Hogs' Recruiting Appeal Could Be Bolstered by Better Development

Incoming head coach Ryan Silverfield will have an opportunity to build a pipeline program if he can rack up wins on the recruiting trail and, more importantly, build on the talent of his recruits.

As Memphis head coach from 2020 to 2025, four of his players were drafted. Speedy wide receiver Calvin Austin III (Round 4, Pick 138) and guard Dylan Parham (Round 3, Pick 90) were both drafted in 2022.

Both are still on NFL rosters, with Parham expected to start for the moribund Jets next season. The next time a Silverfield player was drafted came in 2025, when the Patriots took corner Kobee Minor as Mr. Irrelevant. And in this year's draft, tackle Travis Burke was taken in the fourth round at pick 117.

But the real question is, can he outperform his predecessors at Arkansas in pro development with an SEC roster? So, let's take a look at his 247Sports Team Talent Composite Scores at Memphis versus Arkansas's scores over the same period.

* = coaching transition

While the scores may only be separated by a few points, Arkansas consistently trots out better talent on Saturdays. Silverfield will need some wins from his high school scouts as they search for players to fit in his offensive scheme.

As important as talent is, the right players for Silverfield's scheme are more likely to develop into NFL talent.

If Silverfield can develop players at Arkansas, he can transform Arkansas into a destination school for talented players. Of course, player development should show up in the Hogs' record, too. It's hard to get players to commit to a cellar-dweller.

Of course, in the age of NIL, the transfer portal has become an integral part of building a winning team. Getting players with talent and who will fit our scheme is another way Silverfield can start to close the gap between the Georgias and Bamas of the World.