Latest Topics

[JDawg]

National Signing Day is pretty much in the wraps, and Dan Mullen has hauled in another respectable class for the Bulldogs.  At first glance, this class addresses some immediate and pressing needs, such as wide receiver depth and a game-changing defensive end.  Also, experienced JUCO players were added at WR and in the secondary to help address those needs.

I'll try to give a slightly unbiased breakdown of the new Dawgs, as well as highlight a few that got away.  It wouldn't be an MSU class without whiffing on a few, am I right?

I'll separate the recruits into the following 3 categories:

The Jewels - The Elite.  Hopefully immediate contributors.
The Cream - Signees that I think will be big contributors given time.
The Bulk -  Signees that I think will provide solid depth at least given their time at State.


I'll also add some video highlights if readily available outside of a paywall.

The Jewels

Chris Jones - Defensive End - 6'6" 255 - Houston HS - Houston, MS
5* - 247 Sports
5* - Scout
5* - Rivals
4* - ESPN

It's obvious Jones is the prime jewel of our class.  In my history of following recruiting around the SEC, I can't think of another player that's shot up the rankings as fast and far as he did, becoming the consensus #1 player in MS.  At one point last summer, he was an unranked 2* that Southern Miss said they were going to pass on.  Thankfully, our coaches saw the potential before all of the star-grazing greedy bastards did.  Jones is a physical specimen that some recruiting analysts compared to the "Freak" Jevon Kearse.  He should make an immediate impact next year since we are in immediate need of a rush defensive end.  The best news about Jones?  He's barely touched his potential.  Several recruiting analysts have noted that his ceiling is possibly the highest out of any prospects in this years class.... nationally.

Ashton Shumpert - Running Back - 6'2" 215 - Itawamba AHS - Fulton, MS
4* - 247 Sports
4* - Scout
3* - Rivals
4* - ESPN

Shumpert is a big bruiser, and was recruited also as a strong safety by some.  He is the type of RB that MSU fans are more accustomed to, and reminds me a lot of JJ Johnson that MSU fans will remember.  I think he is good enough to challenge for playing time next year, but would no doubt benefit even more from a redshirt if that option is available.  Regardless, he's gonna be a good one in maroon in the very near future.  He was Mississippi's Gatorade Player of the Year.
Highlights>>>

Fred Ross - Wide Receiver - 6'2" 190 - John Tyler HS - Tyler, TX
4* - 247 Sports, Scout, Rivals, ESPN

Ross was a late game flip performed by Coach Tim Brewster.  He comes from a talent rich area of Texas, and came out as a Parade All-American.  He's got size, speed, moves, and shows good instinct when going up for balls.  He should be an immediate contributor in the passing game next year, and could push for a starting role as a freshman, given our current WR situation.
Highlights>>>http://www.hudl.com/...60788/fred-ross

Justin Cox - Defensive Back - 6'2" 185 - East MS CC - Scooba, MS
4* - 247 Sports
4* - Scout
3* - Rivals
4* - ESPN

Probably the 2nd most important recruit as far as immediate need (behind rush DE).  Cox was a sign and place for us out of high school, and really blossomed into the best defensive player at talent rich EMCC.  He's fast, lengthy, and has great instincts.  He's alot like Johnthan Banks, in that he is versitile enough to play pretty much any position in the secondary, and should help us immediately this spring.  He was a JUCO All-American.
Highlights>>>


The Cream

Jeremy Chappelle - Wide Receiver - 6'2" 215 - Tyler CC - Tyler, TX
3* - 247 Sports
3* - Scout
3* - Rivals
4* - ESPN

Another standout JUCO that should almost be inserted directly into the starting line-up.  He's got good size, good ups, and is an excellent blocker on the edge.  Just check the highlights>>>http://www.hudl.com/...lights/31133383

Cord Sandberg - Quarterback - 6'3" 215 - Manatee HS - Bradenton, FL
3* - 247 Sports
4* - Scout
4* - Rivals
4* - ESPN

If MSU were to ever have a Tim Tebow, I believe Cord Sandberg is as close as we could come.  The guy is just a tremendous athlete and competitor, so much so that he may be drafted high in the MLB draft in June.  He was a 2-time Florida Player of the Year and starting quarterback on one of the best prep teams in America.  Oh, and he's a southpaw.
http://www.hudl.com/...lights/33777689

Donald Gray - Athlete - 5'10" 185 - Whitestation HS - Memphis, TN
4* - 247 Sports
3* - Scout
3* - Rivals
4* - ESPN

Bart Simmons of 247sports has called Donald Gray the most underrated player to come out of Tennessee this year.  He's a speedster and could ultimately end up on either side of the ball, but I'd be willing to bet we use him in the slot.  He scored 7 TD's in a game this year.
http://www.hudl.com/...lights/28314386

Jake Thomas - Offensive Tackle - 6'5" 300 - Columbus HS - Columbus, MS
4* - 247sports
4* - Scout
3* - Rivals
3* - ESPN

Versitile OL from MS.  He was a Dandy Dozen as well as Team USA All-Star.  I think he has the frame and feet to play tackle, but many think he'll end up at guard.


