion of the fans, I've never seen anything like it. That's what we want — high expectations, excitement for the season, guys telling us, 'Come on, go out there and do big things.'”
Memphis is fresh off the biggest recruiting weekend in program history.
Since then, two three-star prospects have committed to the Tigers.
First up is Richland High School's Xavier Johnson, who is ranked as the 69th best receiver in the country by 247Sports. Johnson originally committed to SMU in May but rescinded his commitment in June. He also held offers from Texas Tech, TCU and Arkansas State, among others.
Two days after Johnson chose the Tigers, Cedar Grove High School wide receiver Andrew Leslie followed suit. The wide receiver had offers from at least 15 schools, including USF, Liberty and Arkansas State.
“It's a great commitment, but there's still a long way to go until signing day,” Silverfield said, “When the kids come in, they get to see our great city, our facilities, our football program, what we can do from an academic standpoint, and I think that sells itself, and then the kids get to interact with our players and see the culture we've built, the culture we've developed and it's a lot of fun, so I think it adds another exciting name to the mix.”
The Tigers are counting on one of those recruits to be four-star quarterback recruit Antwuan Hill Jr., who visited the school this weekend. The freshman has yet to make a decision, but Memphis is reportedly his top choice.
Hill holds offers from more than 30 schools, including Florida, Alabama and Auburn, and with current quarterback Seth Hennigan set to finish his collegiate career at the end of the year, Hill and Memphis could be a perfect match.
“You always want a guy at that position that can help improve your team, but it's nice to have a veteran there,” Silverfield said. “Obviously, Seth is going to be gone, so it's, 'Hey, who's the next best guy?' You always hope that guy is on your team, but you have to explore all your options, whether it's the portal, recruiting, high school recruiting.”
Memphis Football will kick off the 2024 season on Saturday, August 31st at 6pm at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
