We currently have 22 guys committed in the 2018 class, with a real chance to have 24-25 committed by the start of the season. We know that Mullen has been pushing for the early signing period for years. The 2018 signing class will be the first to have this option, with the early signing period being December 20-22, 2017. We will sign 25+ during this early period, and will only have to focus on a handful of guys in what is usually the most demanding month of recruiting, January. While all the other schools are using all of their time and resources on signing their big targets during January, we will be using the majority of our resources to be getting a leg up on the 2019 class.

This couldn't have come at a better time, as the 2019 in state class is arguably the best in Mississippi history. I think this is the plan from here on out. Mullen seems to be taking full advantage of the situation going on at Ole Miss. This 2017-2019 time frame seems to be the time where we can really take the next step from a consistent 6-7 win team, to a consistent 8-9 win team. Our program is in a position that it may have never been in before. We have the second longest tenured coach in the SEC, and a 7 year bowl streak. If we can finish the 2018 class strong, and use the next year and a half to work on what may end up being a historic 2019 class, the sky will be the limit on what this program can do in the future while OM is crippled by sanctions. Not to mention the fact that we have the most important position, quarterback, secured for the next half decade plus, with Key Thompson, Jalen Maden, and Jalon Jones.

Like Dan said back in 2009, there is one program in this state on the rise, and it's right here in Starkville. The future is bright.