Shelby Christy - Wide Receiver - 6'3" 190 - Dutchtown HS - Geismar, LA
3* - 247sports, Scout, Rivals, ESPN

Lengthy, yet with speed.  He's pretty electric after the catch for someone his size and is easily one of my favorite "under the radar" guys in our class.

Edited by JDawg, 06 February 2013 - 06:24 PM.

[JDawg]

The Bulk

Gabe Myles - Defensive Back - 6' 185 - Starkville HS - Starkville, MS
3* - 247sports, Scout, Rivals, ESPN

Hometown hero that played quarterback in high school.  He looks to make the transition to corner in college.  He was a Dandy Dozen from MS.


DeRunnya Wilson - Wide Receiver - 6'6" 215 - Wenonah HS - Birmingham, AL
3* - 247sports, Scout, Rivals, ESPN

Our WR class has some size, now, and none have more of it than two-sport start DeRunnya Wilson.  He's also obviously athletic enough and will suit up for Coach Rick Ray, too.  He should prove to be a threat in the readzone for us... we've desperately been needing that.
http://www.hudl.com/...lights/19348374

Kent Flowers - Offensive Tackle - 6'5" 300 - Simmons HS - Hollandale, MS
3* - 247sports, Scout, Rivals, ESPN

Probably our next left tackle.  Was a Dandy Dozen member and arguable the best HS lineman to come out of Mississippi this year behind Jake Thomas.  Played in the MS/AL Allstar game and the Mali All-Star game.

Kivon Coman - Defensive Back - 6'1" 200 - Hargrave Aca. - Chatham, VA
3* - 247sports, Scout, Rivals
2* - ESPN

Signed with us last year out of high school but had grade issues, so opted for Hargrave.  If you remember, he's the cousin of current Bulldog Beniquez Brown.  I don't know much about Kivon, so I'll let highlights do the talking.


Brandon Wells - Athlete - 6'2" 180 - Bogue Chitto HS - Bogue Chitto, MS
3* - 247sports, Scout, Rivals, ESPN

Played mainly QB/RB in highschool, but looks to project as a defensive back for us.  He was a MS/AL game participant.

BJ Hammond - Wide Receiver - 6'4" 210 - Gadsden City HS - Gadsden, AL
3* - 247sports, Scout, Rivals
4* - ESPN

Hammond is yet another big bodied receiver in this class.  He's probably not as quick as our other receiver signees, but could possibly make a good hybrid-style TE with some bulk added.  He's definitely got the frame.  He's also supposedly one of the most likeable and funny signees that we have, according to Paul Jones of 247sports.
http://www.hudl.com/...lights/29748383

Dez Harris - Linebacker - 6'3" 220 - McAdory HS - Mccalla, AL
3* - 247sports, Scout, ESPN
2* - Rivals

Really suffered this year in the rankings because he tore his ACL.  Even with the ACL, our staff stayed on him.  He played QB and Linebacker in high school and will stick at linebacker for us.


Artimas Samuel - Tight End - 6'2" 240 - Hargrave Aca. - Chatham, VA
2* - 247sports
3* - Scout, Rivals, ESPN

Another signee that opted the prep school route for us.  He originally played WR, I believe, but bulked up pretty impressively at Hargrave.  I wouldn't be surprised to see him line up at tight end or fullback for us in the future.

Jamaal Clayborn - Offensive Guard - 6'4" 315 - Jackson Aca. - Jackson, MS
3* - 247sports, Scout, Rivals, ESPN

Homegrown product from the MS academy ranks.  Obviously not ready to be a contributor soon, but could benefit with a redshirt and some years of development.

Damien Williams - Quarterback - 6'1" 220 - Archbishop Rummel School - Metairie, LA
3* - 247sports, Rivals, ESPN
2* - Scout

Dual-threat QB that was committed to Southern Miss.  Doesn't have ideal size for a QB, but is a bruiser while running the ball and has surprisingly good touch on deep balls.  Should be a very serviceable option down the road, regardless of if Cord Sandberg leaves or not for the MLB.  I really think this guy is underrated.  Do yourself a favor and watch his highlights... you may agree with me.


