2021 MSU Football Recruiting Discussion Thread

[ShotgunDawg]

Offensive only last 4 classes:

2018:
4 4-stars
Next highest rating - 87

2019:
1 5-star
1 4-star
Next highest - 87

2020:
3 4-star
Next highest - 88

2021:
3 4-star
Next highest - 87

Not sure I see a real difference

Best QB we've ever signed. That alone counts more than anything. He's not close to anything we've ever signed.
Knox - Fastest WR we've ever signed
Harmon - Harmon = Spivey
Moore - Should clearly be a 4 star. Legit outside WR that's better than what we've been signing
Price - Should be a 4 star. Legit talent
OL - we signed more of them than we did in any year of the Mullen era
Ra Ra Thomas - Good WR that should be a solid player

I don't think it's close that this our best offensive class ever on paper. Not really a debate for me.

[msstate7]

Best QB we've ever signed. That alone counts more than anything. He's not close to anything we've ever signed.
Knox - Fastest WR we've ever signed
Harmon - Harmon = Spivey
Moore - Should clearly be a 4 star. Legit outside WR that's better than what we've been signing
Price - Should be a 4 star. Legit talent
OL - we signed more of them than we did in any year of the Mullen era
Ra Ra Thomas - Good WR that should be a solid player

I don't think it's close that this our best offensive class ever on paper. Not really a debate for me.

That's fine, but you're not basing it on actual data. We'll see... you claimed Guidry was gonna be a monster. I mean if you're not actually using ratings, then dak is the best we signed.

[ShotgunDawg]

That's fine, but you're not basing it on actual data. We'll see... you claimed Guidry was gonna be a monster. I mean if you're not actually using ratings, then dak is the best we signed.

Ok. disagree if you want.

[msstate7]

Ok. disagree if you want.

I have no idea how this offensive class will turn out. It very well could be the best. At this point though, all we have to compare is recruiting rankings, and it isn't really any different than the last few years.

[ShotgunDawg]

I have no idea how this offensive class will turn out. It very well could be the best. At this point though, all we have to compare is recruiting rankings, and it isn't really any different than the last few years.

But we've never signed a QB like this. EVER. If anything, he's underreated

Secondly, we've never signed a WR class like this EVER & they'll qualify.

We've signed OL classes with higher ranked guys, but we've never signed this many.

If we've signed a better QB & WRs, please let me know who they are

[msstate7]

But we've never signed a QB like this. EVER. If anything, he's underreated

Secondly, we've never signed a WR class like this EVER & they'll qualify.

We've signed OL classes with higher ranked guys, but we've never signed this many.

If we've signed a better QB & WRs, please let me know who they are
Just looking at last 4 classes.

Sawyer vs shrader...
Sawyer - composite 94, #10 pro style
Shrader - composite 91, #7 dual

Sawyer is rated higher, but it isn't a huge difference.

FWIW, kj Costello was 97 composite, #3 pro style

WRs (avg of composite for top 3 wrs in class)...
2021 - 89.00
2020 - 88.67
2019 - 86.67
2018 - 89.33

[msstate7]

Just dawned on me that this class isn't complete like the others. There's still time for leach to separate from those classes.

[StarkVegasSteve]

This class is ok from a talent standpoint. I actually don't have any different opinion on it than I had a week ago. MJ is a good ballplayer but he's overhyped because the state is devoid on talent this year. Last year or two years ago that guy is barely a top 10 prospect. Again, I'm not trying to drag the kid I just don't think he's irreplaceable. Price and Thomas cancel out the loss of Nabors. The only loss that stung was Strong so we need to get in the portal to find a LB.

The problem I have with this class, and have had with it for a while, is that while it does look like we upgraded a bit on offense, we've recruited a bunch of projects on the defensive side of the ball. I don't know that we have one guy, outside of Charlton, that could step in and play next year. This is why it's so important to close on Anderson because I feel like he can get into the rotation and be productive as a freshman. Those are the types of players we need. They don't have to be Day 1 studs, but we need two or three to have production as freshman, ala Willie Gay.

Again, you can break down rankings and film all you want but until they perform on the field then it means squat. Right now I'd say we probably have 1-2 players in this class who I can confidently say will get snaps next year and would've gotten them on any team in the past decade. That is Knox, Charlton, and I guess you can throw in Sawyer although in a perfect world you want to RS your true freshman QB.

[msstate7]

This class is ok from a talent standpoint. I actually don't have any different opinion on it than I had a week ago. MJ is a good ballplayer but he's overhyped because the state is devoid on talent this year. Last year or two years ago that guy is barely a top 10 prospect. Again, I'm not trying to drag the kid I just don't think he's irreplaceable. Price and Thomas cancel out the loss of Nabors. The only loss that stung was Strong so we need to get in the portal to find a LB.

The problem I have with this class, and have had with it for a while, is that while it does look like we upgraded a bit on offense, we've recruited a bunch of projects on the defensive side of the ball. I don't know that we have one guy, outside of Charlton, that could step in and play next year. This is why it's so important to close on Anderson because I feel like he can get into the rotation and be productive as a freshman. Those are the types of players we need. They don't have to be Day 1 studs, but we need two or three to have production as freshman, ala Willie Gay.

Again, you can break down rankings and film all you want but until they perform on the field then it means squat. Right now I'd say we probably have 1-2 players in this class who I can confidently say will get snaps next year and would've gotten them on any team in the past decade. That is Knox, Charlton, and I guess you can throw in Sawyer although in a perfect world you want to RS your true freshman QB.

If Sawyer is the real deal, I want him playing next year. I want him getting his experience in a year where not much is expected.

[BrunswickDawg]

I have no idea how this offensive class will turn out. It very well could be the best. At this point though, all we have to compare is recruiting rankings, and it isn't really any different than the last few years.

And if you look at our past classes - two of our best in terms of producing on the field and in the NFL talent were our 2 lowest ranked classes 2011 and 2014.
It's why I don't understand the overall freakout about this year (or any year really). To me, the only real gripes can be about what numbers we sign at each position so that we have the
best chance at a balanced roster and we fill positions of need.

[Cooterpoot]

Still signed the best offensive class in school history yesterday

Best? No. Largest, maybe. One of them is a wasted ship IMO. Not saying it's bad. It's not. But it's nothing special. Let's see how they develop.

[Matt3467]

Best QB we've ever signed. That alone counts more than anything. He's not close to anything we've ever signed.
Knox - Fastest WR we've ever signed
Harmon - Harmon = Spivey
Moore - Should clearly be a 4 star. Legit outside WR that's better than what we've been signing
Price - Should be a 4 star. Legit talent
OL - we signed more of them than we did in any year of the Mullen era
Ra Ra Thomas - Good WR that should be a solid player

I don't think it's close that this our best offensive class ever on paper. Not really a debate for me.

Devonta Jason, Malik Heath (both 93 composite) and Guidry on paper is the best WR class we've signed that I can remember. I also remember people hyping up these guys and we've gotten very little out of them and nothing from Jason.

Btw our 2015 WR class on paper was pretty good with Donald Gray and if you count Malik Heath as a WR.

[ShotgunDawg]

Best? No. Largest, maybe. One of them is a wasted ship IMO. Not saying it's bad. It's not. But it's nothing special. Let's see how they develop.

Nah, it's the best

[ShotgunDawg]

Devonta Jason, Malik Heath (both 93 composite) and Guidry on paper is the best WR class we've signed that I can remember. I also remember people hyping up these guys and we've gotten very little out of them and nothing from Jason.

Btw our 2015 WR class on paper was pretty good with Donald Gray and if you count Malik Heath as a WR.

The WR class we signed this year is better than those guys & the Wr class we've got this year are also eligible.
Not to mention, again, the best QB we've ever signed & along with Simeon Price, who seems legit.

This is the best offensive class we've signed. Not sure it's close

[StarkVegasSteve]

The WR class we signed this year is better than those guys & the Wr class we've got this year are also eligible.
Not to mention, again, the best QB we've ever signed & along with Simeon Price, who seems legit.

This is the best offensive class we've signed. Not sure it's close

Again, you don't know that. Yea their film looks good and they're highly rated, but until they get between those lines it doesn't mean damn thing.

[ShotgunDawg]

Again, you don't know that. Yea their film looks good and they're highly rated, but until they get between those lines it doesn't mean damn thing.

Well yeah. That's fairly obvious, but we'd have nothing to talk about if we just said that about everything

I've never understood people that post what you just posted.

[bulldawg28]

The WR class we signed this year is better than those guys & the Wr class we've got this year are also eligible.
Not to mention, again, the best QB we've ever signed & along with Simeon Price, who seems legit.

This is the best offensive class we've signed. Not sure it's close

Chad Bumphis and his crew 2009 look better on paper than these guys.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Well yeah. That's fairly obvious, but we'd have nothing to talk about if we just said that about everything

I've never understood people that post what you just posted.

And all your doing is spinning that this class is the greatest receiver class we've ever had based on stars, how Yancy of you. I'm not saying you can't be excited about the class, but to call them the greatest class of WR we've ever had is nothing more than your opinion so calling everyone else's opinion wrong is pretty shortsighted. Again, we could have 2-3 All SEC 1st teamers out of this class....or we could have none. I'm very high on Jacobi Moore and actually think he will end up being the best of the group.

[Cooterpoot]

Nah, it's the best

You need to research some classes. We've had some damn good ones over the years. Especially the Jackie years.

[StarkVegasSteve]

You need to research some classes. We've had some damn good ones over the years. Especially the Jackie years.

I'd take a Matthew Butler, Terrell Grindle, Kelvin Love, or Larry Huntington over any guy in this class. And yes, that includes Teddy Knox.

[HoopsDawg]

Nah, it's the best

LOL, you are something else.

[HoopsDawg]

I'd take a Matthew Butler, Terrell Grindle, Kelvin Love, or Larry Huntington over any guy in this class. And yes, that includes Teddy Knox.

Sadly, the fact that we held onto Teddy Knox makes me question his talent.

[Cooterpoot]

WR class is solid. You guys are wrong on that. I'm talking OL.

[KOdawg1]

WR class is solid. You guys are wrong on that. I'm talking OL.
I'm not a fan of the Juco guys we brought in.

