2025 MSU Football Recruiting Thread

[DEDawg]

If Lebby can't get these guys, he's gone in a couple years. That's the bottom line! Either he gets the recruits or he's looking for a job. He already made terrible choices for his staff that's haunting him right now. Can't miss on these guys.

Serious question, not picking an NIL argument. But if what the above poster said was true and he?s looking for more money, what would firing Lebby do? Any coach we hire would have the same issues if our NIL isn?t enough to get 4 stars.

Maybe we have the money and just don?t think he?s worth it, but if Lebby is pounding the table saying go get more more NIL so we can sign this guy, what else could he do?

[Cooterpoot]

Serious question, not picking an NIL argument. But if what the above poster said was true and he?s looking for more money, what would firing Lebby do? Any coach we hire would have the same issues if our NIL isn?t enough to get 4 stars.

Maybe we have the money and just don?t think he?s worth it, but if Lebby is pounding the table saying go get more more NIL so we can sign this guy, what else could he do?

I didn't say fire Lebby. I said he won't be around but a couple more years if he can't sign guys.. And this isn't just about money, Lebby needs to sign some damn talent!

[Bothrops]

Can't allow anyone we want on the OL or DL to back out on us. Now that it's happened, I wouldn't be surprised if Nash is an Ole Miss signee.

[Cooterpoot]

Can't allow anyone we want on the OL or DL to back out on us. Now that it's happened, I wouldn't be surprised if Nash is an Ole Miss signee.

FSU, they're the one school we knew could give us trouble. But OM is running up the cost.

[ZedFedder]

Nash commits to FSU

[StarkVegasSteve]

Nash commits to FSU

And he'll decommit in about 3 weeks and OM will be the favorite. He'll probably commit to them and then prolong his signing to February and sign with either us or LSU. This kid and his family are being influenced by the same guy who got in Donte Dowdell's ear and Jarquez Hunter. They are chasing the biggest offer, but his ultimate goal is to push them out of state.

I will say this though, we have an old friend back recruiting for us again. And his sphere of influence is a little better than some prick from Eastern Mississippi looking for a payday.

[Cooterpoot]

And he'll decommit in about 3 weeks and OM will be the favorite. He'll probably commit to them and then prolong his signing to February and sign with either us or LSU. This kid and his family are being influenced by the same guy who got in Donte Dowdell's ear and Jarquez Hunter. They are chasing the biggest offer, but his ultimate goal is to push them out of state.

I will say this though, we have an old friend back recruiting for us again. And his sphere of influence is a little better than some prick from Eastern Mississippi looking for a payday.

Nah, OM ain't in this. And I'm not getting in a bidding war for this kid beyond a point. He's pretty raw and there's another kid instate next year we've got a good in with that's better right now.

[KB21]

And he'll decommit in about 3 weeks and OM will be the favorite. He'll probably commit to them and then prolong his signing to February and sign with either us or LSU. This kid and his family are being influenced by the same guy who got in Donte Dowdell's ear and Jarquez Hunter. They are chasing the biggest offer, but his ultimate goal is to push them out of state.

I will say this though, we have an old friend back recruiting for us again. And his sphere of influence is a little better than some prick from Eastern Mississippi looking for a payday.

That guy encouraging players to leave the State is a big reason we lost Kahnen Daniels to Florida. Almost everyone he is associated with goes out of state.

[PMDawg]

?

[KB21]

Who is it? Are his initials JR?

LH

[StarkVegasSteve]

LH

Yep. But don't worry. Byron DeVinner is back with us now. We'll get that guy out of the way REAL FAST.

[KB21]

Yep. But don't worry. Byron DeVinner is back with us now. We'll get that guy out of the way REAL FAST.

That's great!

I don't know if it is because of the portal/NIL, but since 2020, there have been very few impact college players that have come from our recruiting footprint. I don't know if the talent level is just down, or if it is a player development issue because these guys are bolting at the first sign of adversity.

[BankerDog]

Lebby is about to surprise with what he pulls out of the portal here in 60ish days? money guys are all now working together both old money and new money.

And to CP?s point?you can only bid up to show much for HS kids. Nash may very well end up this years Scott Lashley. I?d rather us pull Tyler Miller if we can.

And on LH?Hunter wanted to play RB, Leach wanted him as a safety. However, LH had locked us out of Picayune and other spots. We are gonna need DeVinner (shouts to PoliticalHack) and bring back in Demetric as well, but things are in play. Let it play out

[StarkVegasSteve]

That's great!

I don't know if it is because of the portal/NIL, but since 2020, there have been very few impact college players that have come from our recruiting footprint. I don't know if the talent level is just down, or if it is a player development issue because these guys are bolting at the first sign of adversity.

It's that by and large, most MS kids are ATHLETES first and football players second. Take a kid like Kelley Jones. He is an incredible athlete, but is still learning how to be an elite football player. When you look at the kids in our "footprint" and the one's we've had success with, McKinney, Jenkins, Green, etc., they needed time to develop and learn how to play the game instead of just relying on athleticism because they were the best player at their school and in their division most of the time. MS has produced VERY FEW ELITE FOOTBALL PLAYERS, especially as Freshman, in the last 25 years. I mean I can think of maybe 15-20. Jeffrey Simmons is a prime example. That kid was a dominant athlete and dominant football player.

The problem with this model is that you don't have time to develop kids these days. The Bernardrick Mckinney, Gerri Green, Johnthan Banks, etc would've transferred in this day and age. So when I see people say we need to be recruiting MS better, I have hesitation. Because by and large most of those kids need AT LEAST two years to develop. I mean go look at the past 3 recruiting classes, find me 5 players that were impact players their first two years. Heck, most are on their second school. I mean I found 4. Perkins, Issac Smith, Kelley Jones, and you could stretch and say Dowdell. I mean really it's Perkins and Smith. Branson Robinson probably could had he not gotten hurt, but he's hurt all the time.

[KB21]

It's that by and large, most MS kids are ATHLETES first and football players second. Take a kid like Kelley Jones. He is an incredible athlete, but is still learning how to be an elite football player. When you look at the kids in our "footprint" and the one's we've had success with, McKinney, Jenkins, Green, etc., they needed time to develop and learn how to play the game instead of just relying on athleticism because they were the best player at their school and in their division most of the time. MS has produced VERY FEW ELITE FOOTBALL PLAYERS, especially as Freshman, in the last 25 years. I mean I can think of maybe 15-20. Jeffrey Simmons is a prime example. That kid was a dominant athlete and dominant football player.

The problem with this model is that you don't have time to develop kids these days. The Bernardrick Mckinney, Gerri Green, Johnthan Banks, etc would've transferred in this day and age. So when I see people say we need to be recruiting MS better, I have hesitation. Because by and large most of those kids need AT LEAST two years to develop. I mean go look at the past 3 recruiting classes, find me 5 players that were impact players their first two years. Heck, most are on their second school. I mean I found 4. Perkins, Issac Smith, Kelley Jones, and you could stretch and say Dowdell. I mean really it's Perkins and Smith. Branson Robinson probably could had he not gotten hurt, but he's hurt all the time.

That's what I was thinking. Even Perkins isn't starting at Ole Miss, or at least isn't getting starter's snaps.

[Bothrops]

Lebby is about to surprise with what he pulls out of the portal here in 60ish days? money guys are all now working together both old money and new money.

More competitive than this year on the DL, hopefully. I still think we'll get mostly pick overs, but I'd love to be wrong.

[Todd4State]

It's that by and large, most MS kids are ATHLETES first and football players second. Take a kid like Kelley Jones. He is an incredible athlete, but is still learning how to be an elite football player. When you look at the kids in our "footprint" and the one's we've had success with, McKinney, Jenkins, Green, etc., they needed time to develop and learn how to play the game instead of just relying on athleticism because they were the best player at their school and in their division most of the time. MS has produced VERY FEW ELITE FOOTBALL PLAYERS, especially as Freshman, in the last 25 years. I mean I can think of maybe 15-20. Jeffrey Simmons is a prime example. That kid was a dominant athlete and dominant football player.

The problem with this model is that you don't have time to develop kids these days. The Bernardrick Mckinney, Gerri Green, Johnthan Banks, etc would've transferred in this day and age. So when I see people say we need to be recruiting MS better, I have hesitation. Because by and large most of those kids need AT LEAST two years to develop. I mean go look at the past 3 recruiting classes, find me 5 players that were impact players their first two years. Heck, most are on their second school. I mean I found 4. Perkins, Issac Smith, Kelley Jones, and you could stretch and say Dowdell. I mean really it's Perkins and Smith. Branson Robinson probably could had he not gotten hurt, but he's hurt all the time.

We have to figure out what the formula is for us in this new era. Back when Dan was here we may have very well lost Josh Robinson and Bear Wilson to the portal among others.

I do think with Mississippi kids it is going to have to be developmental to a degree. But it's going to require patience from both parties- MSU and the players because the reality is they're going to have to grow and MSU is going to have to be Ok with not everyone being Jeffrey Simmons. I do think we are going to have to make Mississippi players a big part of our program. But it's just hard to have that patience when players are either processed maybe too soon in some cases and maybe leave on their own because they aren't playing.

