Memphis football's defense will look different in 2024.

How different, and in what ways? That remains to be seen. And it could change on a game-by-game basis, according to new defensive coordinator Jordon Hankins.

"As far as exactly what type of defense we're going to be, I have no idea," Hankins said last week. "I know I'm going to put the best 11 football players on the field. Can't tell you how many of what I'm going to put out there. But the best 11 is going to be standing out there, at one time."

Hankins had been the Tigers' linebackers coach until he was elevated to interim defensive coordinator for Memphis' AutoZone Liberty Bowl win over Iowa State. He'd replaced Matt Barnes, who left for Mississippi State after the regular season.

Though he had less than a month to prepare for the game, Hankins instituted a completely new defensive scheme that ultimately held Iowa State to exactly zero yards rushing — spurring the Tigers to a 36-26 win. Ryan Silverfield removed the interim tag from Hankins' title a few days later.

But now Hankins has had an entire offseason to work on scheming and recruiting for 2024. Defense is where the most obvious growth can come for the Tigers this season — Memphis was No. 6 nationally in scoring offense last season but No. 92 in scoring defense. Memphis is bringing back most of its offensive weapons, so the expectation is for that unit to again be among the nation's best.

The questions will be about the defense, even if it looks different week-to-week. It'll be built around linebackers, specifically All-AAC returner Chandler Martin and Tennessee transfer Elijah Herring. Other linebackers, like Harvard transfer Matt Hudson, will likely be involved early and often too.

"There's a lot of people," Hankins said. "I'm going to see how many I can get on the field at one time, honestly."

Elsewhere, there are clearly spots up for grabs. Indiana transfer Patrick Lucas Jr. and Oklahoma transfer Reggie Grimes II are two names to watch on the defensive front, while fellow Indiana transfer Kobee Minor is a likely starter at cornerback. Samford transfer Kourtlan Marsh could start at safety.

There are also key returners, like local products Greg Rubin and CorMontae Hamilton. The defense needs to replace leaders at every level after losing Jaylon Allen, Geoffrey Cantin-Arku and Simeon Blair after last season.

Hankins has made it clear throughout the offseason that he values versatility, both in the players who get on the field and in the overall scheme. But could the entire defensive scheme really change each week?

"You never know," he said. "Never can tell. Defense is about technique and tackling. It's about leverages. It's not about 'I'm specifically this part of a defense. This is what I am.' No. There's a lot that goes into defense. Being able to move around, and teaching them all the different things and the different categories that puts quarters together or man coverage together or cover two, cover one, whatever, everything that everybody's ever talked about."

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

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Why Memphis' defense might change week to week under Jordon Hankins