AAC Spring Practice: Biggest Questions for Each Team

Dec 22, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Memphis Tigers head coach Justin Fuente reacts against the Brigham Young Cougars during the fourth quarter in the Miami Beach Bowl at Marlins Park. Memphis won 55-48 in a double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Memphis Tigers

Biggest Question: Who will stand out the most on the defensive front seven?

Justin Fuente is a great head coach with a brilliant offensive mind, and he will almost certainly be coaching somewhere else at the end of this year. But it is worth pointing out that a big reason for the Tigers success last year we a veteran defense led by talent up front.

And with five guys on the front seven gone, including all of the linemen, Fuente’s problem is not the offense, which will look even better this year. It is finding more help on the defensive line and at linebacker.

The line isn’t in terrible shape with guys like Ernest Suttles, who had a decent freshman campaign, along with Jackson Dillon, who could really make an impact this year. But somebody needs to step up at nose tackle and on the end if this is going to work out.

At linebacker, Wynton McManis and Leonard Pegues are going to have to prove what they can do in the spring. If not, the August practices are going to be crucial.

But Fuente needs to find some good replacements in the spring.

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