To me, I think MSU has a big problem with foresight. Dan had an ego issue that limited that for him IMO. We have to be able to project what we're going to have 3-5 years from now player personnel wise and we have to sell that vision to players as recruits and now as players too. Maybe I should say buying with NIL instead of selling honestly.

I will say this though- because it is easy to forget that we are just in year one of Lebby- but if we get guys like DeVinner involved that may help us some with retention. It should help with acquisition. We need time to establish that foundation and by next year our recruiting could be completely different in a good way.

[Cooterpoot]

Lebby is about to surprise with what he pulls out of the portal here in 60ish days? money guys are all now working together both old money and new money.

And to CP?s point?you can only bid up to show much for HS kids. Nash may very well end up this years Scott Lashley. I?d rather us pull Tyler Miller if we can.

And on LH?Hunter wanted to play RB, Leach wanted him as a safety. However, LH had locked us out of Picayune and other spots. We are gonna need DeVinner (shouts to PoliticalHack) and bring back in Demetric as well, but things are in play. Let it play out

You can forget Tyler Miller, that one ain't happening

[Pancho]

where is he headed?

[civildawg]

So apparently we can't even hold on to our own commits now

[StarkVegasSteve]

So apparently we can't even hold on to our own commits now

Henry was a money decision. No clue on the Miller kid, but probably the same.

[Todd4State]

Henry was a money decision. No clue on the Miller kid, but probably the same.

Miller was a LSU is my dream school kid.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Miller was a LSU is my dream school kid.

Weird he's going to USCw. You may be thinking of Tyler Miller, the OT from Laurel.

[DEDawg]

Henry was a money decision. No clue on the Miller kid, but probably the same.

So do we just not have the money to compete, or are we playing money ball and just not paying top dollar

[BankerDog]

Program prestige and things to do in town. Both played a factor.

[Todd4State]

Weird he's going to USCw. You may be thinking of Tyler Miller, the OT from Laurel.

Yes. My bad. Wrong Miller.

[MetEdDawg]

So apparently we can't even hold on to our own commits now

I guess I'm shocked people are shocked that a 1-5 MSU team lost commits to Bama and USC.

[Cooterpoot]

That defensive staff is getting fired anyway. Going yo lose a few recruits we got on that side anyway. It's worth it to get rid of the pile of crab running our defensive units.

[Bothrops]

That defensive staff is getting fired anyway. Going yo lose a few recruits we got on that side anyway. It's worth it to get rid of the pile of crab running our defensive units.

We would need a Muschamp type hire to keep us out of the basement in recruiting defense. Right now, I don't see Hutzler getting fired. We are just going to have to eat the results and pray for a 6-6 season.

[Cooterpoot]

We would need a Muschanp type hire to keep us out of the basement in recruiting defense. Right now, I don't see Hutzler getting fired. We are just going to have to eat the results and pray for a 6-6 season.

He's about to finish bottom 10, maybe bottom 5 in America in defense and is about to lose just about every recruit-more bad news is coming. We'll give him and others on that staff the boot.

[Bothrops]

He's about to finish bottom 10, maybe bottom 5 in America in defense and is about to lose just about every recruit-more bad news is coming. We'll give him and others on that staff the boot.

As long as effort improves in games I believe he's here next year, because he was selected by Lebby. The problem is kids don't care about improvement, they care about money, brand , and name recognition. This is going to get stupid expensive just trying to get off the basement.

[Todd4State]

As long as effort improves in games I believe he's here next year, because he was selected by Lebby. The problem is kids don't care about improvement, they care about money, brand , and name recognition. This is going to get stupid expensive just trying to get off the basement.

I guess it depends on how attached Lebby is to him. I think we really wanted Durkin and A&M messed us over. Turner I'm sure is gone regardless. None of the defensive staff I would lose sleep over losing honestly.

If it were me I would try to go after Kentucky's DC. Stoops isn't going to be there a lot longer I don't think based on him going after the A&M job last year.

I'd certainly be fine with a guy like Greg Gasperato, Nate Woody, or Shiel Wood.

When recruits aren't staying committed it makes me think that the boosters aren't sold on him. And that's kind of a job death sentence.

[Cooterpoot]

As long as effort improves in games I believe he's here next year, because he was selected by Lebby. The problem is kids don't care about improvement, they care about money, brand , and name recognition. This is going to get stupid expensive just trying to get off the basement.

Nothing has improved on defense. Not one thing has changed. We gave up over 600 yards this past week and over 500 the week before. We're about to lose several recruits as well. Hutzler and that staff was a correctable mistake. This is a historically bad defense at State and in the SEC.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I guess it depends on how attached Lebby is to him. I think we really wanted Durkin and A&M messed us over. Turner I'm sure is gone regardless. None of the defensive staff I would lose sleep over losing honestly.

If it were me I would try to go after Kentucky's DC. Stoops isn't going to be there a lot longer I don't think based on him going after the A&M job last year.

I'd certainly be fine with a guy like Greg Gasperato, Nate Woody, or Shiel Wood.

When recruits aren't staying committed it makes me think that the boosters aren't sold on him. And that's kind of a job death sentence.

We definitely wanted Durkin. I know that for a fact and have heard it from multiple boosters. A&M did screw us on that. On the defensive recruiting front, I mean we have heard for months that Henry was going to be tough to keep because his handlers had their hands out. I still think we have a shot with him once he realizes that Bama is going to recruit over him in the portal plus his relationship with Lebby. And if not, then you get to portaling.

On Coleman, there are plans in place there. I doubt we see him back as DC next year, but I do think he will remain on the staff.

[TrapGame]

We definitely wanted Durkin. I know that for a fact and have heard it from multiple boosters. A&M did screw us on that. On the defensive recruiting front, I mean we have heard for months that Henry was going to be tough to keep because his handlers had their hands out. I still think we have a shot with him once he realizes that Bama is going to recruit over him in the portal plus his relationship with Lebby. And if not, then you get to portaling.

On Coleman, there are plans in place there. I doubt we see him back as DC next year, but I do think he will remain on the staff.

How's the relationship with Durkin and Freeze?

[StarkVegasSteve]

How's the relationship with Durkin and Freeze?

Bad would be understating it. But Durkin was forced on him to begin with. It's like any coaches with Hugh, if you weren't on those original Ark State or OM staffs then your dispensable to him.

[TrapGame]

Bad would be understating it. But Durkin was forced on him to begin with. It's like any coaches with Hugh, if you weren't on those original Ark State or OM staffs then your dispensable to him.

So, you're saying there's a chance? ***

[KB21]

I hate to tell those of you who think firing or demoting Hutzler will immediately make the defense better. It won't. This defense wouldn't be good if Nick Saban coached it. The talent simply isn't there/hasn't been developed.

Basically, this comes down to the fact. If we had been able to hire DJ Durkin, this defense would still be as bad as it is now. However, it would be OK to some of you because you knew who DJ Durkin was prior to him getting the job.

[TrapGame]

I hate to tell those of you who think firing or demoting Hutzler will immediately make the defense better. It won't. This defense wouldn't be good if Nick Saban coached it. The talent simply isn't there/hasn't been developed.

Basically, this comes down to the fact. If we had been able to hire DJ Durkin, this defense would still be as bad as it is now. However, it would be OK to some of you because you knew who DJ Durkin was prior to him getting the job.

If you think Durkin would not be doing a better job than Hutzler right now, then I can't help you. I guarantee you those vacant gaps vs Florida would not have been there. And he sure would not have let Skeeter Bo run on a three man front for an entire half of football.

[StarkVegasSteve]

If you think Durkin would not be doing a better job than Hutzler right now, then I can't help you. I guarantee you those vacant gaps vs Florida would not have been there. And he sure would not have let Skeeter Bo run on a three man front for an entire half of football.

You're probably both right. Schematically we may have been better, but the talent isn't going to get better this year. I mean schematically, Coleman has called two really solid games against Texas and UGA, but our D just isn't very good. I mean against Texas we were there, but couldn't wrap up. Against UGA we were in position but couldn't finish the play. And had our offense not completely checked out in the first half, we beat ASU.

[KB21]

You're probably both right. Schematically we may have been better, but the talent isn't going to get better this year. I mean schematically, Coleman has called two really solid games against Texas and UGA, but our D just isn't very good. I mean against Texas we were there, but couldn't wrap up. Against UGA we were in position but couldn't finish the play. And had our offense not completely checked out in the first half, we beat ASU.

Coleman and Durkin call almost the exact same scheme. Another thing that cracks me up is this idea that you can have four on the ball, but if one is standing up instead of in a three-point stance, that it is really a 3-man line.

[KB21]

This defense wouldn't be a top 100 defense if Nick Saban was coaching it.

[Pancho]

we didn't have enough available healthy DL @ AZ State to hardly use and rotate properly. skeeter boo will make money in the league

[Cooterpoot]

Anyone that thinks our talent on defense isn't as good as W. KY and Buffalo are fools. Anyone that refuses to adjust until the game is over against ASU is a fool.
And for those claiming we don't have talent, tell me who he's recruiting that's going to fix this. We just lost two of our top recruits and are about to lose two others. It's so bad it's almost funny.

[Pancho]

could any of our defense start at buffalo or W KY?

