Five Memphis football players fans should be excited for in 2022

It's a new year with new hope and after a 6-6 season, and Memphis football needs to give its fans reasons to be optimistic.

The offseason will mark a period of transition with several contributors gone: Calvin Austin III, Sean Dykes and JJ Russell among others. It's also a year when AAC realignment in 2023 means the Tigers must improve and get back among the conference's best teams.

Coach Ryan Silverfield will feel some pressure in his third season, but he should return some players who fans should be excited about when spring practice begins in March.

Here are five who should among the centerpieces for next season:

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QB Seth Henigan

Seth Henigan's first season at quarterback was a success with 3,322 yards and 25 touchdowns. The freshman had highs and lows but there weren't many times the Tigers could blame things on his youth.

Henigan won't have a quarterback battle to worry about in the offseason, so he should be more comfortable in the offense. The Tigers leaned on him more in November, and it paid off with Henigan trusting his arm on deep passes and his legs to escape for runs.

The last three Memphis quarterbacks took significant leaps in their second year. Henigan could do the same as the offense is geared toward his strengths as much as the Tigers' skill position players.

DB Quindell Johnson

Memphis fans rejoiced on social media when Quindell Johnson announced he'd return next season. The All-AAC junior safety had 104 tackles and will become one of the leaders under new defensive coordinator Matt Barnes.

Johnson's had at least one interception over the past three seasons. He's a dynamic playmaker with a nose for the ball, and he'll lead a secondary that returns at least three starters.

He might also be the team's best NFL draft prospect for 2023. So there's plenty of reason to watch Johnson grow in what could be his final season at Memphis.

RB Asa Martin

The past two seasons have ended with Martin as productive as any running back on the depth chart. That must change this season because he's been a spark when given the chance to play.

Martin had 170 of his 274 all-purpose yards in two of the Tigers' final three games. He scored in each of the Tigers' final four games. He singlehandedly turned around the Tigers' win over Tulane and had two key catches that led to first downs on the game-tying drive against ECU.

Martin's versatility as a runner and a pass-catcher reminds of what the Tigers had with Tony Pollard and Kenneth Gainwell. He might not be what they are, but he deserves more touches to see what he can be. If so, maybe Tigers fans can get excited about the running game again.

DL Morris Joseph

If there's somebody at Memphis who needs a bounce-back season, it's Morris Joseph. Joseph had just 1½ sacks after having 7½ in 2020.

The senior defensive lineman is expected to return for his extra year granted by the NCAA. Perhaps a new defensive scheme will help him rediscover his form as he, Jaylon Allen and Wardalis Ducksworth are the Tigers' best pass rushers up front.

Joseph already has a great nickname with "Mojo". If he indeed gets his mojo back on the field, fans should get excited over a player who showed great promise two years ago.

DB Rodney Owens

Put Rodney Owens on the field and plays happen. He was the only Tigers player last season with multiple sacks (three) and interceptions (two). The senior also had the game-sealing interception against Southern Methodist and was third on the team with 78 tackles.

Like Johnson, fans should be happy Owens announced he'll return next season. He's lined up at linebacker and safety over the past two seasons and it'll be fun to see how Barnes decides to use him.

Memphis needs more playmakers to step up in 2022 and Owens fits the bill as someone who stays ready to make something happen.

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You can reach Evan Barnes on Twitter (@Evan_B) or by email at evan.barnes@commercialappeal.com

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: 5 Memphis football players fans should be excited for in 2022