Could Memphis football have an All-American in 2024? Another 1,000-yard rusher?

It's been an offseason filled with transformational change and expectations that crept higher and higher for coach Ryan Silverfield and Memphis. The Tigers have never had legitimate access to the highest level of college football's postseason until this season, and they're set up with more than a puncher's chance of getting there.

Memphis is bringing back most of its top contributors from a year ago, including quarterback Seth Henigan, receiver Roc Taylor and linebacker Chandler Martin. And there's plenty to be excited about in terms of new faces, too.

With that said, let's make a few bold predictions for this season ahead of the opener on Saturday (6 p.m., ESPN+) against North Alabama at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.

Sutton Smith rushes for 1,000 yards ... and kickoffs for TDs

Fans have been waiting for Smith to burst on the scene for two seasons. The junior has flashed star potential in limited action, but he could be set for a bigger role in 2024. Smith will likely split time with South Carolina transfer Mario Anderson, so there might not be a path for either to get to 1,000 yards.

But Memphis has succeeded with multiple running backs in the past. And that could certainly be the case this season, especially because balance will be key with quarterback Seth Henigan and the passing attack.

Smith said earlier this offseason his goal is 1,000 rushing yards and two kickoff return TDs, but we'll stick with one for now. That'd still be a heck of a campaign.

Chandler Martin makes an All-American team

This isn't entirely out of nowhere — Martin was named to Phil Steele's fourth team preseason All-American team. Martin is one of the best returning players in the American Athletic Conference, and there's reason to believe he'll be even better in 2024.

The former East Tennessee State standout was playing through a shoulder injury last season, but he had offseason surgery to clean that up. Martin was already Memphis' leading tackler last season, but now he'll be at the heart of the Tigers' revamped defense under new coordinator Jordon Hankins.

And he's in line to have a massive season.

Offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey gets a job offer ... or a few

It's no secret that teams around the country have been interested in Cramsey, who has been Memphis' offensive coordinator since 2022. Silverfield has mentioned throughout the offseason that Cramsey has turned down offers to remain at Memphis.

But if the Tigers have another elite offensive season in 2024 — remember, they were sixth in scoring offense last season — those offers might start to multiply. Whether it's a coordinator job at a Power Four school or a head coaching job at the Group of Five level, there's likely to be plenty of interest in Cramsey's services.

Now, this isn't saying he's leaving ... but it's always a possibility for successful teams.

Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis football bold predictions including 1,000 yards for Sutton Smith