[KB21]

Well, it appears that much like with Arnett and his outdated ineffective "You have to establish the run" philosophy was stupid, it's going to take making a coaching change, inducing even more instability into the program, and hiring an "established" defensive coordinator who won't be any better than Hutzler with the current talent on the team to realize that the defensive issues this season are very clearly not a coaching issue.

Just like I was right about Arnett and his decisions to take the offense back to the dark ages, I'm right on this.

[StarkVegasSteve]

could any of our defense start at buffalo or W KY?

Issac Smith, Brice Pollock, Stone Blanton, Nic Mitchell, Trevion Williams, and John Lewis would all at the G5 level. Brylan Lanier would start at S since we have him playing out of position. DeAgo Brumfield would start. Corey Ellington would start. Again, our problem is not talent in the back 7 or 8. It's depth. It's talent and depth in the front 3 or 4.

[Cooterpoot]

could any of our defense start at buffalo or W KY?

LOL, yes

[BankerDog]

Anyone that thinks our talent on defense isn't as good as W. KY and Buffalo are fools. Anyone that refuses to adjust until the game is over against ASU is a fool.
And for those claiming we don't have talent, tell me who he's recruiting that's going to fix this. We just lost two of our top recruits and are about to lose two others. It's so bad it's almost funny.

Two of those recruits were to better programs with more prestige than ours. That?s it. USC paid more money to a HS kid than we were willing to give. I respect us not getting into that bidding war.

The issue is the DL Coach whom we just had to have back has not recruited well enough over the last two years. Especially last year which was the reason we brought him back to take advantage of the DL in the state. When several posters brought up the glaring and obvious issue of his lack of recruiting we were told ?several of those players weren?t good? (Franklin, Echols, etc). Turner is living off what he did 10 years ago when he had time to develop guys like AJ Jefferson, Ryan Brown, Preston Smith, Nelson Adams. Well times have changed and he needs to either step up in a hurry or get gone.

[Brobi-wan]

Two of those recruits were to better programs with more prestige than ours. That?s it. USC paid more money to a HS kid than we were willing to give. I respect us not getting into that bidding war.

The issue is the DL Coach whom we just had to have back has not recruited well enough over the last two years. Especially last year which was the reason we brought him back to take advantage of the DL in the state. When several posters brought up the glaring and obvious issue of his lack of recruiting we were told ?several of those players weren?t good? (Franklin, Echols, etc). Turner is living off what he did 10 years ago when he had time to develop guys like AJ Jefferson, Ryan Brown, Preston Smith, Nelson Adams. Well times have changed and he needs to either step up in a hurry or get gone.

Spot on. I think he likely will be gone. DL is our worst unit by far. We don?t really know anything about our coverage because the line can?t generate much pressure. It doesn?t matter who we hire. Not sure they could be worse.

[Cooterpoot]

Two of those recruits were to better programs with more prestige than ours. That?s it. USC paid more money to a HS kid than we were willing to give. I respect us not getting into that bidding war.

The issue is the DL Coach whom we just had to have back has not recruited well enough over the last two years. Especially last year which was the reason we brought him back to take advantage of the DL in the state. When several posters brought up the glaring and obvious issue of his lack of recruiting we were told ?several of those players weren?t good? (Franklin, Echols, etc). Turner is living off what he did 10 years ago when he had time to develop guys like AJ Jefferson, Ryan Brown, Preston Smith, Nelson Adams. Well times have changed and he needs to either step up in a hurry or get gone.

We ain't done losing recruits. We don't have anything outside LB to talk about either. It's not simply Turner. And Franklin was a money guy 100% and OM was who paid up. Echols family is at OM & we liked him as an OL.

[Goldendawg]

We ain't done losing recruits. We don't have anything outside LB to talk about either. It's not simply Turner. And Franklin was a money guy 100% and OM was who paid up. Echols family is at OM & we liked him as an OL.

Who would want to play for this unknown (except for our long in the tooth DL coach), rookie "D" staff? Our "D" is a mess with a very questionable group of hires, a near total whiff in the last portal and the lack of returning talent catching up with us. I don't see how anyone looks at our stats and schemes and sees any improvement to date. 2-10 or 3-9 is no improvement over 5-7, even in last year's debacle. Going to be a long rebuilt to win games again in the SEC especially if we don't have a "D" also.

[Cooterpoot]

Good news on one of the recruits rumored to be jumping, it appears to be worked out. We'll see on the other. Need a good effort this weekend

[BankerDog]

Who would want to play for this unknown (except for our long in the tooth DL coach), rookie "D" staff? Our "D" is a mess with a very questionable group of hires, a near total whiff in the last portal and the lack of returning talent catching up with us. I don't see how anyone looks at our stats and schemes and sees any improvement to date. 2-10 or 3-9 is no improvement over 5-7, even in last year's debacle. Going to be a long rebuilt to win games again in the SEC especially if we don't have a "D" also.

Not to defend the staff-but not a ?rookie? group. Matt Barnes was the DC at Ohio State and Memphis. Bell has SEC experience as does Hutzler. Has the D been lacking? Yes but you look at the level of recruiting on the DL over the past three years and it?s bad enough to make any LB or DB look bad. The only recruit Turner has brought in is Tysun this year but he won?t be ready to contribute next year. Turner needs to step it up as does everyone else.

I?ve also been a proponent of getting Barnes to call some games prior to last two games.

[Cooterpoot]

Barnes got his play calling removed at OSU. His Memphis defense was horridly bad. All those Memphis kids be brought in have been hurt. The fact he and Hutzler can't figure things out and are still making the same mistakes halfway through the season is telling. Talent is poor but so is the coaching. We can't even tackle well & that's the minimum. We need a full reboot on that side. Hire a sitting DC and let him bring in his staff. By the way, Turner is bringing in nothing again. He thinks Juco is the cure.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Barnes got his play calling removed at OSU. His Memphis defense was horridly bad. All those Memphis kids be brought in have been hurt. The fact he and Hutzler can't figure things out and are still making the same mistakes halfway through the season is telling. Talent is poor but so is the coaching. We can't even tackle well & that's the minimum. We need a full reboot on that side. Hire a sitting DC and let him bring in his staff. By the way, Turner is bringing in nothing again. He thinks Juco is the cure.

Contingency plans have been in place since after ASU. We already have an MOU with a sitting P5 DC. Coleman would keep his position coach duties but be moved to STC. Turner is gone for sure. I would imagine we would have at least one more defensive staff defection in that scenario.

[BankerDog]

Barnes got his play calling removed at OSU. His Memphis defense was horridly bad. All those Memphis kids be brought in have been hurt. The fact he and Hutzler can't figure things out and are still making the same mistakes halfway through the season is telling. Talent is poor but so is the coaching. We can't even tackle well & that's the minimum. We need a full reboot on that side. Hire a sitting DC and let him bring in his staff. By the way, Turner is bringing in nothing again. He thinks Juco is the cure.

Literally just said that about Turner and have for two and a half years now

[Todd4State]

Contingency plans have been in place since after ASU. We already have an MOU with a sitting P5 DC. Coleman would keep his position coach duties but be moved to STC. Turner is gone for sure. I would imagine we would have at least one more defensive staff defection in that scenario.

If Hutzler becomes the STC then Odom will be reassigned or leave.

[TrapGame]

Contingency plans have been in place since after ASU. We already have an MOU with a sitting P5 DC. Coleman would keep his position coach duties but be moved to STC. Turner is gone for sure. I would imagine we would have at least one more defensive staff defection in that scenario.

Does that sitting P5 DC's name happen to rhyme with "Jerkin"?

[RockyDog]

Does that sitting P5 DC's name happen to rhyme with "Jerkin"?

Or Meoff Smollins

[Todd4State]

Or Meoff Smollins

North Carolina is allowing 30 PPG. We're allowing 33 PPG.

So let's hope not.

[Bothrops]

If we continue to play with the effort we've seen the last two weeks Hutzler isn't getting fired or demoted. We are always going to lose recruits for little reason, for no logical reason, or good reason. Especially in the new era.

[BigDawg81]

Contingency plans have been in place since after ASU. We already have an MOU with a sitting P5 DC. Coleman would keep his position coach duties but be moved to STC. Turner is gone for sure. I would imagine we would have at least one more defensive staff defection in that scenario. Hahaha. What about a current P4 Head Coach that currently makes his residency in Waco? Can we get a MOU with him to become our DC in 2025?

[Cooterpoot]

Hahaha. What about a current P4 Head Coach that currently makes his residency in Waco? Can we get a MOU with him to become our DC in 2025?

Not happening

[StarkVegasSteve]

Hahaha. What about a current P4 Head Coach that currently makes his residency in Waco? Can we get a MOU with him to become our DC in 2025?

It won't be Aranda.

[Todd4State]

I think Aranda is overrated as a DC anyway.

[TrapGame]

I think Aranda is overrated as a DC anyway.

When you've got LSU talent it's hard to be a bad DC.

[StarkVegasSteve]

When you've got LSU talent it's hard to be a bad DC.

And even that year they were concerned because of what OM did to them when Plumlee ran for like 200 yds on them

[Todd4State]

When you've got LSU talent it's hard to be a bad DC.

For real. They have some freakish athletes every year.

[ZedFedder]

Austin Howard decommits

[StarkVegasSteve]

Austin Howard decommits

We knew that was coming. We still got our 3 LBers in the class we needed. Will probably take 2 transfers there as well. Need one who can be a plug and play starter and need one for depth.

