It seems weird hearing TJ Carter talk about mentoring younger players in the Memphis secondary, given that Carter is only a sophomore.

Carter, however, said one of his goals for this season is to grow as a leader after starting every game as a true freshman and being named a Freshman All-American.

"I want to take a leadership role on the defense and start bringing them guys with me and get them to follow my lead," Carter said Tuesday after practice.

It's part of a collective maturity within the secondary. With Tito Windham one of only two seniors in the group, those who saw playing time last year have to take charge by default.

Windham said it's a role the returners have dived into headfirst and leading by example.

"You got to be the example," Windham said. "You can speak but you got to show up. And I know I got to show up and lead every day and bring the same energy out here for them to learn off of and bring when it’s their turn."

Memphis coach Mike Norvell said he wants to see more out of both Carter and Windham after a season where Carter had five interceptions and Windham forced three fumbles.

Carter echoed the sentiments, saying he doesn't want to hit a wall next year or get overconfident. He also bonded quickly with new defensive backs coach TJ Rushing, who has constantly been in his ear on the field telling him how he can get better.

"I really like him because he’s like my size, he played in the league and knows a lot of good things," Carter said, "He’s on me all the time."

It was a mixed week for the defensive backs to start practice. Monday saw them mostly dominated by the wide receivers, but Tuesday, they had multiple interceptions and pass deflections, looking more like the unit that had 15 interceptions last season.

It's all a part of growing up and with a secondary young in age but old in game experience, they know that leadership starts by example and not just only by improving your own skills.

"When you’re a leader, you gotta be able to lead and bring somebody with you," Windham said. "So if you’re scared to do that, you ain’t ready for the task. I’m never worried about that.

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