[maroonmania]

Somehow I'm not that bummed about losing Nabors. Moreso on Strong and Daniels. Our luck with LA WRs lately that weren't offered by LSU has not been good. In fact, was trying to remember a good WR we've ever gotten out of LA? And I don't really count LSU coming in as a late add because they got a couple of guys flipped a real offer. They signed Nabors more to keep us from getting him than them really needing him because they had a left over scholarship. Another reason I hate that there aren't fewer scholarships available per year. Strong and Daniels though are instate guys we should have been able to hold on to and they are on defense where we are starting to really need some help. In fact, unless I misunderstood, Rosebowl said Strong grew up an MSU fan, but yet we still can't get him signed when LSU comes in late? Not good.

[msstate7]

Sadly, the fact that we held onto Teddy Knox makes me question his talent.

This is a sad statement, but it makes you wonder

[HoopsDawg]

Somehow I'm not that bummed about losing Nabors. Moreso on Strong and Daniels. Our luck with LA WRs lately that weren't offered by LSU has not been good. In fact, was trying to remember a good WR we've ever gotten out of LA? And I don't really count LSU coming in as a late add because they got a couple of guys flipped a real offer. They signed Nabors more to keep us from getting him than them really needing him because they had a left over scholarship. Another reason I hate that there aren't fewer scholarships available per year. Strong and Daniels though are instate guys we should have been able to hold on to and they are on defense where we are starting to really need some help. In fact, unless I misunderstood, Rosebowl said Strong grew up an MSU fan, but yet we still can't get him signed when LSU comes in late? Not good.

When we lost Strong, we lost a 2021 starter on our Defense.

[DCdawg]

Jay Hampton is in the boat per Twitter

[KOdawg1]

Jay Hampton is in the boat per Twitter

I don't mind taking him. He seems to be a good athlete at least. I just don't understand taking him right now. This is a guy you could get at the very last minute in February. Seems like we've could've explored other options first.

We made a mistake dropping Brendan Toles.

[DEDawg]

Jay Hampton is in the boat per Twitter

man... if we're just taking kids to fill spots I wish we'd just go get the starkville RB

[KOdawg1]

man... if we're just taking kids to fill spots I wish we'd just go get the starkville RB

Taking a one-cut back that fits this offense in no way doesn't do us any good. To quote Steve Robertson, "You don't lose because of the players you miss on. You lose by signing players that can't play." Or something to that effect.

[DEDawg]

Taking a one-cut back that fits this offense in no way doesn't do us any good. To quote Steve Robertson, "You don't lose because of the players you miss on. You lose by signing players that can't play." Or something to that effect.

We?re using Steve as our source of truth now? Oh boy

All I?m saying is it seems we?re just taking whoever now to fill the class may as well take the hometown kid. I just can?t figure this one out, we could have him in Feb why sign him now?

[HoopsDawg]

We?re using Steve as our source of truth now? Oh boy

All I?m saying is it seems we?re just taking whoever now to fill the class may as well take the hometown kid. I just can?t figure this one out, we could have him in Feb why sign him now?

The way we are recruiting, we may not be able to sign him in Feb. We are in desperate need of bodies in the secondary. Bird in the hand and all..

[Irondawg]

You better be sure he’s better than any young cb you could get in the portal

[ShotgunDawg]

Somehow I'm not that bummed about losing Nabors. Moreso on Strong and Daniels. Our luck with LA WRs lately that weren't offered by LSU has not been good. In fact, was trying to remember a good WR we've ever gotten out of LA? And I don't really count LSU coming in as a late add because they got a couple of guys flipped a real offer. They signed Nabors more to keep us from getting him than them really needing him because they had a left over scholarship. Another reason I hate that there aren't fewer scholarships available per year. Strong and Daniels though are instate guys we should have been able to hold on to and they are on defense where we are starting to really need some help. In fact, unless I misunderstood, Rosebowl said Strong grew up an MSU fan, but yet we still can't get him signed when LSU comes in late? Not good.

Losing Strong was easily the worst.

Daniels is immature & comes from a losing program. Not a great combo

Nabers is just sucky bad luck. My hope is that things blow up down there & maybe some of these guys hit the portal.

[ShotgunDawg]

I don't mind taking him. He seems to be a good athlete at least. I just don't understand taking him right now. This is a guy you could get at the very last minute in February. Seems like we've could've explored other options first.

We made a mistake dropping Brendan Toles.

Hampton is way more talented than Toles. Toles wasn't an SEC athlete. Hampton is.

I think Hampton's athleticism would've gotten him 15 new offers within the next week. We did the right thing here

[trob115]

Hampton was about to get several SEC/ACC offers. He?s at worst a special teams player.

[HoopsDawg]

You better be sure he’s better than any young cb you could get in the portal

There aren't many SEC corners that didn't play corner in high school. I can think of some guys that were HS QB's and the coach didn't want them playing both ways. But I can't remember a HS wide receiver only that became a starter at corner in the SEC. Amory's coach must really not believe in playing 2 ways, lol.

[DEDawg]

What is this about? https://twitter.com/twentyer/status/1339763516589416449?s=21

[DCdawg]

What is this about? https://twitter.com/twentyer/status/1339763516589416449?s=21

Check out his Instagram story. I don't think I can post a link to it. In short, CML sent him a handwritten note after the Vandy win talking about using him and his effort as a player as inspiration for the team.

[KOdawg1]

Hampton is way more talented than Toles. Toles wasn't an SEC athlete. Hampton is.


I disagree.

[Doggie_Style]

The fact that we are talking Hampton now tells you everything you need to know about where our recruiting is.....in the ditch!

[Captain Falcon]

The fact that we are talking Hampton now tells you everything you need to know about where our recruiting is.....in the ditch!

I feel like we have signed a lot of these ?who the heck are they? kind of guys at the last minute over the years, and have hit on more than you would think. Local kid that?s apparently a heck of an athlete, I?m all for giving him a chance. We need DB?s.

[bulldawg28]

Hampton is way more talented than Toles. Toles wasn't an SEC athlete. Hampton is.

I think Hampton's athleticism would've gotten him 15 new offers within the next week. We did the right thing here

You are the epitome of a spinner. He was not about to get 15 offers next week or next year. He's signed to play Db but doesn't have legit film playing it. He's a DB project that will take some time to hopefully develop into a serviceable player.

[Todd4State]

You are the epitome of a spinner. He was not about to get 15 offers next week or next year. He's signed to play Db but doesn't have legit film playing it. He's a DB project that will take some time to hopefully develop into a serviceable player.

Yeah. That's pretty much the hope. But I don't mind filling the spot with a diamond in the rough. Better than not giving the spot to anyone at all. He may turn out to be a quality player. But if he doesn't we still have JUCO and the portal as options. But at least we are giving ourselves the option that he may turn into a good player.

At the very least he sounds like a guy that will work hard and there is something to be said about that.

[Todd4State]

I would think that if our staff thought that Toles was a legit SEC player that they wouldn't have dropped him period in the first place.

[ShotgunDawg]

I would think that if our staff thought that Toles was a legit SEC player that they wouldn't have dropped him period in the first place.

Yes obviously. Toles is not an SEC player

[Ari Gold]

Recruiting effort by the staff wasn’t the issue...
Flips by kids in the 23rd hour has zero to do with effort from this staff. If anyone doesn’t understand what happened there then it’s best you don’t even worry with football recruiting for next year

Do we need to hire more recruiting guys in the football program.. **** yes.. There aren’t enough Pat Austin’s on the staff.

The only kid out of the 3 I feel bad for is Nabers.. the other 2 Strong and MJ they can **** off..

Saying that, you all act like this class is bottom 50 in the country.. shit we still have room for Half a dozen or so guys
Anderson 4 star and Cooper 3 star.. will get one should get both
Perkins a solid CB that will help day 1.. odds in our favor..
With OM basically out of spots and money If Hunter wants to play in the sec he will be a State

There’s four guys we need to close.. and hopefully the portal is finally good to use.. we have one that should be in Charlton.

Yes would have loved to kept the 3 we lost. But wouldn’t it be karma at its best if Hampton has a better college career than MJ.... he was damn sure cheaper..

[Tough Dawg]

Logic and reason. Quality stuff.

[ZedFedder]

Recruiting effort by the staff wasn’t the issue...
Flips by kids in the 23rd hour has zero to do with effort from this staff. If anyone doesn’t understand what happened there then it’s best you don’t even worry with football recruiting for next year

Do we need to hire more recruiting guys in the football program.. **** yes.. There aren’t enough Pat Austin’s on the staff.

The only kid out of the 3 I feel bad for is Nabers.. the other 2 Strong and MJ they can **** off..

Saying that, you all act like this class is bottom 50 in the country.. shit we still have room for Half a dozen or so guys
Anderson 4 star and Cooper 3 star.. will get one should get both
Perkins a solid CB that will help day 1.. odds in our favor..
With OM basically out of spots and money If Hunter wants to play in the sec he will be a State

There’s four guys we need to close.. and hopefully the portal is finally good to use.. we have one that should be in Charlton.

Yes would have loved to kept the 3 we lost. But wouldn’t it be karma at its best if Hampton has a better college career than MJ.... he was damn sure cheaper..

And not to say it will happen, but how many times have we seen Jay Hampton's turn into legit players? Quite a few times. OM got CJ Johnson, we got McKinney. That is a win. Taveze Calhoun was a last minute sign. Elgton Jenkins was too, I think. Pretty sure Deion Calhoun was at the end as well. Heck, there are more that I am forgetting. MJ may become the next Johnthan Banks and Hampton may never get past special teams, but we have seen this work out before. We just have to hope Leach can develop like Mullen (or close to it since I think Mullen develops talent as well as anyone in the country).

[Bdawg]

Calhoun was who I was trying to think of being a last minute spot. Think we lost someone and he got in on the last spot if I recall correctly. And boy I'm glad we got him. Point being, you just never know who will be the ones to blossom and contribute. If they are not a 5 star no doubter, then anyone from a 4 star to a 2 star could be a bust or contribute mightily. Have to rely on coaches to make those evals and hope those evals come true.

One thing recruiting rankings don't measure is heart. And I believe all those 2 stars we hit on in the past last minute probably had heart and greatly appreciated their late offer to come play for State. I guarantee this Hampton kids appreciates his offer WAY more than Daniels did. And I hope his play and attitude shows us just that one day in the near future.