[Todd4State]

We knew that was coming. We still got our 3 LBers in the class we needed. Will probably take 2 transfers there as well. Need one who can be a plug and play starter and need one for depth.

We also have the JUCO LB

[Pancho]

I'm expecting much better LB play next year. still need DL

[TStationDawg]

Contingency plans have been in place since after ASU. We already have an MOU with a sitting P5 DC. Coleman would keep his position coach duties but be moved to STC. Turner is gone for sure. I would imagine we would have at least one more defensive staff defection in that scenario.

On a scale of 1-10, how excited would this sitting DC get the fan base? Other than its anyone else other than Coleman.

[StarkVegasSteve]

On a scale of 1-10, how excited would this sitting DC get the fan base? Other than its anyone else other than Coleman.

Pretty excited. Then again, like you said, anything is an improvement over Hutlzer in the eyes of the fan base. I'd say 6 if it's who I've heard.

[DEDawg]

Pretty excited. Then again, like you said, anything is an improvement over Hutlzer in the eyes of the fan base. I'd say 6 if it's who I've heard.
Drop that name. Rumors encouraged

[StarkVegasSteve]

Drop that name. Rumors encouraged

DJ Durkin and Randy Shannon both have been heavily mentioned as well as Christian Robinson, who was a GA with Dan

[bulldawg28]

DJ Durkin and Randy Shannon both have been heavily mentioned as well as Christian Robinson, who was a GA with Dan

Yes to Durkin & Shannon. Pass on Robinson we're already experimenting with a guy with no proven DC history.

[Cooterpoot]

That stuff isn't happening

[Todd4State]

Yes to Durkin & Shannon. Pass on Robinson we're already experimenting with a guy with no proven DC history.

This.

[Todd4State]

That stuff isn't happening

I'm not going to say there is a MOU but I could definitely see Durkin wanting to get the heck away from Hugh Freeze.

[StarkVegasSteve]

That stuff isn't happening

Please read what the guy asked. He said rumors are encouraged. No one is actually going to come out and tell people outside the realm who the actual person is, I am just telling what the plan has been since after Toledo. Could the plan have changed? Yes. Has it? I doubt it. I was never told a name, but just talking to people you can read in between the lines on who it probably will be.

Durkin is also definitely looking to get away from Freeze.

[DEDawg]

Durkin would be incredible

[TrapGame]

Durkin would be incredible

100% concur. I'm willing to bet he's the guy we get.

A&M screwed us over by not letting him out of his contract before January 2024.

[Cooterpoot]

Durkin isn't coming here. His AU defense isn't very good either. His A&M defenses underachieved as well. That ship sailed when he chose to wait out A&M.

[StateDawg44]

Durkin isn't coming here. His AU defense isn't very good either. His A&M defenses underachieved as well. That ship sailed when he chose to wait out A&M.

I agree. He really wouldn't be that much of an upgrade based off his recent stops.

[Cooterpoot]

I agree. He really wouldn't be that much of an upgrade based off his recent stops.

It would cost us $5MM too just between firing and hiring. I think we go get a DC but nothing is in stone right now.
I do wish we could pull off moving Hutz to LB coach and bringing in a guy but can't see that happening. Hutz at $1MM a yr to coach LBs? Not happening. I think he's a decent recruiter but not as DC. This LB class is strong.

[StarkVegasSteve]

It would cost us $5MM too just between firing and hiring. I think we go get a DC but nothing is in stone right now.
I do wish we could pull off moving Hutz to LB coach and bringing in a guy but can't see that happening. Hutz at $1MM a yr to coach LBs? Not happening. I think he's a decent recruiter but not as DC. This LB class is strong.

The plan is kick Coleman to ST Coordinator and maybe make him ILB coach or something. Since most DCs coach LBers we would probably have to split the position up. We also know we'll have to hire a DL coach because Turner is gone at the end of the year. Again, that is the plan. Plan's change.

[Cooterpoot]

The plan is kick Coleman to ST Coordinator and maybe make him ILB coach or something. Since most DCs coach LBers we would probably have to split the position up. We also know we'll have to hire a DL coach because Turner is gone at the end of the year. Again, that is the plan. Plan's change.

There's no way a demoted DC stays here. Just isn't happening.

[SilentSteel16]

So it looks like Kennedy is happy with his OL and Turner is with his DL recruits. Tough sledding ahead boys. At least this year we had Miner. Several good recruits out there and this is what we get?

[Cooterpoot]

So it looks like Kennedy is happy with his OL and Turner is with his DL recruits. Tough sledding ahead boys. At least this year we had Miner. Several good recruits out there and this is what we get?

You realize the portal hasn't opened right? We're going Juco and portal on DL and OL. We're about to get a commit from the top OL in the state for next year too.

[SilentSteel16]

We have to because missed in all HS with exception of some skill guys. Really excited about Taylor, just hope we can keep him.

[Cooterpoot]

We have to because missed in all HS with exception of some skill guys. Really excited about Taylor, just hope we can keep him.

We weren't after many HS guys because we need immediate help. Nash is a big pud, so I'm not worried about losing him. He won't last anywhere IMO, Pounders 2.0.

[SilentSteel16]

Nash is not whom I was referring to. I knew months ago on visits he wasn’t going to State, hell anyone he talked to he told that. He was always going out of state.

HS guys is what you build around, I get filling an immediate need but if you don’t have foundational recruits what do you have.

Like it was said before skill position HS I believe we did very well in but you have to protect them and can’t bank on portal every year for bandaids

[Cooterpoot]

Nash is not whom I was referring to. I knew months ago on visits he wasn?t going to State, hell anyone he talked to he told that. He was always going out of state.

HS guys is what you build around, I get filling an immediate need but if you don?t have foundational recruits what do you have.

Like it was said before skill position HS I believe we did very well in but you have to protect them and can?t bank on portal every year for bandaids

Tackles you have to sign, the rest you can portal or Juco. We didn't miss on anything much. One kid that's going to LSU and was always going to LSU?
We redshirted two this time if they can pan out. We need help now, so we're going to sign Juco and portal guys. At worst, they're quality depth anyway.

[BigDawg81]

I see that Rico put up the eye emoji

[StarkVegasSteve]

I see that Rico put up the eye emoji

My guess is that's for Mario Nash. I'd call it more a hunch than a guess.

[BigDawg81]

My guess is that's for Mario Nash. I'd call it more a hunch than a guess. Nash is going to decommit from Florida State even though he says that he is still commited for now

[StarkVegasSteve]

Nash is going to decommit from Florida State even though he says that he is still commited for now

He's got some work to do to get back in our class. He burned some bridges with our staff when he decommitted.

[RezDog7]

He's got some work to do to get back in our class. He burned some bridges with our staff when he decommitted.

We have 2 wins. How the hell does a 4 star tackle have work to do to get back in our class?

[Bothrops]

He's got some work to do to get back in our class. He burned some bridges with our staff when he decommitted.

Did he lay a turd in the coach's playbook or something?

[SilentSteel16]

Nash is not an OT

[RezDog7]

Nash is not an OT

Idc if he's the ball boy. Most of our team and coaches need replacing.

[bulldawg28]

We have 2 wins. How the hell does a 4 star tackle have work to do to get back in our class?

Lol..

[BankerDog]

We have 2 wins. How the hell does a 4 star tackle have work to do to get back in our class?

Let?s take a trip down memory lane of our last few 4* MS HS OL:

-Dolla Bill-Bust
-Scott Lashley- Bust
-Percy Lewis-Bust
-Charles Cross-Hit
-Derek Sherrod-Hit
-Jake Thomas-never hit the field
-Kent Flowers-never hit field
-Damien Robinson-never hit field

The best OL we have had from the MS HS ranks outside of Cross and Sherrod? Addison Lawrence and Elgton Jenkins and JC and Beckwith. But of course our fans hated that coach because he cussed too much and didn?t chase ?stars? on 247 other than the guys our boosters forced them to take to compete with recruiting rankings for OM.

[bulldawg28]

Let?s take a trip down memory lane of our last few 4* MS HS OL:

-Dolla Bill-Bust
-Scott Lashley- Bust
-Percy Lewis-Bust
-Charles Cross-Hit
-Derek Sherrod-Hit
-Jake Thomas-never hit the field
-Kent Flowers-never hit field
-Damien Robinson-never hit field

The best OL we have had from the MS HS ranks outside of Cross and Sherrod? Addison Lawrence and Elgton Jenkins and JC and Beckwith. But of course our fans hated that coach because he cussed too much and didn?t chase ?stars? on 247 other than the guys our boosters forced them to take to compete with recruiting rankings for OM.

I wouldn't call dolla bill a bust

[StarkVegasSteve]

I wouldn't call dolla bill a bust

I mean he was a 4 star who couldn't get consistent PT until his Jr. Year. That's not great.

[confucius say]

I agree. He really wouldn't be that much of an upgrade based off his recent stops.

What? Auburn is giving up 21 a game in sec play in year 1 for his system, and they have thrown several pick sixes or it would be lower. Plus Durkin has been in dysfunctional situations the last few years thanks to the head coach.
Durkin would absolutely be an upgrade.
But I'd be shocked.

