Memphis Tigers land pair of Michigan State transfers
Memphis football is getting two additions from Michigan via the transfer portal.
Michigan State offensive lineman Devontae Dobbs and cornerback Julian Barnett both announced Monday via Twitter they're transferring to the Tigers. Both were four-star recruits who signed with the Spartans in 2019 out of Belleville High School.
Dobbs, who is 6-foot-5 and 305 pounds, played four games in 2019, including one start at left tackle. He didn't play this season as Spartans offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic told reporters that Dobbs was hurt but also needed to improve in some areas.
Barnett played wide receiver in 2019 and appeared in every game with 13 catches for 182 yards.
He returned to defensive back this season but while he appeared in six games, he was used on defense in just two games and mostly played on special teams.
Both Dobbs and Barnett were top-60 national recruits according to 247Sports. Dobbs was ranked No. 51 overall and Barnett was No. 57the two highest-rated recruits in the Spartans' 2019 class.
Dobbs was also the No. 1-rated offensive guard in the country
The two will see a familiar face at Memphis as former Michigan State offensive coordinator Brad Salem is a senior offensive consultant with the Tigers.
If the NCAA votes in January to approve athletes getting a one-time transfer exception without sitting out a season, both bring immediate help to critical positions.
Dobbs could improve an offensive line that struggled this season, especially in run blocking, but was tied for fourth in the AAC with two sacks allowed per game. The offensive line is expected to return four starters next season if center Manual Orona-lopez elects not to use his final year of eligibility.
Barnett could fill a void in the secondary if cornerbacks TJ Carter and Jacobi Francis, both seniors, decide not to return. Memphis ranked 122nd out of 127 teams in passing defense.
The Tigers, who face Florida Atlantic in the Montgomery Bowl on Wednesday (6 p.m., ESPN), signed 15 players during the early signing period last week. They expect to sign more on National Signing Day on Feb. 3 to complete a class that is ranked the highest in program history at No. 48, according to 247Sports.