[Doggie_Style]

I think there is an appropriate time to sign a player lke Hampton....IMO the early signing period ain’t it...legit recruiting staffs push kids like that off till February and concentrate on bigger fish....just tells you we got more spots than quality prospects

[tcdog70]

I feel like we have signed a lot of these ?who the heck are they? kind of guys at the last minute over the years, and have hit on more than you would think. Local kid that?s apparently a heck of an athlete, I?m all for giving him a chance. We need DB?s.

best 2--Jenkins and Billy jackson

[StarkVegasSteve]

Why are we trying to make Hampton a CB? He looks like a natural WR to me.

[ShotgunDawg]

Why are we trying to make Hampton a CB? He looks like a natural WR to me.

Maybe he has bad hands.

I hate watching highlights because you only see when things go correctly. Much better to watch the entire game & see the good & bad.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Maybe he has bad hands.

I hate watching highlights because you only see when things go correctly. Much better to watch the entire game & see the good & bad.

Agree. To me it looked like he caught the ball with his hands and was able to go up and get it. Also looked like he was barely running and was pulling away from people. But again like you said, we're only seeing the good.

[tcdog70]

I think for MSU to really recruit to compete---we must sign top JUCOs. Look at the JuCos we signed that have been outstanding. a long list. Surely the ability to Judge real talent is in the JUCO ranks. Many HS players peak as a Junior and never get any better. How many JUCOs don't really blossom till JUCO. Going back and looking at our HS signees over the past and way too many are bust. But JUCOs have saved us. Even the ones that aren't good are serviceable. I'll take more like-Slay-Rivers-Sweat-Ballard-Autry(both)-McPhee- Peters-Phillips-and on and on.

[tcdog70]

I'd take a Matthew Butler, Terrell Grindle, Kelvin Love, or Larry Huntington over any guy in this class. And yes, that includes Teddy Knox.

Love and Larry-both JUCOs along with Prentiss

[ShotgunDawg]

I think for MSU to really recruit to compete---we must sign top JUCOs. Look at the JuCos we signed that have been outstanding. a long list. Surely the ability to Judge real talent is in the JUCO ranks. Many HS players peak as a Junior and never get any better. How many JUCOs don't really blossom till JUCO. Going back and looking at our HS signees over the past and way too many are bust. But JUCOs have saved us. Even the ones that aren't good are serviceable. I'll take more like-Slay-Rivers-Sweat-Ballard-Autry(both)-McPhee- Peters-Phillips-and on and on.

Agree. It's also why losing Strong was easily the biggest blow on signing day.

[Ari Gold]

Agree. It's also why losing Strong was easily the biggest blow on signing day.

Let’s see how good Page from EMCC is first before we put Strong on the pre season 1st team All American lost

[PendingTransaction]

You have to be really careful relying on JUCO and transfers to build a program. See JWS. Can they help fill immediate needs? Sure. But there's a reason they went JUCO or transferred. CML would have run off a few of the past big JUCO guys, unless he abandoned his no nonsense policies.

[raymonddawg]

Just give the guys a chance. To much hype is given to the "data" on the recruiting sites. Obviously these guys are good evaluators of football talent, but its not a perfected science. There could be 3/4 NFL players in the class and it not be obvious at this time. Sucks to lose players that have the measurables but its not the end of the world.

[maroonmania]

Hampton is way more talented than Toles. Toles wasn't an SEC athlete. Hampton is.

I think Hampton's athleticism would've gotten him 15 new offers within the next week. We did the right thing here

Not convinced that Hampton or Toles are really SEC material but at some point you have to sign the best you can get.

[ShotgunDawg]

Not convinced that Hampton or Toles are really SEC material but at some point you have to sign the best you can get.

Hampton is an SEC athlete. We'll see if he can play DB

[maroonmania]

Recruiting effort by the staff wasn?t the issue...
Flips by kids in the 23rd hour has zero to do with effort from this staff. If anyone doesn?t understand what happened there then it?s best you don?t even worry with football recruiting for next year

Do we need to hire more recruiting guys in the football program.. **** yes.. There aren?t enough Pat Austin?s on the staff.

The only kid out of the 3 I feel bad for is Nabers.. the other 2 Strong and MJ they can **** off..

Saying that, you all act like this class is bottom 50 in the country.. shit we still have room for Half a dozen or so guys
Anderson 4 star and Cooper 3 star.. will get one should get both
Perkins a solid CB that will help day 1.. odds in our favor..
With OM basically out of spots and money If Hunter wants to play in the sec he will be a State

There?s four guys we need to close.. and hopefully the portal is finally good to use.. we have one that should be in Charlton.

Yes would have loved to kept the 3 we lost. But wouldn?t it be karma at its best if Hampton has a better college career than MJ.... he was damn sure cheaper..

I think I do understand what happened in the 23rd hour on those guys. And if I do understand I don't really see how hiring more football recruiting guys within the program will help. Seems the only thing that would really help would be having more recruiting guys OUTSIDE of the football program. Now that being said, the coaching staff we currently have could have done a LOT more to help in the recruiting effort by putting a better product on the field. When you combine outside pressures from other schools (some impermissable and some permissable) with the fact that our football product on the field since the LSU game has been abysmal, then you have problems holding onto recruits that have other options. I would be willing to bet that if we had finished this year 5-5 or so with an improving team then there is a much higher chance that we sign all 3 of the guys that we lost on signing day. Heck, OM looks like the more promising program right now and LSU, as bad as they have been this year, picked a bad time, at least for us, to beat a Top 10 SEC team. And they are still LSU. In some ways we probably did well to hold what we did. All prospects can really see right now is an unproductive offensive team and a lot of players quitting or opting out of the program. A lot of guys want to be a part of a winning program or a program that has a good chance to win. Leach and staff haven't shown that at MSU yet. Kiffin has shown more promise at OM. That is just calling a spade a spade.

[maroonmania]

I think there is an appropriate time to sign a player lke Hampton....IMO the early signing period ain?t it...legit recruiting staffs push kids like that off till February and concentrate on bigger fish....just tells you we got more spots than quality prospects

Its not like we used our last spot on him. We still have plenty of spots for any bigger fish we can get in the net.

[maroonmania]

You have to be really careful relying on JUCO and transfers to build a program. See JWS. Can they help fill immediate needs? Sure. But there's a reason they went JUCO or transferred. CML would have run off a few of the past big JUCO guys, unless he abandoned his no nonsense policies.

I especially agree with this on transfers. I could give you a laundry list of JUCOs that have been great players in our program but I can't even think of a handful of D1 transfers that have helped us. Now I know you don't want to get too reliant on JUCOs but given our inability to attract many of the elite talents coming out of HS we HAVE to supplement with some of the best JUCOs out there to have a chance to compete with the upper level SEC teams that reel in Top 10 classes every year. But back to transfers, we just don't seem to have any luck there. I'm sure there have been one or two tranfers that may have helped us over the years but none are really jumping out to me. Last one I can think of that was really good was Olanda Truitt under JWS but that's been nearly 30 years ago.

[bobcat91]

As far as Hampton, the saying is true. You can't teach speed or size. Some of our fans really are the worst losers imaginable. Yes, he will have to learn the position, but so what? He had an offer from Indiana. Yes, that top 12 ranked Indiana. Auburn was talking to him. Yall really insult a lot of these kids because they aren't what you wanted. Let's see what we have in him. This is a good solid class and when we are done in February it will probably be in the upper 20s. Just like Moorehead's class last year that I didn't hear crap about.

[Santiago]

Recruiting effort by the staff wasn?t the issue...
Flips by kids in the 23rd hour has zero to do with effort from this staff. If anyone doesn?t understand what happened there then it?s best you don?t even worry with football recruiting for next year

Do we need to hire more recruiting guys in the football program.. **** yes.. There aren?t enough Pat Austin?s on the staff.

The only kid out of the 3 I feel bad for is Nabers.. the other 2 Strong and MJ they can **** off..

Saying that, you all act like this class is bottom 50 in the country.. shit we still have room for Half a dozen or so guys
Anderson 4 star and Cooper 3 star.. will get one should get both
Perkins a solid CB that will help day 1.. odds in our favor..
With OM basically out of spots and money If Hunter wants to play in the sec he will be a State

There?s four guys we need to close.. and hopefully the portal is finally good to use.. we have one that should be in Charlton.

Yes would have loved to kept the 3 we lost. But wouldn?t it be karma at its best if Hampton has a better college career than MJ.... he was damn sure cheaper..

Spot on as always.
couple of questions for you Ari or anyone in the know on Hampton and Hunter.
1. Hampton - Do we know his time in the 40? Heard things but assuming 4.5 in actuality? I have a relative that coaches in N. MS and he said the kid is a heck of an athlete. Hampton does have the same vibe as guys in the past we took after losing another guy, and then becomes a star.
2. Hunter- Assuming he was taking his time for options, understandably, but is he a possibility to join us as a defensive player? That would be a good pull if he decides that.

[1bigdawg]

2. Hunter- Assuming he was taking his time for options, understandably, but is he a possibility to join us as a defensive player? That would be a good pull if he decides that.

If Hunter comes, I believe he will be on defense. He is a plus athlete and would make a great safety.

[Ari Gold]

If Hunter comes, I believe he will be on defense. He is a plus athlete and would make a great safety.

Agree.
I don’t think Hunter is a SEC difference maker on offense.. but who would have thought B Holloway would have been as productive as he was.. Hunter doesn’t have that kind of speed but he is more talented all around..

[Ari Gold]

As far as Hampton, the saying is true. You can't teach speed or size. Some of our fans really are the worst losers imaginable. Yes, he will have to learn the position, but so what? He had an offer from Indiana. Yes, that top 12 ranked Indiana. Auburn was talking to him. Yall really insult a lot of these kids because they aren't what you wanted. Let's see what we have in him. This is a good solid class and when we are done in February it will probably be in the upper 20s. Just like Moorehead's class last year that I didn't hear crap about.

Agree. Let’s give Hampton a few years to see how he adjusts to the position .. if it doesn’t pan out no harm no foul. Like I said he was WAY less expensive than MJ..
in recruiting today some battles you win, some battles you lose, some battles you HAVE to win no matter what ( Simmons , Jones) and some battles you just pass on ... that’s MJ ..

[Ari Gold]

Quick break down on the class by position IMO...

Qb... A+ got the 2 guys he wanted. And got the prize in Sawyer.