[KB21]

Let?s take a trip down memory lane of our last few 4* MS HS OL:

-Dolla Bill-Bust
-Scott Lashley- Bust
-Percy Lewis-Bust
-Charles Cross-Hit
-Derek Sherrod-Hit
-Jake Thomas-never hit the field
-Kent Flowers-never hit field
-Damien Robinson-never hit field

The best OL we have had from the MS HS ranks outside of Cross and Sherrod? Addison Lawrence and Elgton Jenkins and JC and Beckwith. But of course our fans hated that coach because he cussed too much and didn?t chase ?stars? on 247 other than the guys our boosters forced them to take to compete with recruiting rankings for OM.

A few more. Dylan Day was good. Shaq Calhoun actually started some games in the NFL. Daryl Williams was good. Tyre Phillips.

OL is a developmental position. You don't see many high school OLs who are physically and mentally ready to start in college.

[RezDog7]

Fine, don't bring him back then. Sign some USM guys out of the portal.

[DEDawg]

Why are we losing Cunningham? Guy that wants to come here and his family wants him here. Just open the damn checkbook and make it happen

[StarkVegasSteve]

Why are we losing Cunningham? Guy that wants to come here and his family wants him here. Just open the damn checkbook and make it happen

He doesn't want to come here. Pretty simple.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Fine, don't bring him back then. Sign some USM guys out of the portal.

He lied multiple times over the phone and to the face of his area recruiter, Kennedy, Charlie Winfield, Lebby, and multiple other commits. That's really hard to come back from. Especially in today's age where you really can't trust anyone to begin with. I mean we also have to consider that a lot of the commits are not big fans of his either at this point. Doesn't mean he won't still be in the class, but as I said there's a lot of mending of fences on that one.

[RockyDog]

Why are we losing Cunningham? Guy that wants to come here and his family wants him here. Just open the damn checkbook and make it happen

5th year coach with a proven offense that shows WR can have huge production and get wide open vs an unproven HC, while running a similar offense, has one WR and the QB is coming off a game with 90 yards passing. Full, rocking stadium vs half filled stadium with people emptying the stands at halftime. Potentially 10-2 vs 2-10. Fans storming the field vs fans blaming the president, AD, coaches, players, ticket takers, and concession stand workers.

Hmmm, tough decision.

[Pancho]

seems he just flipped from bama to the plantation today

[RezDog7]

He lied multiple times over the phone and to the face of his area recruiter, Kennedy, Charlie Winfield, Lebby, and multiple other commits. That's really hard to come back from. Especially in today's age where you really can't trust anyone to begin with. I mean we also have to consider that a lot of the commits are not big fans of his either at this point. Doesn't mean he won't still be in the class, but as I said there's a lot of mending of fences on that one.

I'm not concerned anymore, he'll be at OM soon enough.

[Todd4State]

He doesn't want to come here. Pretty simple.

Unacceptable fail by MSU in many different ways.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I'm not concerned anymore, he'll be at OM soon enough.

They do not want him. Kiffin is not big on HS OL.

[StateDawg44]

What? Auburn is giving up 21 a game in sec play in year 1 for his system, and they have thrown several pick sixes or it would be lower. Plus Durkin has been in dysfunctional situations the last few years thanks to the head coach.
Durkin would absolutely be an upgrade.
But I'd be shocked.

Either way he'd damn sure be better than what we have right now. We can agree on that.

[BankerDog]

David Turner turning our DL into JucoU! This is what you get when you keep bringing back guys who are ?MISSISSIPPI STATE?

[DEDawg]

David Turner turning our DL into JucoU! This is what you get when you keep bringing back guys who are ?MISSISSIPPI STATE?

Yeah this is pathetic. I will try to hold out hope for the portal but dont really see a path forward there either.

[Cooterpoot]

David Turner turning our DL into JucoU! This is what you get when you keep bringing back guys who are ?MISSISSIPPI STATE?

Y'all getting carried away, the portal ain't open yet

[BankerDog]

Y'all getting carried away, the portal ain't open yet

You were just in the portal thread saying do not expect anything good out of the portal. So what is it? This is typical of you to be so bipolar.

[DEDawg]

Y'all getting carried away, the portal ain't open yet

Why would we have any optimism towards the portal? Has Turner done anything there ever that has made an impact? We cant even get unknown hs d line here, I struggle to believe we will have better luck getting known products with college experience here

[StarkVegasSteve]

Why would we have any optimism towards the portal? Has Turner done anything there ever that has made an impact? We cant even get unknown hs d line here, I struggle to believe we will have better luck getting known products with college experience here

When we get rid of Turner after the Egg Bowl, we have a shot with some guys. He's the biggest issue tbh. Hutzler isn't as big of a drag on recruiting as Turner. Hutzler actually is a really good recruiter.

[Todd4State]

When we get rid of Turner after the Egg Bowl, we have a shot with some guys. He's the biggest issue tbh. Hutzler isn't as big of a drag on recruiting as Turner. Hutzler actually is a really good recruiter.

That is the only thing that is promising in defensive recruiting is the LB group.

The other three... not so much.

[Cooterpoot]

You were just in the portal thread saying do not expect anything good out of the portal. So what is it? This is typical of you to be so bipolar.

I'm hearing positive vibes but we'll have to see if we get what we need. Freaking over a Juco who is about to blow up ain't it.

[BigDawg81]

We beat out Jackson State for a JUCO. Things are looking up!

[Cooterpoot]

Why would we have any optimism towards the portal? Has Turner done anything there ever that has made an impact? We cant even get unknown hs d line here, I struggle to believe we will have better luck getting known products with college experience here

Turner gone

[Cooterpoot]

We beat out Jackson State for a JUCO. Things are looking up!

STFU, kid is getting a ton of big interest. We saw the action and went ahead and pulled the trigger. South Carolina is all over him right now.

[Todd4State]

Turner gone


Should have happened last year with the rest of the boosters friends.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Anson Lewis is committed. Ok offer sheet. 4 other P4 and 3 other SEC offers, not sure how committable they are though.

[Dawgology]

As I said. There are things being mismanaged and it must be remedied or things will start drying up financially

[DEDawg]

Flipped this TE from mighty Kansas https://247sports.com/Player/joeseph-skipworth-46148276/

[AROB44]

As I said. There are things being mismanaged and it must be remedied or things will start drying up financially

Won't have to worry about message board posters........

[Bothrops]

STFU, kid is getting a ton of big interest. We saw the action and went ahead and pulled the trigger. South Carolina is all over him right now.

Who?

[HancockCountyDog]

Who?

DL from EMCC.

I get being frustrated with where we are right now as a program, but I'm just not a fan of trashing kids that could play elsewhere and have chosen to try and help our football program get better.

[StarkVegasSteve]

DL from EMCC.

I get being frustrated with where we are right now as a program, but I'm just not a fan of trashing kids that could play elsewhere and have chosen to try and help our football program get better.

Who else was on the kid? Not trying to knock him and maybe he can be a depth piece for us, but I get the frustration from people. I mean we're striking out on a lot of targets and having to settle for guys with offers from G5 and FCS programs. Now maybe the rumors are true and USCe was on him. No clue of that because they never offered him. I just believe this was probably a kid we could've waited on and signed closer to signing day.

[HancockCountyDog]

Who else was on the kid? Not trying to knock him and maybe he can be a depth piece for us, but I get the frustration from people. I mean we're striking out on a lot of targets and having to settle for guys with offers from G5 and FCS programs. Now maybe the rumors are true and USCe was on him. No clue of that because they never offered him. I just believe this was probably a kid we could've waited on and signed closer to signing day.

Signing day is about two weeks away. I mean, we are "closer to signing day". In the old days, this would have been a late mid-January offer.

The kid has 3 to play 3. Do I think he plays in the two deep next year? Possibly. Do I think he could end up being in the two deep the in last two years? Definitely. Is he better than some of the DL that are playing for us now? Unfortunately, I think he is. Our 2nd team DL is just not good.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Signing day is about two weeks away. I mean, we are "closer to signing day". In the old days, this would have been a late mid-January offer.

The kid has 3 to play 3. Do I think he plays in the two deep next year? Possibly. Do I think he could end up being in the two deep the in last two years? Definitely. Is he better than some of the DL that are playing for us now? Unfortunately, I think he is. Our 2nd team DL is just not good.

Oh I'm not saying he's not better than some of the guys we currently have. That's a low bar to cross though. And the 3 to play 3 does make it a bit better because you can almost treat him like a HS guy, just with one less year.

We need about 5 more guys like him and better than him and then about 4 more that are a step or two above those guys. Outside of McClendon, maybe Trevion, maybe Deonte Anderson, and maybe Donterry Russell I would be ok with parting ways with the rest of them. Unless they're ok with a decreased role next year.

[HancockCountyDog]

Oh I'm not saying he's not better than some of the guys we currently have. That's a low bar to cross though. And the 3 to play 3 does make it a bit better because you can almost treat him like a HS guy, just with one less year.

We need about 5 more guys like him and better than him and then about 4 more that are a step or two above those guys. Outside of McClendon, maybe Trevion, maybe Deonte Anderson, and maybe Donterry Russell I would be ok with parting ways with the rest of them. Unless they're ok with a decreased role next year.

Also - he isn't an NIL guy. He is getting the basic package.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Also - he isn't an NIL guy. He is getting the basic package.

