At this point, there should be no doubt about Ryan Silverfield’s ability as a recruiter.

A few days after signing 15 member for the 2021 class, Silverfield and the Memphis Tigers added two more high-impact players on Monday.

Silverfield’s recruiting emphasis on local, Texas and Louisiana talent pays off

Michigan State offensive lineman Devontae Dobbs and teammate Julian Barnett announced their commitments to the Tigers on Twitter. Both were blue chip prospects coming out of high school.

Dobbs, 6-foot-4 and 305 pounds, was rated the No. 1 guard and the No. 2 player overall in the state of Michigan coming out of high school. He had elected to stay home over offers from Auburn and USC.

He played in four games last season and made one start as a left tackle. Despite having starting experience, Dobbs didn’t dress for a single game this season under new coach Mel Tucker. Michigan State finished the season 2-5.

The Tigers’ offensive line started off impressively, but has taken a noticeable step back in the last half of the season. They are expecting to bring most of the starters back from this season, though center Manuel Orona-Lopez will have a decision to make after the Montgomery Bowl. The redshirt senior has another year of eligibility.

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Either way, expect Dobbs to be in the rotation and in competition for a starting spot. He’s clearly a versatile athlete and can play numerous spots on the offensive line.

Barnett was also a four-star recruit in the class of 2019. He was rated the No. 8 corner nationally by 247Sports Composite and had offers from Alabama and Notre Dame.

He started as a wide receiver as a freshman, producing 13 catches for 182 yards. Tucker switched Barnett to defensive back this season.

247Sports projected Barnett as a potential second- or third-round pick in the NFL draft, which speaks highly of his talent. He could make an immediate impact at either position for the Tigers.

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Starting corners Jacobi Francis and TJ Carter, along with key reserve John Broussard, all could be leaving early, which would create a massive hole in the secondary. 

At receiver, the Tigers know what they have with Calvin Austin III and Tahj Washington. Javon Ivory also has shown flashes, but Barnett would be a different type of weapon. At 6-foot-2 with a 4.5 40 time, he’s the perfect mix of size and speed.

It was understood that Silverfield and the staff would hit the transfer portal hard and we’re already starting to see the payoff. 

Dobbs is a redshirt freshman while Barnett is a sophomore. The NCAA granted fall athletes an extra year of eligibility so Dobbs will have four to play, while Barnett will have three years.

Both should be eligible for next season, as the NCAA is moving toward to approving a one-time transfer waiver, which will allow players to transfer without having to sit out a year. The proposal is expected to pass in January.