RB... incomplete.. not really a position of need. But talk of Price possibly at Rb and also Hunter still out there

OL... B- .. May not have a crown jewel in it , but flipping 2 from P5 schools ( Boone and Reese) and OM doing us a solid with Pounders and then looking like assholes in the end.

WR... B .. would have been A+ if we had kept Nabers or flipped Smith. But Knox is still the lead dawg. Losing Buck not a big deal . I think Jacobi is the 2nd best in the state. Wait and see on Harmon but good get late in the game could have big upside. And Thomas was a SC cocks commit at one time.. good flip there

TE... see WR

DL .. C- (incomplete) . let’s see if we close one or 2 of Cooper and Anderson. If we get both there’s your B
Hopefully Charlton is as advertised.

LB .. B. I know we lost Strong , or as some on here refer to him as Mike Singletary , to LSU.. but the staff likes Page I do know that and we landed the best LB in the state in Lewis.. Not to mention Out of state guys Rogers and Mitchell . we have always had very good success with out of state LB the last few years..

DBs.. F ( incomplete) I will grade harsh here . With reason. Calloway , Daniels, Walley (0-3) If we close Perkins and land another late DB it will get off the failing grade.. good thing is we are fairly young in the backend but unproven.. a couple come to mind in Dean and Richardson .. we do have 2 future pro CB in Forbes and Emerson. but really can’t miss on some guys next year.. getting Peters and Morgan back will help a lot. Would love to get a transfer with a 2-3 years left to play


Down year in Mississippi for amount of talent.. out of top 4 we landed one in Lewis
Davis, Calloway, Daniels the other 3 IMO

Next year in state looks to be much better.. need a good year on the field and hopefully the staff learns from year one in recruiting in the SEC.. it’s no picnic..esp with our resources or lack there off.

[Cooterpoot]

We had no plan for MJ bolting. That's on the staff. We were still looking for a couple DBs to go along with Johnson and Perkins if we get them. It's been bad at the DB spot. Those two can ease the pain some. Losing Strong who grew up a State fan and lives with a signee is bad too.

[KOdawg1]

Quick break down on the class by position IMO...

Qb... A+ got the 2 guys he wanted. And got the prize in Sawyer.

RB... incomplete.. not really a position of need. But talk of Price possibly at Rb and also Hunter still out there

OL... B- .. May not have a crown jewel in it , but flipping 2 from P5 schools ( Boone and Reese) and OM doing us a solid with Pounders and then looking like assholes in the end.

WR... B .. would have been A+ if we had kept Nabers or flipped Smith. But Knox is still the lead dawg. Losing Buck not a big deal . I think Jacobi is the 2nd best in the state. Wait and see on Harmon but good get late in the game could have big upside. And Thomas was a SC cocks commit at one time.. good flip there

TE... see WR

DL .. C- (incomplete) . let’s see if we close one or 2 of Cooper and Anderson. If we get both there’s your B
Hopefully Charlton is as advertised.

LB .. B. I know we lost Strong , or as some on here refer to him as Mike Singletary , to LSU.. but the staff likes Page I do know that and we landed the best LB in the state in Lewis.. Not to mention Out of state guys Rogers and Mitchell . we have always had very good success with out of state LB the last few years..

DBs.. F ( incomplete) I will grade harsh here . With reason. Calloway , Daniels, Walley (0-3) If we close Perkins and land another late DB it will get off the failing grade.. good thing is we are fairly young in the backend but unproven.. a couple come to mind in Dean and Richardson .. we do have 2 future pro CB in Forbes and Emerson. but really can’t miss on some guys next year.. getting Peters and Morgan back will help a lot. Would love to get a transfer with a 2-3 years left to play


Down year in Mississippi for amount of talent.. out of top 4 we landed one in Lewis
Davis, Calloway, Daniels the other 3 IMO

Next year in state looks to be much better.. need a good year on the field and hopefully the staff learns from year one in recruiting in the SEC.. it’s no picnic..esp with our resources or lack there off.

QB: A+
RB: B+
WR:B
OL: C+
DL: B- (Anderson has already signed)
LB: A-
DBs: F

[ShotgunDawg]

The program needs momentum.

With Momentum I think 3 of Daniels, Calloway, Walley, and Deion are ours.

[KOdawg1]

The program needs momentum.

With Momentum I think 3 of Daniels, Calloway, Walley, and Deion are ours.

We need a damn win today. Win today and in the bowl game, and we can get a running start towards next year.

[ShotgunDawg]

We need a damn win today. Win today and in the bowl game, and we can get a running start towards next year.

Agree. I think this staff will win, but the sooner we start playing better, the easier recruiting will be.

[Santiago]

Harmon is definitely full of potential. If his work ethic is as mentioned, being a hard worker, he will be a definite mismatch on the field.

[Ari Gold]

We had no plan for MJ bolting. That's on the staff. We were still looking for a couple DBs to go along with Johnson and Perkins if we get them. It's been bad at the DB spot. Those two can ease the pain some. Losing Strong who grew up a State fan and lives with a signee is bad too.

With Strong situation... See MJ..
and in saying no backup plan.. we aren’t Bama or Clemson.. we don’t have multiple highly ranked guys to fall back on at all positions., and Daniels isn’t a 5 star cant miss kid.. yes he might end up being really good but he was ranked basically the same as Dean last year ..

[KOdawg1]

Harmon is definitely full of potential. If his work ethic is as mentioned, being a hard worker, he will be a definite mismatch on the field.

He's coming in with a chip on his shoulder. He's going to prove people wrong

[Cooterpoot]

Neither Harmon nor Hampton looked good in the All Star game today. Johnson was pretty good.

[ShotgunDawg]

Neither Harmon nor Hampton looked good in the All Star game today. Johnson was pretty good.

Who was evaluating that?

[Cooterpoot]

Who was evaluating that?

I was at the game. Harmon was nowhere to be found. Hampton got burned badly and was lost at DB. Johnson looked the part.
You might be able to watch it online. Not sure. If Hampton is indeed recruited as a DB, he's a couple years from touching the field. We need Johnson. He can play.

[BuckyIsAB****]

I was at the game. Harmon was nowhere to be found. Hampton got burned badly and was lost at DB. Johnson looked the part.

I was too for a half. The laurel kid can play

[ShotgunDawg]

I was at the game. Harmon was nowhere to be found. Hampton got burned badly and was lost at DB. Johnson looked the part.
You might be able to watch it online. Not sure. If Hampton is indeed recruited as a DB, he's a couple years from touching the field. We need Johnson. He can play.

I watched some online. Didn't see what happened to Hampton, but I agree he looks raw. Good athlete though. We'll see where he is in a few years.

They had Harmon on the outside, but never made an effort to get him the ball, and, if they did, the OL didn't hold up enough.

[Cooterpoot]

I watched some online. Didn't see what happened to Hampton, but I agree he looks raw. Good athlete though. We'll see where he is in a few years.

They had Harmon on the outside, but never made an effort to get him the ball, and, if they did, the OL didn't hold up enough.

I'm betting he ends up a WR. I watched him in warm ups. He can go get it. I'd offer the safety for the South team Perkins. He was the best looking player on the field. Maybe he's a grades issue, but he was everywhere. Gives us an in with his brother who is some kind of good.

[Irondawg]

We had to see something to try and lock Hampton down knowing that the portal will have tons of options and we still could easily land Perkins and Johnson.

[Cooterpoot]

We had to see something to try and lock Hampton down knowing that the portal will have tons of options and we still could easily land Perkins and Johnson.

Or his coach is a former player and he's a good WR/Ath. He can run and he can catch.
He's never really played CB much. That's why it's a huge reach for a CB spot. Even with Perkins, we still need someone to play. Portal needs to be good to us.

[KOdawg1]

Or his coach is a former player and he's a good WR/Ath. He can run and he can catch.
He's never really played CB much. That's why it's a huge reach for a CB spot. Even with Perkins, we still need someone to play. Portal needs to be good to us.

This is why I liked Toles better. DB is actually his main position.

[maroonmania]

I'm betting he ends up a WR. I watched him in warm ups. He can go get it. I'd offer the safety for the South team Perkins. He was the best looking player on the field. Maybe he's a grades issue, but he was everywhere. Gives us an in with his brother who is some kind of good.

I'm just saying this honestly and I hope both guys become all-stars at MSU but from the outside looking in it appears that Harmon's recruiting cooled significantly during his SR year for whatever reason. He is rated a 4 star but it sure didn't seem like he had the recruiting interest of a normal 4 star down the stretch. As far as Hampton, that seems to be a bit of a reach of just taking a guy that is a good athlete and let's see if we can mold him into what we want given we struck out on guys much further in their development. Its been said he had an Indiana offer but if he really had another P5 committable offer do we think he would have waited around to see if he got a post-signing day offer from us? I mean we may have told him to wait and he did, I don't know, but it didn't really seem like he had any other high end options. But, we've signed a number of guys late with no other great options in the past that turned out to be good players for us so hopefully these guys will too.

[maroonmania]

I was too for a half. The laurel kid can play

I assume you are talking about Kenarious Johnson? I'm surprised we didn't go after him before some others but given he hadn't signed, last I heard, there must be some academic issues with him.

[KOdawg1]

I assume you are talking about Kenarious Johnson? I'm surprised we didn't go after him before some others but given he hadn't signed, last I heard, there must be some academic issues with him.
Yeah, he's Juco bound. Don't be surprised if we sign him in two years.

[Cooterpoot]

I was too for a half. The laurel kid can play

Evans? He's a bowling ball. A little similar to The Bowling Ball.

[Cooterpoot]

I assume you are talking about Kenarious Johnson? I'm surprised we didn't go after him before some others but given he hadn't signed, last I heard, there must be some academic issues with him.

He didn't play in the game yesterday. He was in the MS/AL game. Evans, RB from Laurel had a good game. He's a little similar to Josh Robinson but a little less quickness.
Bridges from Magee is another player. I wish McLaurin, the RB from Mendenhall, hadn't been hurt. He's good.
Margo Perkins was the best player on the field. His brother is the top Soph. in the state.
The potential walk-on QB for North team (name escapes me) was good. A smaller school should grab him up.

[maroonmania]

He didn't play in the game yesterday. He was in the MS/AL game. Evans, RB from Laurel had a good game. He's a little similar to Josh Robinson but a little less quickness.
Bridges from Magee is another player. I wish McLaurin, the RB from Mendenhall, hadn't been hurt. He's good.
Margo Perkins was the best player on the field. His brother is the top Soph. in the state.
The potential walk-on QB for North team (name escapes me) was good. A smaller school should grab him up.