I didn't think he'd get any NIL. Hell, we got guys getting NIL right now that don't need to be getting it.

[Cooterpoot]

Who else was on the kid? Not trying to knock him and maybe he can be a depth piece for us, but I get the frustration from people. I mean we're striking out on a lot of targets and having to settle for guys with offers from G5 and FCS programs. Now maybe the rumors are true and USCe was on him. No clue of that because they never offered him. I just believe this was probably a kid we could've waited on and signed closer to signing day.

He's got three other SEC schools talking to him. We aren't striking out on many because we're going Juco heavy and hitting the portal. The portal hasn't opened yet.

[StarkVegasSteve]

He's got three other SEC schools talking to him. We aren't striking out on many because we're going Juco heavy and hitting the portal. The portal hasn't opened yet.

I mean we're in talks with a bunch of players behind the scenes. Our GM isn't just sitting on his hands, hitting refresh on his computer, and waiting for the portal to open. We need to keep the two HUGE JUCO pieces (Hardy and Mitchell). It'd be huge if we could somehow get back in the game with Henry, but I think that ship has sailed.

[Cooterpoot]

I mean we're in talks with a bunch of players behind the scenes. Our GM isn't just sitting on his hands, hitting refresh on his computer, and waiting for the portal to open. We need to keep the two HUGE JUCO pieces (Hardy and Mitchell). It'd be huge if we could somehow get back in the game with Henry, but I think that ship has sailed.

We get all the guys on campus Saturday and we're improving. Then we wait on the portal. Were top 30 recruiting right now and would move into that top 25 range if things work out.

[StarkVegasSteve]

We get all the guys on campus Saturday and we're improving. Then we wait on the portal. Were top 30 recruiting right now and would move into that top 25 range if things work out.

Correct. We just have to make sure these players CAN PLAY. We recruited a composite top 30 class two years ago and here are the stats on that class: 11 no longer with the team, 1 "redshirting", 2 starters, 2 rotation guys, 1 injury, and the rest don't play. We can't have those types of misses.

Heck last years class, which was composite 32, has more starters, would have the same number if you take out Van Buren, and just as many contributors. And our portal class last year was MILES BETTER. Heck out of the multi year portal guys we took in the 23 class, only one is playing. And Seydou would've played last year had he been eligible. Also, this is just another great reminder that the last staff GAVE A SCHOLARSHIP TO RYLAND GOEDE.

[KB21]

We get all the guys on campus Saturday and we're improving. Then we wait on the portal. Were top 30 recruiting right now and would move into that top 25 range if things work out.

Who all do we have visiting Saturday?

[BigDawg81]

I thought there was a portal thread but I can?t find it.
Alabama LB Keanu Koht is planning to enter the portal. #61 recruit national in 2021.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Who all do we have visiting Saturday?

So far it's confirmed we have a DL from NWCC, an Auburn OL commit, trying to get a recent FSU OL decommit, CB from ECCC, and a few 2026 and 27 guys. I know we're trying to get Oatis on an unofficial, but tbd to whether that comes to fruition.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I thought there was a portal thread but I can?t find it.
Alabama LB Keanu Koht is planning to enter the portal. #61 recruit national in 2021.

I started it. Scooba will get it pinned in the next week or so. I'll add Koht to the list though

[StarkVegasSteve]

FSU Commit Max Redmond, Safety, visiting this weekend. Probably will flip.

[ScoobaDawg]

I started it. Scooba will get it pinned in the next week or so. I'll add Koht to the list though

Yep once the portal opens official. Just wanna keep it cleaned up who is officially in or not . And who is leaving us or not (good riddance to a bunch )

[KB21]

Spencer Dowland de-committed from Auburn and is visiting this weekend. 6?6?, 290 lbs OT prospect from Athens, AL.

[Pancho]

Hopefully a good sign since he visited us a few weeks ago too?

[Cooterpoot]

Spencer Dowland de-committed from Auburn and is visiting this weekend. 6?6?, 290 lbs OT prospect from Athens, AL.

He's not going to be an OT, he's an interior guy. Looks like a good run blocker but limited athleticism. Still a good get though

[StarkVegasSteve]

Derrion Horsley decommitted. This was a we told him to look elsewhere decommitment. Tea leaves are reading that this is to make room for Max Redmond

[Cooterpoot]

Derrion Horsley decommitted. This was a we told him to look elsewhere decommitment. Tea leaves are reading that this is to make room for Max Redmond

Could also be a couple other guys

[BigDawg81]

Could also be a couple other guys I hope so. There are a few others that we should recruit over.
Hopefully, Kyle Johnson will be in this class. He is currently committed to Houston.

[KB21]

Carde Smith has de-commited from USC.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Carde Smith has de-commited from USC.

Mario Nash done 17'd up is all I'll say. There's a reason we don't want him back.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I hope so. There are a few others that we should recruit over.
Hopefully, Kyle Johnson will be in this class. He is currently committed to Houston.

I believe when all is said and done, this will be a top 25 class. We are on some pretty good guys if we can get the flips.

[KB21]

Mario Nash done 17'd up is all I'll say. There's a reason we don't want him back.

It will be a nice OL haul to get Carde Smith in late along with Spencer Dowland and maybe Peyton Joseph.

[Cooterpoot]

It will be a nice OL haul to get Carde Smith in late along with Spencer Dowland and maybe Peyton Joseph.

We not getting Smith

[bulldawg28]

It will be a nice OL haul to get Carde Smith in late along with Spencer Dowland and maybe Peyton Joseph.

Smith is headed to Colorado

[HancockCountyDog]

Carde Smith has de-commited from USC.

Apparently Deion is making moves in Boulder.

[BankerDog]

We are Mississippi State. About half our class is gonna be Jucos with no P4 offers other than Mitchell and Hardy. You could film a documentary on this..Last Chance U:SEC Redemption Story.

Why some of our boosters continue to believe we need to utilize Jucos so heavily with Portal now. We will never learn.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Spencer Dowland committed

[DEDawg]

Spencer Dowland committed

Nice I?ll take all the OL we can get

[civildawg]

May as well rename our university to Mississippi state junior college with the JUCOS we are bringing in

[Walkerhill]

May as well rename our university to Mississippi state junior college with the JUCOS we are bringing in

Is it 5? Is that an exceptional amount?

[RockyDog]

May as well rename our university to Mississippi state junior college with the JUCOS we are bringing in

I don’t understand the whining. If we brought in a guy from Memphis, Texas Tech or Virginia that had 1 year to play vs a highly rated JUCO with 2 or 3 years of eligibility, what is the damn difference?

You don’t know what either brings til they hit the field. All this pissing and moaning over stupid sh1t constantly by our “fans” has got to stop at some point or yall just need to find a damn bandwagon team to join

[civildawg]

That's the thing, there is no difference. They are both bad. I love idiots that complain about fans complaining on a MESSAGE BOARD.

[RockyDog]

That's the thing, there is no difference. They are both bad. I love idiots that complain about fans complaining on a MESSAGE BOARD.

Then if there is no difference why all the damn hand wringing? We KNOW that poor ol MSU is not getting 5 stars. So if there is no difference between CB from Kennesaw vs JUCO from CoLin then there is no reason for all the bitching and moaning.

We need bodies. Yet we have fans melting because they are JUCO bodies as opposed to G5 or P4 backup bodies.

[Cooterpoot]

We are Mississippi State. About half our class is gonna be Jucos with no P4 offers other than Mitchell and Hardy. You could film a documentary on this..Last Chance U:SEC Redemption Story.

Why some of our boosters continue to believe we need to utilize Jucos so heavily with Portal now. We will never learn.

Half our class won't be Juco lol and Miles has P4 offers, so does Coleman, Okaka, & the OT from NWCC. The rest are reaches or just ok for even depth.

[Todd4State]

Then if there is no difference why all the damn hand wringing? We KNOW that poor ol MSU is not getting 5 stars. So if there is no difference between CB from Kennesaw vs JUCO from CoLin then there is no reason for all the bitching and moaning.

We need bodies. Yet we have fans melting because they are JUCO bodies as opposed to G5 or P4 backup bodies.

Because there is a difference. We don't need "bodies". We have "bodies" now. We need people that can play.

It's about talent pool and level of competition. If you play at Kennesaw State you get to play against teams that are pretty decent like Western Kentucky, Jacksonville State, and Liberty. That's JUST Kennesaw State. If you get a guy from Umass- they played three SEC teams this year I think including MSU and Georgia. We get to see what their guys can do against SEC competition. It doesn't get anymore apples to apples than that. It makes evaluating those players easier and it makes it a lot less riskier to recruit them.

If you want to get overlooked players G5 is the best place to look. Booth was from Utah State. Ethan Miner was from North Texas. And if we get a guy from a SEC school that didn't start they probably have at least some experience playing in a SEC game even if it is on special teams or something. You can't replicate that at Co-Lin. Not to mention schools like North Texas or even USM have better athletic training than any JUCO in Mississippi I assure you. That makes a huge difference. It's less of a jump from UTEP to a SEC school than it is from Holmes CC to a SEC school. Branden Jennings is the only JUCO we have that had any impact on this year in a positive way and I think he was a D1 bounce back if I remember correctly.

