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Recruiting Roundup: Mississippi State Football

By Blain Bradley

Nov 28, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen runs onto the field with his players before the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi won 38-27. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen runs onto the field with his players before the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi won 38-27. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
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In the second edition of the Recruiting Roundup, we take a look at the Class of 2017 commits who have pledged their allegiance to Mississippi State football.

Commits

Kylin Hill, 5-11, 207, Four-Star, RB Columbus (Columbus, MS)

Keytaon Thompson, 6-4, 210, Four-Star, Dual-Threat QB Landry-Walker (New Orleans, LA)

Tyler Dunning, 6-0, 229, Three-Star, OLB St. Thomas Aquinas (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)

Lee Autry, 6-3, 310, Three-Star, DT Itawamaba CC (Albermarle, NC)

Tommy Champion, 6-5, 320, Three-Star, OT Copiah-Lincoln CC (Jackson, MS)

Ravian Pierce, 6-4, 225, Three-Star, TE Southwest Mississippi CC (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)

Aaron Odom, 6-3, 265, Three-Star, WDE Callaway (Jackson, MS)

Kaleb Oliver, 6-3, 190, Three-Star, S Oakland (Murfreesboro, TN)

Emanuel Dabney, 6-1, 170, Three-Star, ATH Callaway (Jackson, MS)

Paul Gainer, 6-3, 275, Three-Star, OT Gautier (Gautier, MS)

Drelan Porter, 6-4, 210, Three-Star, WDE East Mississippi CC (Batesville, MS)

Tyler William, 6-3, 175, Three-Star, CB Lafayette (Oxford, MS)

Monterio Hunt, 6-1, 180, Three-Star, WR Walnut Attendance Center (Walnut, MS)

Austin Williams, 6-3, 202, Three-Star, WR Ocean Springs (Pascagoula, MS)

James Jackson, 6-3.5, 345, Three-Star, OG Pascagoula (Pascagoula, MS)

JJ Russell, 6-2, 195, Three-Star, OLB Grenada (Grenada, MS)

Landon Guidry, 6-1, 185, Three-Star, CB Independence (Thompson’s Station, TN)

*Note: The cities listed next to the CC players are their hometown locations, not CC location.

Analysis

Two things stand out in this class: The amount of in-state talent, and the amount of JUCO talent. That being said, it leaves a lot to be desired. I’m interested to see how the JUCO prospects transition, maintain their academic performance and make an impact in Starkville. JUCO Ravian Pierce has all the ability to be a big-time playmaker at the tight end. His 6-4, 225 pound frame still has room to fill out.

Speaking of filling out, a lot of the guys on this list could grow into absolute monsters. JJ Russel is a quick, instinctive linebacker, who only weighs 195 (according to 247sports.com). Imagine him at 230. Scary.

Oxford, Miss. native Tyler William decided take his talents to Starkville, which is a big deal. The guy group in Rebel territory, but his skill-set and 6-3 frame will be beneficial to the Bulldog secondary.

The stars of this class are Kylin Hill and Keytaon Thompson. Hill is a talented running back from Columbus, Miss. He chose the Bulldogs over Tennessee, Nebraska and Ole Miss. Keytaon Thomspon is the dual-threat quarterback Dan Mullins needs. Similar to former Bulldog, Dak Prescott,  Thompson is elusive and a strong runner. He also has a solid arm.

In The Mix

A lot of top notch talent is interested in joining Dan Mullen’s squad. Four-star wide receiver, Devonta Smith, listed the Bulldogs in his final four schools.

Four-star defensive end LaBryan Ray, tweeted out his top 12 schools, and Mississippi State made the list as well, which could really improve the class of 2017 for Mississippi State football.

Overall class grade is currently a B+. Mississippi State has a solid class with a lot left on the table. If their players continue to develop well, and if they are able to land Devonta Smith and LaBryan Ray to an already solid 2017 recruiting class, I’d be willing to give them an A, possibly even an A+.

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