I wouldn't worry too much about the brother connection. It seems to go against us about as often as it goes for us when it comes to recruiting. Still remember losing Jason Campbell to Auburn with Larry on the team, Josh McNeil to Tennessee with Chris on the team and now Justin Walley to Minnesota (still hard to believe) with Jaden on the team. Seems when the younger brother is the more highly recruited one it doesn't often work out in our favor.

[bulldawg28]

Is CJ Johnson still in play? He didn't sign with Navy.

[Irondawg]

Yep he’s going to sign in Feb - we’ve still got an excellent shot but he’s basically looking at us, Navy and Northwestern.

So it’s SEC football vs academic powers

[bulldawg28]

Yep he’s going to sign in Feb - we’ve still got an excellent shot but he’s basically looking at us, Navy and Northwestern.

So it’s SEC football vs academic powers

Gotcha, thanks

[KOdawg1]

According to the LSU 247 board, Raydar Jones is transferring. Former 4 star DB from Horn Lake. He has 4 years of eligibility left.

Like I said, I think we panicked and prematurely signed Hampton. Nothing you can do now, but he's a guy you could've 100% offered and signed in Feb. had you missed on some guys, but with the new transfer rules, we should've at least explored options there first.

Btw, I still think we'll have room for Raydar if he chooses to come here, but there's just one less spot for someone that can help us be better imo.

[ShotgunDawg]

According to the LSU 247 board, Raydar Jones is transferring. Former 4 star DB from Horn Lake. He has 4 years of eligibility left.

Like I said, I think we panicked and prematurely signed Hampton. Nothing you can do now, but he's a guy you could've 100% offered and signed in Feb. had you missed on some guys, but with the new transfer rules, we should've at least explored options there first.

Btw, I still think we'll have room for Raydar if he chooses to come here, but there's just one less spot for someone that can help us be better imo.

Yeah. At some point we just have to trust the coaches & fire them if they're consistently wrong.

Would love to get Radar. Great fit for us

[KOdawg1]

Yeah. At some point we just have to trust the coaches & fire them if they're consistently wrong.

Would love to get Radar. Great fit for us

According to Paul, he almost transferred here back in the spring. Gotta thing we have a good shot.

Nigel Knott is also in the portal. When are all these kids gonna learn?

Raydar, Knott, Handy, Hall, M. Jackson, possibly Brandon Turnage, are all potential transfers.

[ShotgunDawg]

According to Paul, he almost transferred here back in the spring. Gotta thing we have a good shot.

Nigel Knott is also in the portal. When are all these kids gonna learn?

Raydar, Knott, Handy, Hall, M. Jackson, possibly Brandon Turnage, are all potential transfers.

All while Ty Cooper is waiting on an LSU offer. LOL

[Dawg-gone-dawgs]

The grass is always greener on the other side. Until you realize that the grass that you're going to be standing on is on the sidelines.

[Cooterpoot]

The grass is always greener on the other side. Until you realize that the grass that you're going to be standing on is on the sidelines.

Too much fertilizer will burn up that greener grass

[ZedFedder]

I really don't see Brandon Turnage transferring.

[KOdawg1]

delete

[KOdawg1]

I really don't see Brandon Turnage transferring.

I don't see him transferring to us. Unless he starts seeing more playing time next year though, he'll get recruited over if he hasn't already.

[Todd4State]

According to Paul, he almost transferred here back in the spring. Gotta thing we have a good shot.

Nigel Knott is also in the portal. When are all these kids gonna learn?

Raydar, Knott, Handy, Hall, M. Jackson, possibly Brandon Turnage, are all potential transfers.

I wouldn't be shocked at all if Walley, Calloway, and Deion Smith all end up transferring back in a year or two.

[KOdawg1]

I wouldn't be shocked at all if Walley, Calloway, and Deion Smith all end up transferring back in a year or two.

Me either. That's why we need to save a few scholarships every year and not use them on marginal players.

[ShotgunDawg]

The grass is always greener on the other side. Until you realize that the grass that you're going to be standing on is on the sidelines.

Also until you realize all these places are virtually the same.

You live in the same apartment, go to the same classes everyday, go to a similar facility as every other SEC school, & play the same schedule. Then you realize these God like coaches are just simple flawed humans that are salesmen. The entire charade loses it's shine pretty fast.

[ShotgunDawg]

Me either. That's why we need to save a few scholarships every year and not use them on marginal players.

I agree with this. We just don't know the internal evaluation of Hampton. We should not sign more than 20 HS kids per year going forward.

[Todd4State]

I agree with this. We just don't know the internal evaluation of Hampton. We should not sign more than 20 HS kids per year going forward.

I think we signed Hampton more as an athlete than anything else. We listed him at DB because that's where our need is at the present moment in the class. However, if we land some targets and or we just see that he is more use at WR we just go ahead and get a transfer or JUCO at that time and let him play WR for us. Win/win for us.

How many times did a guy like Hampton end up at Arkansas State, blow up and then we wonder why we missed him?

[Todd4State]

Me either. That's why we need to save a few scholarships every year and not use them on marginal players.

We should be thankful for the portal. In the past a guy like Jimmy Johns would have had to rot on the bench at Alabama or go the JUCO route and be recruited again- or go to the SWAC.

[Cooterpoot]

I think we signed Hampton more as an athlete than anything else. We listed him at DB because that's where our need is at the present moment in the class. However, if we land some targets and or we just see that he is more use at WR we just go ahead and get a transfer or JUCO at that time and let him play WR for us. Win/win for us.

How many times did a guy like Hampton end up at Arkansas State, blow up and then we wonder why we missed him?

He still should've been a wait til Feb. guy. Too many available players out there. We're waiting on Johnson and Cooper til Feb. Hampton was a huge reach & then you combine it with the fact took Harmon, it's head scratching really.

[Irondawg]

A lot of how I judge the staffs recruiting eye will be if either one of those guys develops into anything. Mostly because we chose to sign them in the early period when we knew there was about to be a flurry of coaching changes and portal entries.

No choice but to trust them at this point though

[Ari Gold]

He still should've been a wait til Feb. guy. Too many available players out there. We're waiting on Johnson and Cooper til Feb. Hampton was a huge reach & then you combine it with the fact took Harmon, it's head scratching really.

Maybe so. But with the Covid rule for the 2021 roster it’s not that big a deal.. just going to have to get back to the 85 scholarship players in 2022.. Kids will transfer out after next season , I’m sure a few more will after spring ball that aren’t cracking the 2 deep. ( we will have a handful of upperclassmen we actually need to transfer) .
Numbers will work out in the end.. they always do

[Walkerhill]

Maybe so. But with the Covid rule for the 2021 roster it?s not that big a deal.. just going to have to get back to the 85 scholarship players in 2022.. Kids will transfer out after next season , I?m sure a few more will after spring ball that aren?t cracking the 2 deep. ( we will have a handful of upperclassmen we actually need to transfer) .
Numbers will work out in the end.. they always do

What is the COVID rule for 2021? Eligibility did not count this year, but are teams still limited to 85 in 2021? Are teams still limited to 25 incoming this year?

[Homedawg]

I think we signed Hampton more as an athlete than anything else. We listed him at DB because that's where our need is at the present moment in the class. However, if we land some targets and or we just see that he is more use at WR we just go ahead and get a transfer or JUCO at that time and let him play WR for us. Win/win for us.

How many times did a guy like Hampton end up at Arkansas State, blow up and then we wonder why we missed him?

We signed him bc Mcbath panicked. It was his call. So he was signed to play cb...........I understand that can change, but .........

[Cooterpoot]

Maybe so. But with the Covid rule for the 2021 roster it’s not that big a deal.. just going to have to get back to the 85 scholarship players in 2022.. Kids will transfer out after next season , I’m sure a few more will after spring ball that aren’t cracking the 2 deep. ( we will have a handful of upperclassmen we actually need to transfer) .
Numbers will work out in the end.. they always do

The big deal is that lack of depth in the defensive backfield and filling immediate needs. We've got one safety that can play pass coverage and only two CBs that are good. Perkins is a must. MJ would've seen action. Hampton will not. Johnson isn't likely a year one guy. We took a WR that's not going to be much help in the future & doesn't fit the offense very well. I'm hearing Hampton will be an insurance policy there.
Gotta grab a transfer safety and reel in Perkins. Do that, and I agree it works out.

[maroonmania]

All while Ty Cooper is waiting on an LSU offer. LOL

That is why I'm not going to lose sleep over signing Hampton. We still have around 7 spots left in the class and we are probably less than 50-50 to get Cooper. I can't remember the last time we had a true quality player wanting to come that we didn't have room for. Seems we have trouble keeping 85 on scholarship anyway.

[Cooterpoot]

That is why I'm not going to lose sleep over signing Hampton. We still have around 7 spots left in the class and we are probably less than 50-50 to get Cooper. I can't remember the last time we had a true quality player wanting to come that we didn't have room for. Seems we have trouble keeping 85 on scholarship anyway.

5 spots left I believe (Assuming Anderson). Perkins, Johnson, Cooper are top three of those 5. That leaves 2 spots if we get them. Hall/Handy could change things. A big transfer could. Need another OL (T) transfer and a S transfer. It's tighter than Dick's hatband. But I give this staff credit, I think they've done a great job finding players for the most part.

[Todd4State]

5 spots left I believe (Assuming Anderson). Perkins, Johnson, Cooper are top three of those 5. That leaves 2 spots if we get them. Hall/Handy could change things. A big transfer could. Need another OL (T) transfer and a S transfer. It's tighter than Dick's hatband. But I give this staff credit, I think they've done a great job finding players for the most part.

Raydarious Jones may get one of the transfer spots.

We really need to close on Perkins- I'm worried about that one.

[Cooterpoot]

Raydarious Jones may get one of the transfer spots.

We really need to close on Perkins- I'm worried about that one.

Well, the OL from Wash. St. and a transfer S could too. This is why I've been saying we jumped the gun on a couple players. Those two spots would be big IF players are there.

[Todd4State]

Well, the OL from Wash. St. and a transfer S could too. This is why I've been saying we jumped the gun on a couple players. Those two spots would be big IF players are there.