Jahmere Irvin-Sills - Cornerback - 5'9" 180 - Eastern Christian Aca. - Elkton, MD
3* - 247sports, Rivals, ESPN, Scout

One time Auburn commit that should be a good addition to our CB corps. We obviously went after him when we missed on another CB prospect, but I've been in the camp that given his offers, he should have been a target regardless of whom we missed on.

Tolando Cleveland - Cornerback - 6' 170 - Hillgrove HS - Powder Springs, GA
3* - 247sports, Rivals, ESPN
NR - Scout

Was a Georgia Tech commit that we flipped late in the process.  I remember him at our camps over the summer and how coach Collins raved about him.  
http://www.hudl.com/...lando-cleveland


Superlatives
Class MVP - Chris Jones
Class Offensive MVP - Cord Sandberg
Class Defensive MVP - Justin Cox
Best Name - DeRunnya Wilson
Mr. Loyal - BJ Hammond
Craziest Recruitment - Chris Jones
Sleeper - Shelby Christy
Best Positions Hit - WRs (size, size, size)


Notable WHIFFS
5* Mackenzie Alexander (Clemsux)
3* Mackenro Alexander (Auburn)
3* Deon Mix (Auburn)
5* Tony Conner (The School Geographically to our northwestish)
4* Corey Smith (OSU)

Still on the Board
Consensus 4* JUCO DT Toby Johnson --- Visiting next weekend.  Wanted to postpone decision until he could visit.  Looks as if Auburn may be full and Georgia has seemed to back off.  Hopefully we can land him.

Edited by JDawg, 06 February 2013 - 06:21 PM.

[question_marking]

So when can we expect to start hearing things about whether Sandberg will stay or not?

[shamoan]

question_marking, on 06 February 2013 - 07:11 PM, said:

So when can we expect to start hearing things about whether Sandberg will stay or not?

initial word is, his best case scenario is 3rd round.....most likely scenario is 5th round.....per our baseball insiders.....its been referenced a few times that sandberg wont sign unless its first round type money.  our chances are good.

[shamoan]

A for effort jdawg.

[BatesvilleBaron]

I actually agree with you on player breakdowns for the most part.  I'm undecided on Hammond, REALLY looking forward to seeing Shelby Christy.

He's a really quick big guy that is going to be good for us

[nova]

Wilson is supposed to have a 35 inch vertical. If he can catch that's a jump ball threat if I've seen one

[bulldawg28]

Williams has great feet and a high football IQ.  He may beat out Cord regardless.

[BatesvilleBaron]

nova, on 07 February 2013 - 09:44 PM, said:

Wilson is supposed to have a 35 inch vertical. If he can catch that's a jump ball threat if I've seen one

  His tape is 100% jump balls from a rag arm QB.  What he does against 3 DB's is impressive.  He has tremendous upside if he's fast enough.

He doesn't know the game at all so I am positive he will redshirt

[BatesvilleBaron]

bulldawg28, on 08 February 2013 - 05:23 AM, said:

Williams has great feet and a high football IQ.  He may beat out Cord regardless.

You that high on him?

[nova]

BatesvilleBaron, on 08 February 2013 - 10:18 AM, said:

  His tape is 100% jump balls from a rag arm QB.  What he does against 3 DB's is impressive.  He has tremendous upside if he's fast enough.

He doesn't know the game at all so I am positive he will redshirt

I don't doubt the RS.  I seem to recall someone saying he's only been playing ball a couple years...

[carwwest]

bulldawg28, on 08 February 2013 - 05:23 AM, said:

Williams has great feet and a high football IQ.  He may beat out Cord regardless.

You hit on something i wanted to discuss. The more i watch williams, the more i like him. He is a little more athletic than relf it looks like with a similar style of running. He does have great feet and amazing awareness. However,  i do not think mullen/keonning teach good footwork at all, so i am interested to see if his footwork remains as good as it is or if he will regress. I think cord is an elite qb so i wont say williams will beat him out but williams looks like a helluva pick up late in the process and could definitely at least be a factor in the future.

[bulldawg28]

BatesvilleBaron, on 08 February 2013 - 10:19 AM, said:

You that high on him?

Just looking at the film dude can flat out play. He showed awareness, footwork, and play making ability with his arm. The touch he has is God given.  Cord's film doesn't look as impressive IMO. His arm is not as strong and he looks like a Rb playing QB.

Edited by bulldawg28, 08 February 2013 - 11:22 AM.

[1dawgfan09]

Watched Shumpert's film. He's gone be a goodun. I love that style of back.

[1dawgfan09]

Watched Williams film. He should be a four star. The size is holding him back. Good touch passes, bruiser runner. Like him. More than servicable in Mullen's system (prays we get back to that system--bye bye Koening) if need be.