And the other thing is if you're just getting a guy as a "body" then I would much rather them be here for one year than two because they're going to clog up roster spots of guys that can help you because then we have to process them out.

[Todd4State]

Is it 5? Is that an exceptional amount?

Probably 2 offensive linemen, 3 DL, 1 LB, 1 CB, and 2 S.

So IF we get them all that would be 9 players. That's way too many.

But MSU hasn't listened to anyone else yet so we get to watch the train wreck continue.

[Walkerhill]

Probably 2 offensive linemen, 3 DL, 1 LB, 1 CB, and 2 S.

So IF we get them all that would be 9 players. That's way too many.

But MSU hasn't listened to anyone else yet so we get to watch the train wreck continue.

There are quality players at P4, G5, juco, and high school. To me it doesn?t matter where they came from, it matters if the staff evaluated them accurately, can get them at the boat at State, and knows how to plug them in.

Seems like Lebby can do that at QB and WR, but there are serious questions at OL, DL, RB. We need to be cycling whatever coaches and hiring whatever consultants to get that fixed.


But on juco specifically, 9 does seem like too many. Possibly shows how much depth there is to build and also how much attrition the coaches may expect on the roster.

[BankerDog]

Half our class won't be Juco lol and Miles has P4 offers, so does Coleman, Okaka, & the OT from NWCC. The rest are reaches or just ok for even depth.

Funny you left out the DT from EMCC..just the other day you were saying he had P4 offers but now not? And yes a good make up of this class is JUCO. We just offered a juco Safety and a Juco CB w/ no other P4 offers. There is a difference between quality depth and just depth. Just depth gives you the DL we have had this year.

[Todd4State]

There are quality players at P4, G5, juco, and high school. To me it doesn?t matter where they came from, it matters if the staff evaluated them accurately, can get them at the boat at State, and knows how to plug them in.

Seems like Lebby can do that at QB and WR, but there are serious questions at OL, DL, RB. We need to be cycling whatever coaches and hiring whatever consultants to get that fixed.


But on juco specifically, 9 does seem like too many. Possibly shows how much depth there is to build and also how much attrition the coaches may expect on the roster.

We have two that are high end that are committed. And that's fine. But the other seven I'm not so sure about. That's a lot of risks for a team that needs to maximize every spot possible. The last thing this program needs is an Arizona Western 2.0 situation.

[BigDawg81]

Beating FIU for a recruit. Things are looking up

[Cooterpoot]

Not a scholarship guy. He'll have to earn it this spring.

[Cooterpoot]

Funny you left out the DT from EMCC..just the other day you were saying he had P4 offers but now not? And yes a good make up of this class is JUCO. We just offered a juco Safety and a Juco CB w/ no other P4 offers. There is a difference between quality depth and just depth. Just depth gives you the DL we have had this year.

I said he's getting P4 looks. They thought SC was close to offering before he committed. Had three P4 teams talking to him other than us. I'm not as high on him but he's better than the EMCC guys from last year, so he's an upgrade from a current roster spot.

[KOdawg1]

The way I see it, we're setting the baseline with Juco guys with multiple years left to serve as depth with the hope a couple can develop and help you. And then we'll bring in 20-30 transfers from the portal that will be the bulk of the 2 deep.

With the new rule of having 20 "extra" guys that are on a partial scholarship, you can afford to bring in questionable guys and let the spring serve as tryouts for them. If they don't cut it, cut them and replace them with someone else in the spring portal. As long as we're improving each position, that's all you can really ask for. It's too early to know if we're doing that yet.

[Bothrops]

Some of the jucos will pan out. By that, I mean 2, maybe 3. I wouldn't be shocked if our portal basket isn't much different than last year's. The growing cost of this business defies all logic.

[Cooterpoot]

Some of the jucos will pan out. By that, I mean 2, maybe 3. I wouldn't be shocked if our portal basket isn't much different than last year's. The growing cost of this business defies all logic.

You're about to be shocked

[BigDawg81]

Looks like Lebby told another commit to look elsewhere with Christopher Johnson

[DLGDawg]

You're about to be shocked

I'm taking this comment as super positive!!!(amirite???)

[BigDawg81]

You're about to be shocked
There you have it, Oatis is a DAWG!!

[Cooterpoot]

I'm taking this comment as super positive!!!(amirite???)

It's positive

[Cooterpoot]

There you have it, Oatis is a DAWG!!

Oatis is a cripple with his hand out. I'd be a little surprised if we got into that but we shall see.

[HancockCountyDog]

JJ Harrell hits the portal.

He was our biggest recruiter last signing class, and didn?t sniff the field.

He won?t be the last. I think this is good attrition.

[Brobi-wan]

Creed also in portal as expected.

[StarkVegasSteve]

UCF OT just decommitted. 4 star from Warner Robbins. Had some success in that area in the last couple of years. He may be following Malzahn but we need to go hard after him.

[Bothrops]

UCF OT just decommitted. 4 star from Warner Robbins. Had some success in that area in the last couple of years. He may be following Malzahn but we need to go hard after him.

To GT if I'm not mistaken.

[StarkVegasSteve]

To GT if I'm not mistaken.

That is the FSU commit I believe.

[Bothrops]

That is the FSU commit I believe.

That's right

[Cowbell]

The Puckett kid from prep - he's a PWO? The kid looks like he can absolutely sling it - why did he not get any better offers?

[SilentSteel16]

The knock on him is that he is “too short”…. Plus the old outdated mantra of private school ball and competition. Kid is easily top 5 QB in the state arguably top 3. He is a very good passer and surprisingly good runner.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Isaiah Mitchell commits. Flip from Cincy.

[civildawg]

Rumor on X that Lockhart is flipping to UM. Any truth to it?

[StarkVegasSteve]

Rumor on X that Lockhart is flipping to UM. Any truth to it?

No. It is not. OM is driving the price up, but Lockhart will sign with us on Wednesday.

[Cowbell]

The knock on him is that he is ?too short??. Plus the old outdated mantra of private school ball and competition. Kid is easily top 5 QB in the state arguably top 3. He is a very good passer and surprisingly good runner.

That's what I figured. Call me ignorant, but that kid has a better arm than probably any I've seen in the state this year.

[SilentSteel16]

Very possible. He throws a good tight ball

[TStationDawg]

Contingency plans have been in place since after ASU. We already have an MOU with a sitting P5 DC. Coleman would keep his position coach duties but be moved to STC. Turner is gone for sure. I would imagine we would have at least one more defensive staff defection in that scenario.

SO.....is this totally out the window, never was in the cards to begin with or......???? Enquiring minds want to know.....

[StarkVegasSteve]

SO.....is this totally out the window, never was in the cards to begin with or......???? Enquiring minds want to know.....

Still there. Until I see something different I will still think that is the case. No news is good news at the moment.

[Bothrops]

So which guys are we going to lose tomorrow?

Lockhart
Hardy
Miles

[StarkVegasSteve]

So which guys are we going to lose tomorrow?

Lockhart
Hardy
Miles

I think we keep all. Miles is the one I'm really worried about.

[BigDawg81]

I think we keep all. Miles is the one I'm really worried about. if Miles flips to Ole Miss, he was always commited to Ole Miss. It is Ole Miss shenanigans that they have pulled in the past.

[Cooterpoot]

So which guys are we going to lose tomorrow?

Lockhart
Hardy
Miles

Not worried about any of them. We don't have a DC anyway.

[DEDawg]

I assume 0% chance on both Cunningham and Nash tomorrow?

[StarkVegasSteve]

We hung on to Miles. We're going to lose Hardy. 50/50 on Lockhart.

[BankerDog]

If we lose Hardy after losing Coleman and Henry-DT deserves to be fired before EOD. He has vastly under recruited that unit over two years and the sole reason he was brought back was to capitalize on the instate guys last year that all went to Ole Miss. I?m sick and tired of watching his DL play titty ball and gap contain with no pressure ever. Ever wonder why we have to have our DBs play zone and 20 off so much? Because our DL coach hasn?t produced a pass rusher.

Bring back Brian Baker or go get Bo Davis.

[civildawg]

Anyone defending this staff is a loser, plain and simple

[Cooterpoot]

Hardy to SC. Fire all these mother17ers!

[StarkVegasSteve]

Hardy to SC. Fire all these mother17ers!

Hardy is a loss no doubt. But I do caution people to do something before we act like he was the second coming of Montez Sweat, he's not. Go look at the top JUCO players from last year and look up how much the contributed. The biggest contributor is number 16, Brylan Lanier. JUCO guys all need a year outside of D1 bouncebacks. Not saying Hardy isn't a loss because he is, but he is not irreplaceable. Just go get a portal guy. We always knew Hardy favored USCe. Hell they placed him at EMCC.

[StarkVegasSteve]

First flip for us, Kyle Johnson(4 star corner from LA) flips from Houston.

[ZedFedder]

That is a big get.

[Cowbell]

Just a friendly reminder: kids that flip on signing day, rarely fulfill the expectations.,unless they just got last-minute offers, they are usually drama queens

[BankerDog]

Y'all getting carried away, the portal ain't open yet

Still think Turner is gonna pull quality out of portal? I?ve been saying it for two years now, he needs to go and should?ve never been brought back.

[Cooterpoot]

Still think Turner is gonna pull quality out of portal? I?ve been saying it for two years now, he needs to go and should?ve never been brought back.