The guy from Wazzu wouldn't count like Abraham if I'm not mistaken because he is a senior.

[ShotgunDawg]

The guy from Wazzu wouldn't count like Abraham if I'm not mistaken because he is a senior.

I don't think grad transfers count against the 25

[Uncle Ruckus]

Have Hall and Handy said they are leaving? Hall started and was damn good so that would be surprising.. May have missed them leaving, but I?d be shocked if Handy considered us at all.

[Bdawg]

Perkins update anyone? Said his mind has been made up.

[Cooterpoot]

The guy from Wazzu wouldn't count like Abraham if I'm not mistaken because he is a senior.

Correct. I'm losing my mind. I swear these damn treatments make it worse every time.

[maroonmania]

5 spots left I believe (Assuming Anderson). Perkins, Johnson, Cooper are top three of those 5. That leaves 2 spots if we get them. Hall/Handy could change things. A big transfer could. Need another OL (T) transfer and a S transfer. It's tighter than Dick's hatband. But I give this staff credit, I think they've done a great job finding players for the most part.

Appreciate the optimism but I've seen enough over the years to know the probability of us getting all the names you are listing is fairly small. I was thinking we could sign up to 26, so even if we have Anderson that would leave 6. But even if we do just have 5, in the end, I will be surprised if we have an issue with the numbers. Cooper would have already signed if we were his first choice. Johnson will be a battle because of his academic options and we will know on Perkins supposedly this week. Given our track record, if we get 2 of those 3 then we will be doing pretty well. Still miffed that with our dire need at DB we were unable to sign Daniels or Walley.

[Dogbone]

Perkins update anyone? Said his mind has been made up.

I'm pretty sure he is announcing tomorrow, Thursday.

[chef dixon]

I don't understand the outrage over signing Hampton so early. Do yall really think we will close with 7 guaranteed SEC quality players this late in the game? We've seen this game too many times

edit: essentially echo what maroonmania said

[sscjr1]

I'm pretty sure he is announcing tomorrow, Thursday.

Christmas Day

[Dogbone]

Christmas Day

My bad! You are correct. Hoping he's a present under the tree.

[Cooterpoot]

I believe we get Johnson and Perkins. Really, I think Cooper too, but it's Louisville. Maybe he gets an OOS offer, but he doesn't have them right now and LSU fired their defensive line coach and DC. I wouldn't wait around on him if other quality options open up. Phelps needs to get his **** right and recruit and put some pressure on Cooper to make decision.

[sscjr1]

I believe we get Johnson and Perkins. Really, I think Cooper too, but it's Louisville. Maybe he gets an OOS offer, but he doesn't have them right now and LSU fired their defensive line coach and DC. I wouldn't wait around on him if other quality options open up. Phelps needs to get his **** right and recruit and put some pressure on Cooper to make decision.

Ole Miss losing Deke Adams should help with Cooper too

[Todd4State]

I believe we get Johnson and Perkins. Really, I think Cooper too, but it's Louisville. Maybe he gets an OOS offer, but he doesn't have them right now and LSU fired their defensive line coach and DC. I wouldn't wait around on him if other quality options open up. Phelps needs to get his **** right and recruit and put some pressure on Cooper to make decision.

LSU has four 4-5 star DL signed right now. I'm guessing that's why Phelps is just taking his time with this.

[Todd4State]

Perkins update anyone? Said his mind has been made up.

It sounds promising but you know...recruiting.

I think he ends up at MSU.

[Cooterpoot]

LSU has four 4-5 star DL signed right now. I'm guessing that's why Phelps is just taking his time with this.

Still wouldn't wait if another good player became available. He's not that good & he's gone full Louisville.

[ShotgunDawg]

He's not that good & he's gone full Louisville.

This

[Dogbone]

Perkins today???

[Uncle Ruckus]

Yes. It?s done.

[bulldawg28]

Yes. It?s done.

Nice!!!

[Dogbone]

Yes. It?s done.

Excellent!!!

[StateDawg44]

Yes. It?s done.

Where do you see that it?s done?

[Bothrops]

Where do you see that it?s done?

Waiting on him to decide.

[Dogbone]

Should announce today!

[Bdawg]

Well heck, is he in or out?

[Hambone]

I think someone is getting him and the DE confused.

The DE is announcing January 2nd but rumors are that he has already signed his LOI.

Perkins hasn?t signed anything yet. (Unless it?s happened before I posted this)

[Bdawg]

I see. Has he given a time for today? I heard Instagram or something but no time.

[Dogbone]

I think someone is getting him and the DE confused.

The DE is announcing January 2nd but rumors are that he has already signed his LOI.

Perkins hasn?t signed anything yet. (Unless it?s happened before I posted this)

Who is the DE?

[sscjr1]

Who is the DE? https://247sports.com/player/deonte-anderson-46100517/

[Dogbone]

Thanks, we could use him.

[msu15]

Thanks, we could use him.

Anderson has signed with us already.

[Dogbone]

Delete

[Dogbone]

Jadarrius Perkins on twitter.....After long thought my decision is now a private one... sorry for the inconvenience respect it��✌��
49 minutes ago
Maybe some of you with 'inside knowledge' know what's going on?

[Leeshouldveflanked]

JoeMoed

[Todd4State]

Jadarrius Perkins on twitter.....After long thought my decision is now a private one... sorry for the inconvenience respect it��✌��
49 minutes ago
Maybe some of you with 'inside knowledge' know what's going on?

Darcel McBath better get his ass in gear.

[No BS Dawg]

With him being a Mississippi kid, one can easily assume this suddenly being private doesn?t bode well for the in-state school on his list of finalists. 🤷🏻

[maroonmania]

And the beat goes on. I think any of you still concerned that we will run short on scholarships should officially stop worrying. Worst DB recruiting class I can remember and glad we got Hampton when we did. Actually can't believe any DB wanting early playing time wouldn't want to take advantage of the situation especially at Safety.

[Irondawg]

Yeah but man this was a strange day for him and his behavior but the end result doesn’t look good. Or maybe he enjoyed being recruited so hard today he decided to enjoy the attention a few extra days.

I was hopeful he was going to be someone that could help us this year as I don’t know why you would de commit from Oregon to only go back and Mizzou made almost no sense but a lot of these kids do some confusing things

[Homedawg]

And the beat goes on. I think any of you still concerned that we will run short on scholarships should officially stop worrying. Worst DB recruiting class I can remember and glad we got Hampton when we did. Actually can't believe any DB wanting early playing time wouldn't want to take advantage of the situation especially at Safety.

Taking Hampton when we did was dumb. We could have waited and still gotten him. But whatever. Our db recruiting for this cycle is bad no matter what Perkins did or does. Why? I don't know.

[maroonmania]

Yeah but man this was a strange day for him and his behavior but the end result doesn’t look good. Or maybe he enjoyed being recruited so hard today he decided to enjoy the attention a few extra days.

I was hopeful he was going to be someone that could help us this year as I don’t know why you would de commit from Oregon to only go back and Mizzou made almost no sense but a lot of these kids do some confusing things

Recruiting has seemingly turned into a clown show the last few years. Wasn't too long ago that OM flipped their own commit just for the show of it. Seems for way too many prospects recruiting has turned into nothing more than garnering as much attention as possible through ridiculous theatrics.

[ZedFedder]

I’ll be honest, what does his tweet even mean? Like... I’m confused.

[Dogbone]

I’ll be honest, what does his tweet even mean? Like... I’m confused.

He said, "my decision is now a private one. " Like this makes any sense, it's not gonna be private much longer , I mean he has to sign with someone. Unless the team he signs with is gonna keep it a secret till game day. lol

[ZedFedder]

He said, "my decision is now a private one. " Like this makes any sense, it's not gonna be private much longer , I mean he has to sign with someone. Unless the team he signs with is gonna keep it a secret till game day. lol

Right... I don't really get what he is saying. He has changed up the announcement and different things around it about five times.

[Dogbone]

Right... I don't really get what he is saying. He has changed up the announcement and different things around it about five times.

It could be that he just needs more time. That's all that make sense if anything makes sense.

[HoopsDawg]

Taking Hampton when we did was dumb. We could have waited and still gotten him. But whatever. Our db recruiting for this cycle is bad no matter what Perkins did or does. Why? I don't know.

McBath didn't really have an "SEC resume" when he came over. He was a "get back" coach for a few years. 2 years as a corner coach at Washinton State and that was it. Very frustrating recruiting year at DB. One injury to Emerson or Forbes and we are toast.

[Jarius]

McBath didn't really have an "SEC resume" when he came over. He was a "get back" coach for a few years. 2 years as a corner coach at Washinton State and that was it. Very frustrating recruiting year at DB. One injury to Emerson or Forbes and we are toast.

He has completely shit the bed.

[HoopsDawg]

He has completely shit the bed.

Our whole class man. We have like 7-8 guys that I like. But we really needed some immediate help at corner and safety.

[Irondawg]

There are going to be plenty of DB options on the portal so we will find bodies. We just need to hit on 1-2 of them

[MetEdDawg]

I'm guessing Perkins wants to play immediately.

Our two corners just got named an All American and a Freshman All SEC.

I'm wondering if he's concerned that he won't get the PT and recognition he wants.

[HoopsDawg]

I'm guessing Perkins wants to play immediately.

Our two corners just got named an All American and a Freshman All SEC.

I'm wondering if he's concerned that he won't get the PT and recognition he wants.

Pretty bad sales job if that's the hold up. Just tell him we are going to play 3 corners together. I would rather have Emerson, Forbes and Perkins on the field together than a slower safety who can't cover.

[HoopsDawg]

There are going to be plenty of DB options on the portal so we will find bodies. We just need to hit on 1-2 of them

We need to save 3-5 spots every year for the portal. We can't sign 25 quality prospects anyway. 4-5 Jucos, 3-5 portal players, and the rest high school. We've got several reaches in this class.

[Dawgology]

What is a “private commit”? That’s a first but whatever. I know one thing...Arnett is one of the best up and coming defensive coordinators in the nation. He is going to put guys in the NFL.

[ZedFedder]

Honestly, the portal is going to allow wholes to be filled for good programs. I think if we win with Leach, and I do think we will, the portal may fill some of our recruiting weaknesses.

[KOdawg1]

Darcel McBath better get his ass in gear.

He gets an F so far in recruiting. His unit on the field has been pretty good this year, but his recruiting has been a shit show so far.

