TIGER FOOTBALL

5 Memphis football players who improved their stock in spring practice

Evan Barnes
Memphis Commercial Appeal

Memphis began spring practice with questions on how the team would adjust to seven new assistants and begin replacing Darrell Henderson and Tony Pollard.

Change proved to be good. By the time the Tigers wrapped the spring game, fans saw a defense that looked faster and more aggressive while Brady White looked more comfortable at quarterback.

With the Tigers ending spring practice on Tuesday, here’s a look at five players who improved significantly from March to now.

Chris Claybrooks, Jr., DB

Memphis Tigers' Chris Claybrooks practices at the Billy J. Murphy Athletics Complex on Thursday, April 4, 2019.

A candidate for the most improved player this spring, Claybrooks stood out with his speed and play-making ability at cornerback. By the end of the first full week of practice, he began taking first team reps opposite fellow Nashville product TJ Carter.

Claybrooks, who came to Memphis initially as a receiver, showed an improved confidence in knowing the position and had an interception nearly every practice. During the spring game, he had two pass breakups, including a near-interception.

Fans will also get used to him on special teams this year as he will see time as a kick returner.

Xavier Cullens, So., LB

Head coach Mike Norvell called Cullens one of the most pleasant surprises this spring after he moved from outside linebacker to inside.

Cullens, who appeared in six games last year, spent most of the spring with the second team and had a strong showing in the spring game with a game-high five tackles for loss. He also delivered a punishing hit that was one of the game’s highlights.

Kylan Watkins, So., RB

Memphis Tigers wide receiver Kylan Watkins takes the ball out of the backfield during their Friday Night Stripes spring game at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on Friday, April 12, 2019.

The native Memphian (Whitehaven HS) sat out last year after transferring from UT Martin and was named the scout team’s Most Valuable Player. When the spring began, Watkins faced tough competition in a strong running back group behind Patrick Taylor.

Watkins, however, emerged at both running back and slot receiver. He was more of a surprise because of the depth ahead of him, but he slowly got more reps and consistently found his way on the second team.

Norvell praised him often this spring and expects even more from him in the fall.

Everitt Cunningham, Jr., DE

Memphis Tigers' Everitt Cunningham practices at the Billy J. Murphy Athletics Complex on Thursday, April 4, 2019.

Cunningham was one of the highlights of the Tigers’ 2019 recruiting class, and the former junior college All-American made a quick impression up front.

The 6-3, 240-pound defensive end split time with the first and second team and showed himself a force off the edge similar to Bryce Huff. He also had one of the spring’s highlights when he deflected a pass to himself and ran in for a touchdown.

Between him, fellow JUCO transfer Wardalis Ducksworth and freshman Kayode Oladele, the Tigers will have depth with multiple pass rushers.

Kenneth Gainwell, Fr., RB

Memphis Tigers running back Kenneth Gainwell tries to break past Chris Claybrooks during their Friday Night Stripes spring game at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on Friday, April 12, 2019.

The name changed from Kenny to Kenneth, but the game didn’t. Gainwell shadowed Tony Pollard during his redshirt year, and in the spring, he showed what he learned both at running back and slot receiver.

He took his share of first team reps and had a 45-yard touchdown run in the spring game. Gainwell benefited from playing in four games last year, and it showed with a stronger confidence in himself within the offense.

Barring injury, Gainwell should be in line for a greater role in the fall.

SEASON TICKETS:Memphis football 2019 season ticket prices on sale, remain unchanged from previous season

ONE MORE PRACTICE:Why Memphis football schedules final practice after spring game

SPRING GAME LESSON:Memphis football spring game hints at improved attitude going into summer

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