Never thought he would
But now I don't think anybody on this staff will

[StarkVegasSteve]

Never thought he would
But now I don't think anybody on this staff will

Everyone else can. The damn problem is that DL is our biggest need and Turner is the biggest recruiting anchor on this staff by a mile. He was the biggest recruiting anchor on the previous staff too, but we JUST HAD to have him.

[Cowbell]

Everyone else can. The damn problem is that DL is our biggest need and Turner is the biggest recruiting anchor on this staff by a mile. He was the biggest recruiting anchor on the previous staff too, but we JUST HAD to have him.

I always chuckle when he tweets stuff like "who wants to come to state" and "who's next". I could recruit better than that

[StarkVegasSteve]

I always chuckle when he tweets stuff like "who wants to come to state" and "who's next". I could recruit better than that

He was a bad hire when we made it and he's proven exactly that. He was a really good coach in the mid 00s. He was not by the time he left us the second time in 15. Dan, Hev, Tony, and Mike Dunlap had to rescue Chris Jones. Dan told him to move on in 15 and that saved Simmons. Mullen gave him credit for that, but that was some Delta boosters and Tony who brought that one home.

[Cooterpoot]

Everyone else can. The damn problem is that DL is our biggest need and Turner is the biggest recruiting anchor on this staff by a mile. He was the biggest recruiting anchor on the previous staff too, but we JUST HAD to have him.

We aren't signing difference makers on either side of the ball. A bunch of Juco projects that will take a year and guys without many big offers at all. The OL and DL are bad!

[StarkVegasSteve]

We aren't signing difference makers on either side of the ball. A bunch of Juco projects that will take a year and guys without many big offers at all. The OL and DL are bad!

The OL can be fixed in the portal. DB can be fixed in the portal. LB can be fixed in the portal. If we don't can David Turner, DL cannot be fixed in the portal. We'll get 1 or 2 because we just MASSIVELY overpay but we won't get what we need, which is talent AND depth.

[Cooterpoot]

The OL can be fixed in the portal. DB can be fixed in the portal. LB can be fixed in the portal. If we don't can David Turner, DL cannot be fixed in the portal. We'll get 1 or 2 because we just MASSIVELY overpay but we won't get what we need, which is talent AND depth.

Man, we can't even get Junior college prospects to take our NIL and you think top portal prospects will? That's not going to happen. This staff is a train wreck starting with Lebby. He's not a HC if he can't do what's necessary to be a great program.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Man, we can't even get Junior college prospects to take our NIL and you think top portal prospects will? That's not going to happen

All due respect, JUCO prospects don't make or break you. We didn't massively overpay on Hardy or Mitchell. We will probably MASSIVELY overpay on portal guys. I'm talking 200-350K clear of the nearest offer

[Really Clark?]

Man, we can't even get Junior college prospects to take our NIL and you think top portal prospects will? That's not going to happen. This staff is a train wreck starting with Lebby. He's not a HC if he can't do what's necessary to be a great program.

We are going to overspend for portal players. That was already the thought process. But I'm thinking it's going to have to be even more to get DL at this point. The rest of the class so far is ok. Although if we lose Lockhart and LoJack at the end...SMDH

[StarkVegasSteve]

We are going to overspend for portal players. That was already the thought process. But I'm thinking it's going to have to be even more to get DL at this point. The rest of the class so far is ok. Although if we lose Lockhart and LoJack at the end...SMDH

Either would be big losses. Lockhart would be big for just a whole other issue because you lose 3 if you lose him because you lose Clark and big Lockhart. So unfortunately we're having to make NIL deals this morning, and last night, for guys that didn't play a snap this year and at best will play on special teams next year.

[BankerDog]

We aren't signing difference makers on either side of the ball. A bunch of Juco projects that will take a year and guys without many big offers at all. The OL and DL are bad!

Nah man don?t say that now?you were just saying two weeks ago those DL commitments had P4 offers when several of us questioned him taking them.

[Really Clark?]

Either would be big losses. Lockhart would be big for just a whole other issue because you lose 3 if you lose him because you lose Clark and big Lockhart. So unfortunately we're having to make NIL deals this morning, and last night, for guys that didn't play a snap this year and at best will play on special teams next year.

We better be overspending for Lockhart and crew or be very prepared to come out with strong decisions today going forward. Optics alone would more than just sting.

[StarkVegasSteve]

We better be overspending for Lockhart and crew or be very prepared to come out with strong decisions today going forward. Optics alone would more than just sting.

Yep. I feel really confident that if Lockhart flips, we will have announcement by the end of the week.

[BankerDog]

They?re toying with us now. It?s time for our Keenum, Selmon, and the money guys to have a sit down. We can?t continue to be ?Mister Nice Guys? anymore expect different results. Selmon has raised more in 90 days than Cohen did in 6 years but he is going to have tell the boosters to stop interfering with who to hire for staffs (..Turner..).

Leb needs to call Art and Kendall and whoever else to find himself a DL coach. Slide Hutz to STC and go overspend on proven DL and LB coaches.

[msstate7]

On3 and .247 have us in the 20s overall. Pretty surprised by that reading here.

[confucius say]

We are 2-10 and probably the worst team in P4.
Signing a class in the 20s is insane tbh.

And Taylor just signed. That's huge. Most important news of the day regardless of what else happens. He's the most physically gifted QB we've ever signed.

[HancockCountyDog]

Yep. I feel really confident that if Lockhart flips, we will have announcement by the end of the week.

I doubt they end up in oxford, i don't think either are difference makers.

I was told that we were taking the older Lockhart to land the younger one because he was a top 5 talent in the state.

[StarkVegasSteve]

We are 2-10 and probably the worst team in P4.
Signing a class in the 20s is insane tbh.

And Taylor just signed. That's huge. Most important news of the day regardless of what else happens. He's the most physically gifted QB we've ever signed.

Without a doubt. Kamario is Cam Newton if you develop him correctly.

[DEDawg]

Just a friendly reminder: kids that flip on signing day, rarely fulfill the expectations.,unless they just got last-minute offers, they are usually drama queens

Wonder if anyone has actually looked at the stats to prove that. Seems that way for us for sure cause of the Ole Miss shenanigans they pull

[StarkVegasSteve]

I doubt they end up in oxford, i don't think either are difference makers.

I was told that we were taking the older Lockhart to land the younger one because he was a top 5 talent in the state.

Correct. That is the reason we pursued Clark and the other Lockhart so hard because everyone, including Tyler, told us that would guarantee his commitment. Then he started playing NIL games. He was never going to Auburn but wanted us to up the offer. Now Ole Miss has thrown a bag at him. We are negotiating this morning and some big people are in on the discussions. Still do not feel great right now though.

[Bothrops]

On3 and .247 have us in the 20s overall. Pretty surprised by that reading here.

This will be a top 35 class.

[StarkVegasSteve]

This will be a top 35 class.

I think we'll end up top 30. Like we usually do.

[Bothrops]

Sometimes you just have to keep sweetening the pot until you get the answer you need. Lebby's future here is in jeopardy because the DL will continue to miss the mark causing a machine breakdown for the defense. ****ing Bo Bounds was right, we are the least committed to football. I'm beginning to envy the majority of fans who don't care.

[HancockCountyDog]

Wonder if anyone has actually looked at the stats to prove that. Seems that way for us for sure cause of the Ole Miss shenanigans they pull

Yeah - some idiot on on3 is saying if a kid flips to a third school, he is going to suck. That is how he is justifying being ok if we don't land Lockhart.

Because if Deuce Knight, AK Dear, Ivan Taylor (stud safety that just signed with Bama) and Caleb Cunnigham all signed with us this morning, we would be complaining that we are their third or fourth school to commit to.

[Really Clark?]

Held onto to Lo Jac!!!

[StarkVegasSteve]

Held onto to Lo Jac!!!

I know it is not great to celebrate a guy signing who has been committed since June, but this feels like a big one to keep. Florida St made a late run, Louisville made a late run, Miami was sniffing around, Ole Miss was sniffing around. From everyone I have talked to this is a guy that can contribute Year 1

[RisperDawg]

Looking at 24/7, it looks like Tyshun Willis signed with us and is the highest rated recruit on their site for us currently. Listed as an Edge. Idk anything about him but on the surface this looks like a huge get for us, yet no one is talking about it. Anyone know anything more?

[KB21]

Looking at 24/7, it looks like Tyshun Willis signed with us and is the highest rated recruit on their site for us currently. Listed as an Edge. Idk anything about him but on the surface this looks like a huge get for us, yet no one is talking about it. Anyone know anything more?

He's going to be a LB more than an edge guy.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Looking at 24/7, it looks like Tyshun Willis signed with us and is the highest rated recruit on their site for us currently. Listed as an Edge. Idk anything about him but on the surface this looks like a huge get for us, yet no one is talking about it. Anyone know anything more?

Comes from a 1A public school, Velma Jackson. So competition just was not much. He also kind of shut recruiting down once he committed.

[RisperDawg]

Thanks for replies. Even happier to have him since he stayed the course with us through this shit show of a season. Ha.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Unless something changes in the next 50 minutes, which it can because we were still negotiating as of about an hour ago, I would not expect Tyler Lockhart in this class.