Two Stud Defenders Commit to Memphis
Tuesday, June 22nd, 2021 was a big day in recruiting for head coach Ryan Silverfield and his Memphis Tigers as they landed two of the top defenders within this state in Milan (LB) Antwain Barham Antwain Barham 6'3" | 225 lbs | LB Milan | 2022 State TN , Jr and Cane Ridge (DE) Eric Gaston Eric Gaston 6'5" | 270 lbs | DL Cane Ridge | 2022 State TN .
The Memphis coaching staff has been a key cog in recruiting within their home state over the past several years, hauling in several high quality prospects and Barham, Jr and Gaston are no different.
Both players were targeted early on by the Tigers as must get prospects and they certainly did the work by adding their commitments today. Barham, Jr and Gaston have the abilities to possibly see the field early, if they develop properly.
Looking at the linebacker from Milan, Barham, Jr is a force on the defensive side of the ball that the opposition has a hard time stopping, let alone slowing down. The Bulldogs defender mans the linebacker position where he could play inside or out on the next level, depending on where the Memphis staff envisions placing him.
Barham, Jr also has the size and skill set to develop into a defensive, rush end that works in the backfield. He has the length, quick get-off and motor to develop there over time. This West Tennessee product is a well built, physical young man that will only get bigger and stronger once he steps foot into the Memphis weight room.
He is also a high character young man, so I could see him being a locker room and on the field leader for the Tigers team and defense.
Moving up to the defensive line, Gaston is a raw but physically imposing guy that has his best football ahead of him and he see’s Memphis as the best to best develop his abilities.
The Nashville area defensive lineman has been on the recruiting scene for two years now as a top name in the Middle Tennessee area, sporting offers from several Power Five programs but saw Memphis as the best fit for him and his future.
What the Tigers may see in Gaston is a future pass rushing defensive tackle in the middle that can play on the outside if and when needed. He could also play that defensive end role in the 3-4, so Gaston provides a lot of versatility that the Tigers coaching staff can utilize.
Gaston may need a little bit of time and may need to redshirt before he reaches his maximum capabilities but the upside is there to become a force for Memphis somewhere down the road.
These are two strong recruiting wins for the Tigers staff as both prospects were pursued by high quality programs and they still could see an influx of recruiting attention over the coming months.
Barham, Jr and Gaston are two guys that walk off the bus looking like Power Five prospects but will be dawning the Blue and White down in Memphis, causing future havoc in the American Athletic Conference.