[KOdawg1]

Honestly, the portal is going to allow wholes to be filled for good programs. I think if we win with Leach, and I do think we will, the portal may fill some of our recruiting weaknesses.

The portal is fine and dandy, but we only have a few spots to use on the portal. We need help at OL and S too. We needed Perkins because he can provide immediate depth at CB. If you look behind Forbes and Emerson, there's not a whole lot. So if you use a portal spot on CB, you may have to pass on giving it to another position of need.

[KOdawg1]

We've got several reaches in this class.

I count about 4. You can get by with missing on players. You can't get by on signing players that can't play.

[KOdawg1]

Taking Hampton when we did was dumb. We could have waited and still gotten him. But whatever. Our db recruiting for this cycle is bad no matter what Perkins did or does. Why? I don't know.

Yup

[Bothrops]

The portal is fine and dandy, but we only have a few spots to use on the portal. We need help at OL and S too. We needed Perkins because he can provide immediate depth at CB. If you look behind Forbes and Emerson, there's not a whole lot. So if you use a portal spot on CB, you may have to pass on giving it to another position of need.

The portal is just another recruiting effort to burden the staff, albeit with less games and malfeasance. Still, to get difference makers in the portal, or even good depth players, 3-4 spots won't be easy for us.

[Todd4State]

He gets an F so far in recruiting. His unit on the field has been pretty good this year, but his recruiting has been a shit show so far.

I &agree. At least our guys play well.

[Todd4State]

The portal is fine and dandy, but we only have a few spots to use on the portal. We need help at OL and S too. We needed Perkins because he can provide immediate depth at CB. If you look behind Forbes and Emerson, there's not a whole lot. So if you use a portal spot on CB, you may have to pass on giving it to another position of need.

If we don't get Perkins that opens up a spot for a transfer at CB in his place.

[maroonmania]

Pretty bad sales job if that's the hold up. Just tell him we are going to play 3 corners together. I would rather have Emerson, Forbes and Perkins on the field together than a slower safety who can't cover.

Good point. Should be a pretty easy sales job on playing time given we start 5 DBs. In fact, its going to get very difficult to stay in a 3-3-5 going forward if things don't pick up considerably in our recruiting of CBs and Safeties.

[Bothrops]

Leach apparently has had enough of waiting around on Perkins, per Steve. He will use the scholly on a portal DB. I have zero issue with this. Ridiculous

[bulldawg28]

Leach apparently has had enough of waiting around on Perkins, per Steve. He will use the scholly on a portal DB. I have zero issue with this. Ridiculous

If he's moving to the portal he knows Perkins has selected someone else.

[Bothrops]

If he's moving to the portal he knows Perkins has selected someone else.

Oregon people don't seem to have a clue either. Whatever the case, I think this saga is over.

[bulldawg28]

Oregon people don't seem to have a clue either. Whatever the case, I think this saga is over.

Welp, by process of elimination I'm going to guess he selected Mizzou.

[Dogbone]

Welp, by process of elimination I'm going to guess he selected Mizzou.

Oklahoma?

[bulldawg28]

Oklahoma?

Gotcha, I forgot about them in the equation.

[KOdawg1]

Welp, by process of elimination I'm going to guess he selected Mizzou.
He's probably going to Oregon.

[bulldawg28]

He's probably going to Oregon.

If so more power to him. We need to go get a transfer. I'd go after Knox

[Lumpy Chucklelips]

Oklahoma?

He's not a take for Oklahoma and most likely never was. Only reason he's on Oregon's radar is JoMo. But it hasn't stopped our fans from acting like we missed on a 5* from instate who would at best get backup reps the next two years.

[KOdawg1]

He's not a take for Oklahoma and most likely never was. Only reason he's on Oregon's radar is JoMo. But it hasn't stopped our fans from acting like we missed on a 5* from instate who would at best get backup reps the next two years.

It's a big miss if we don't replace him with a comparable replacement. He would've gotten backup reps, but that's a extremely valuable player given this depth chart:

Martin Emerson/Decamerion Richardson/Jay Jimison (walk on)/Malik Sanders (walk on)

Emmanuel Forbes/Esaias Furdge/Jaylon Reed (should be a walk on)/Cameron Threatt (not an SEC player)

That's really, really bad. Now if we go through the portal and get a solid player, then it's no big deal. But until that happens, Perkins is a big miss because we currently don't have anyone lined up.

[ZedFedder]

Gene Swindoll with a crystal ball to Oregon.

[maroonmania]

Gene Swindoll with a crystal ball to Oregon.

Ol' Gene is never afraid to go out on a limb.***

[KOdawg1]

Ol' Gene is never afraid to go out on a limb.***

Gene is an idiot. His insistence on keeping the name "Gene's Page" tells you all you need to know.

[Irondawg]

Well if Oregon is also indeed dropping him it must be very telling on how he handled himself these past few days. Both teams I’m sure did their homework on his personality and kept recruiting him. So something must have gone off the deep end since it seemed it was a MSU-Oregon battle and now both seem to deny wanting him anymore. I can’t see Mizzou just showing up last minute with more to sell.

[msbulldog]

Gene is an idiot. His insistence on keeping the name "Gene's Page" tells you all you need to know.

Well he owns it so I suppose he can call it what he wants.

[KOdawg1]

Well he owns it so I suppose he can call it what he wants.
He owns half of it. When it merged with 247sports, he insisted it still be called Gene's page. OM's board isn't called "Rousansville's Page"

[msbulldog]

I came in with 247 (8 years) and didn't really like it. As time went on I got over it and the content is a whole lot better.

[msbulldog]

And it was called the Spirit before the merger.

[KOdawg1]

I came in with 247 (8 years) and didn't really like it. As time went on I got over it and the content is a whole lot better.
Oh I don't mind the content. I just think it's stupid to name the website "Gene's Page" when literally every other school has a site name that promotes the school and not a weird, sunshine pumping photographer.

[msbulldog]

Oh I don't mind the content. I just think it's stupid to name the website "Gene's Page" when literally every other school has a site name that promotes the school and not a weird, sunshine pumping photographer.

Aw c'mon KO, The Spirit sounds like it's promoting my church. And a sunshine pumping photographer is better than Tyler Horka, who promotes Mississippi more than us. And have you been reading Gene's Skuttlebut? Really good insight into prospects in the next recruiting classes.

[KOdawg1]

Aw c'mon KO, The Spirit sounds like it's promoting my church. And a sunshine pumping photographer is better than Tyler Horka, who promotes Mississippi more than us. And have you been reading Gene's Skuttlebut? Really good insight into prospects in the next recruiting classes.

"The Spirit" is dumb as hell too, I'll give you that.

I have read his Skuttlebut but it's mostly about 2023 or 2024 kids so it's hard for me to get interested in freshmen and sophomores right now.

[msbulldog]

"The Spirit" is dumb as hell too, I'll give you that.

I have read his Skuttlebut but it's mostly about 2023 or 2024 kids so it's hard for me to get interested in freshmen and sophomores right now.

He hit some 2022 guys especially after that little combine in Flowood or wherever. I think he's just taking them as they come to him. I would guess through HS coaches that call him, Gene knows a lot of those guys he's been doing this for so long . I don't mind scoping out the 23 and 24 guys to get their names in my mind. Heck I'm so old I might not get to see those guys play, but I can hope! Another advantage when these young kids get their names in a MSU site, it gets MSU on their mind.

[NCDawg]

Seems like very year we are deficient on the OL and DB. I would like to see what we could do if we could get quality athletes at these positions.

[Todd4State]

"The Spirit" is dumb as hell too, I'll give you that.

I have read his Skuttlebut but it's mostly about 2023 or 2024 kids so it's hard for me to get interested in freshmen and sophomores right now.


He hit some 2022 guys especially after that little combine in Flowood or wherever. I think he's just taking them as they come to him. I would guess through HS coaches that call him, Gene knows a lot of those guys he's been doing this for so long . I don't mind scoping out the 23 and 24 guys to get their names in my mind. Heck I'm so old I might not get to see those guys play, but I can hope! Another advantage when these young kids get their names in a MSU site, it gets MSU on their mind.

To me his skuttlebutt is like here's a bunch of players that showed up to this camp from Clay-Chalkville in Alabama. I'm not sure how many of those prospects are legit to be honest. Although when you carpet bomb prospects like that eventually odds are you'll identify them but it's hard to identify who exactly is a legit prospect doing that.

[Todd4State]

Seems like very year we are deficient on the OL and DB. I would like to see what we could do if we could get quality athletes at these positions.

We've usually done fine at DB. This year not so much. OL it seems like we constantly are having to backfill. Changing schemes is part of that I think. We needed three high school offensive linemen to go with Jackson and McMillan and we did that. We landed the top OL prospect in Cavazos and I think Reese is very underrated and is a legit LT prospect. We have some flexibility to take another one if we can find the right one but it's not necessary either.

On the DB side- Forbes was a huge win last year and I think Dean will be very good as well as Richardson who is a four star guy. Obviously this year was concerning with a lot of misses but if we can get CJ Johnson to go with Ellington and then hit the portal hard we can salvage this. There were some mistakes made but also some things out of our control. If we had simply kept Toles I think people would feel a lot better- although at the same time he's going to USM and didn't have any other SEC offers. I think there is a better than average chance we get Walley to come back home from Minnesota in the portal. Daniels it sounds like we got out-Networked and that's something our staff may need to be more aware of next time.

[Cooterpoot]

He hit some 2022 guys especially after that little combine in Flowood or wherever. I think he's just taking them as they come to him. I would guess through HS coaches that call him, Gene knows a lot of those guys he's been doing this for so long . I don't mind scoping out the 23 and 24 guys to get their names in my mind. Heck I'm so old I might not get to see those guys play, but I can hope! Another advantage when these young kids get their names in a MSU site, it gets MSU on their mind.

Jean knows as much about talent evaluation as that white dog turd you run over cutting the grass. He likes to inject himself into shit to look important.

[Interpolation_Dawg_EX]

Jean knows as much about talent evaluation as that white dog turd you run over cutting the grass. He likes to inject himself into shit to look important.

The DeVinner stuff was the final straw for me.

