This is Part III of a series of Memphis football previews leading to the start of spring practice on March 17: Today's look: Defensive backs

Memphis’ 2017 Signing Day class, the best in school history, paid off right away in the secondary. TJ Carter was named a Freshman All-American by ESPN and USA Today and Tito Windham started 11 games after transferring from Northwest Mississippi Community College.

Those two, along with Austin Hall's growth last year as a sophomore, have helped the secondary go from a question mark last year to another position where Memphis coach Mike Norvell and new defensive backs coach TJ Rushing have plenty to look forward to.

“This year, we’re able to establish a little bit more depth (with) guys that can come in and help contribute,” Norvell said last month on Signing Day.

RETURNING STARTERS
TJ Carter, Tito Windham, Josh Perry, Austin Hall

OTHER RETURNERS
Tyrez Lindsey, La’Andre Thomas, Tim Gordon, Jacobi Francis, Thomas Pickens, Sanchez Blake Jr., Carlito Gonzalez

NEWCOMERS
Alex Gaca, Tamurice Smith, Quindon Lewis, Xavier “Zay” Cullens

OUTLOOK
Carter made an immediate impact the moment he arrived on campus. After a year with five interceptions and two fumble recoveries, what will he do for an encore? Norvell issued him a challenge at his Signing Day press conference.

“I don’t want the same TJ Carter that we had this year, I want a better and more improved version,” Norvell said.

The same could be said for Windham and Hall. Hall’s versatility in the STAR position as a hybrid linebacker/DB saw him lead the Tigers in tackles (79) and be right behind Carter in interceptions with three. Windham, one of two seniors in the secondary, broke up 10 passes and forced three fumbles.

Norvell wants to see more leadership from his returners and with a young secondary, it will be interesting to watch how Carter, Windham and Hall accept that challenge.

Perry and Lindsey each started multiple games at strong safety, with Perry starting the final six games, but the Tigers will need to replace two-year starter Jonathan Cook at free safety. This is where Gonzalez could come in. The former three-star recruit was supposed to redshirt after transferring from Auburn but wound up playing seven games last year.

Gonzalez will be a name to watch this spring but keep an eye on another sophomore in La’Andre Thomas. The former quarterback recruit who earned raves for his athleticism now has a year under his belt at cornerback so he should be much more comfortable on the field.

The newcomers may have a tough time stepping into a crowded secondary but this is where guys from last year's signing class can start making a name. Lewis and Cullens were both three-star recruits that redshirted last year and Smith was an All-State selection coming out of Alabama.

Similar to running backs and offensive line, the secondary is a position with few question marks and the potential to be the anchor of the defense at least early on.

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If the tigers really want to take a step forward defensively, some of these new or less experienced tigers need to step up and add some much needed depth without serious drop off in production. I could see thomas or gongalez being some of those players.

I could see TJ Carter putting more of his stamp on the defense this year and taking more of a leadership role like tiger legend bobby mccain did.

Thanks

The defense improved during the course of last season and I hope the trend continues next season.

What's the word on Dillion?