[KOdawg1]

The DeVinner stuff was the final straw for me.
The other day he said, "You want to win as many recruiting battles as possible, but the thrill of the hunt is fun, too. The process of recruiting can be a lot of fun as long as you don't get caught up in the negatives. It's like the month of December leading up to Christmas day. There is a lot of fun to be had all the December days prior to Christmas. Focus on those days as well as the presents that you get and don't just focus on those presents that you want but don't get."

So basically as long as we have fun, it doesn't matter who we get. We're currently on a streak of losing battles with other schools for recruits, but if we're having fun, then that's all that matters.

Yeah, like I said, Gene is a moron.

[maroonmania]

The other day he said, "You want to win as many recruiting battles as possible, but the thrill of the hunt is fun, too. The process of recruiting can be a lot of fun as long as you don't get caught up in the negatives. It's like the month of December leading up to Christmas day. There is a lot of fun to be had all the December days prior to Christmas. Focus on those days as well as the presents that you get and don't just focus on those presents that you want but don't get."

So basically as long as we have fun, it doesn't matter who we get. We're currently on a streak of losing battles with other schools for recruits, but if we're having fun, then that's all that matters.

Yeah, like I said, Gene is a moron.

Agree, and I literally can't remember the last time that the last few days of recruiting was 'fun' for any MSU fan. It always seems to come down to us trying to hold on for dear life with several of our best committed recruits.

[msbulldog]

The other day he said, "You want to win as many recruiting battles as possible, but the thrill of the hunt is fun, too. The process of recruiting can be a lot of fun as long as you don't get caught up in the negatives. It's like the month of December leading up to Christmas day. There is a lot of fun to be had all the December days prior to Christmas. Focus on those days as well as the presents that you get and don't just focus on those presents that you want but don't get."

So basically as long as we have fun, it doesn't matter who we get. We're currently on a streak of losing battles with other schools for recruits, but if we're having fun, then that's all that matters.

Yeah, like I said, Gene is a moron.


Agree, and I literally can't remember the last time that the last few days of recruiting was 'fun' for any MSU fan. It always seems to come down to us trying to hold on for dear life with several of our best committed recruits.

Damn boys, ya'll take this way too seriously, hope you're keeping a check on your blood pressure.

[Goldendawg]

If we don't pull some surprises in Feb, this class won't even finish 37th if you look at programs behind us. Signed, Worried.

[HoopsDawg]

If we don't pull some surprises in Feb, this class won't even finish 37th if you look at programs behind us. Signed, Worried.

It's a poor class. Hopefully, we can hit on a couple of portal guys. Haven't had a lot of luck in the porta thoughl except for Ruiz. Hopefully, the UCF transfer will pan out.

[KOdawg1]

Damn boys, ya'll take this way too seriously, hope you're keeping a check on your blood pressure.
My blood pressure is fine, thanks

[maroonmania]

Damn boys, ya'll take this way too seriously, hope you're keeping a check on your blood pressure.

I've come to seriously hate recruiting, but that said, I certainly don't lose any sleep over it. I continue to say that college football is the WORST major sport out there as an overall product because its the only major sport (even including other college sports) that has such a lack of overall competitiveness. The separation in talent from the top 7 to 8 programs and everyone else is to the point that I realize, no matter what we do in recruiting, all we are really trying to achieve in the end is to get a slightly better bowl game.

[NCDawg]

We were very lucky getting to the SEC Championship game in '98. Doubt we will ever see that happen again, at least probably nobody posting on this board now will see it happen again.

[msbulldog]

We were very lucky getting to the SEC Championship game in '98. Doubt we will ever see that happen again, at least probably nobody posting on this board now will see it happen again.

Maybe not, but as far as some of JWS teams, we had some badass players!

[HoopsDawg]

Maybe not, but as far as some of JWS teams, we had some badass players!

Jackie didn't miss on players like N. Strong. He thought being physical was the way to go at MSU. I remember he would say all the time that you didn't want to get in a track meet with the Florida's of the conference. He also talked about being able to get recruits to commit without asking them for the commitment. He was the GOAT.

[Bdawg]

I've come to seriously hate recruiting, but that said, I certainly don't lose any sleep over it. continue to say that college football is the WORST major sport out there as an overall product because its the only major sport (even including other college sports) that has such a lack of overall competitiveness. The separation in talent from the top 7 to 8 programs and everyone else is to the point that I realize, no matter what we do in recruiting, all we are really trying to achieve in the end is to get a slightly better bowl game.

It really is sad that this is true. The sport may be popular(it's going down for me some) but the system we have now is not is going to make the sport grow. When 6-8 teams are the only ones that have a chance and the NCAA picks and chooses whose throat they want to put their foot on(penalties and sanctions) then we have a system that won't grow or attract more people. If the NCAA really had teeth and created a level playing field, I would enjoy watching this sport a whole lot more knowing that it was our coaches fault or players didnt work hard enough in the off season, not that we suck because we lost out on good players because we don't have the right "network" to scheme, plot and deceive our way to good players in order to win. Screw your NCAA, you worthless, toothless, nutsacks of an organization!! Sorry. Back to my glass of wine.

[Jarius]

It really is sad that this is true. The sport may be popular(it's going down for me some) but the system we have now is not is going to make the sport grow. When 6-8 teams are the only ones that have a chance and the NCAA picks and chooses whose throat they want to put their foot on(penalties and sanctions) then we have a system that won't grow or attract more people. If the NCAA really had teeth and created a level playing field, I would enjoy watching this sport a whole lot more knowing that it was our coaches fault or players didnt work hard enough in the off season, not that we suck because we lost out on good players because we don't have the right "network" to scheme, plot and deceive our way to good players in order to win. Screw your NCAA, you worthless, toothless, nutsacks of an organization!! Sorry. Back to my glass of wine.

The evolution of offenses and the inability for defenses to play real football any more has made recruiting discrepancies that much more obvious. A normal game in the 90s between a really good sec team and a middle of the road sec team was 35-21. A normal game now between Alabama and a normal SEC team is 62-10. Something has to change or the sport is going to die. I have not watched Alabama play a single game this year. Not one. And I put money on them to cover almost every week. I can’t even make myself watch them with money on the game. That’s insane.

[BigDawg81]

Jackie didn't miss on players like N. Strong. He thought being physical was the way to go at MSU. I remember he would say all the time that you didn't want to get in a track meet with the Florida's of the conference. He also talked about being able to get recruits to commit without asking them for the commitment. He was the GOAT.


It really is sad that this is true. The sport may be popular(it's going down for me some) but the system we have now is not is going to make the sport grow. When 6-8 teams are the only ones that have a chance and the NCAA picks and chooses whose throat they want to put their foot on(penalties and sanctions) then we have a system that won't grow or attract more people. If the NCAA really had teeth and created a level playing field, I would enjoy watching this sport a whole lot more knowing that it was our coaches fault or players didnt work hard enough in the off season, not that we suck because we lost out on good players because we don't have the right "network" to scheme, plot and deceive our way to good players in order to win. Screw your NCAA, you worthless, toothless, nutsacks of an organization!! Sorry. Back to my glass of wine.
It's 3 that has shot every year and one of those gets a shot because of their name. It's Alabama and Clemson every year in CFP. Ohio State gets the love because they are Ohio State. No way a team should get in with 6 wins and played poorly the last 2 games.

[Jarius]

If we don't pull some surprises in Feb, this class won't even finish 37th if you look at programs behind us. Signed, Worried.

We are really at 30 right now. We have 1 recruit that has not been rated and one that has already signed but not announced (Anderson). We will finish somewhere around 30.

[Dogbone]

We are really at 30 right now. We have 1 recruit that has not been rated and one that has already signed but not announced (Anderson). We will finish somewhere around 30.

Anderson? What position does he play?

[Jarius]

Anderson? What position does he play?

Defensive end. Deonte Anderson. He’s an Under Armor all American. He’s a 4 star on 247 but a 3 star composite. He signed his papers with us in the early signing period and asked us to hold off announcing so he could do it on tv on Jan 2nd.

[Dogbone]

Defensive end. Deonte Anderson. He’s an Under Armor all American. He’s a 4 star on 247 but a 3 star composite. He signed his papers with us in the early signing period and asked us to hold off announcing so he could do it on tv on Jan 2nd.

Gotcha, thanks.

[Bothrops]

It's a poor class. Hopefully, we can hit on a couple of portal guys. Haven't had a lot of luck in the porta thoughl except for Ruiz. Hopefully, the UCF transfer will pan out.

It's not that bad. It should be top 30 after Anderson gets on board. The miss on Strong pissed me off, because I think LSU did whatever it took to flip him...and Nabers for that matter. They can do that though, we would get in trouble. There are several better ranked classes that I wouldn't trade for right now.

[msstate7]

It's not that bad. It should be top 30 after Anderson gets on board. The miss on Strong pissed me off, because I think LSU did whatever it took to flip him...and Nabers for that matter. They can do that though, we would get in trouble. There are several better ranked classes that I wouldn't trade for right now.

Maybe LSU cheated, but I think LSU is just a more attractive option to like 99% of recruits

[HoopsDawg]

It's not that bad. It should be top 30 after Anderson gets on board. The miss on Strong pissed me off, because I think LSU did whatever it took to flip him...and Nabers for that matter. They can do that though, we would get in trouble. There are several better ranked classes that I wouldn't trade for right now.

If you aren't Top 25. It doesn't matter if you are 28 or you are 40. Not going to get it done.

[Bdawg]

The evolution of offenses and the inability for defenses to play real football any more has made recruiting discrepancies that much more obvious. A normal game in the 90s between a really good sec team and a middle of the road sec team was 35-21. A normal game now between Alabama and a normal SEC team is 62-10. Something has to change or the sport is going to die. I have not watched Alabama play a single game this year. Not one. And I put money on them to cover almost every week. I can’t even make myself watch them with money on the game. That’s insane.

It's ridiculous. The cheating and hoarding of talent has to be corrected somehow or this sport is going to be in slow decline I'm afraid. Nothing worse than not playing on a level playing field.

[maroonmania]

Maybe LSU cheated, but I think LSU is just a more attractive option to like 99% of recruits

It shouldn't be more attractive to a guy that grew up as an MSU fan like Strong. Nabors makes more sense even though he was at the bottom of LSU's WR take list given he got the late offer he didn't have before and is a LA kid.

[maroonmania]

It's ridiculous. The cheating and hoarding of talent has to be corrected somehow or this sport is going to be in slow decline I'm afraid. Nothing worse than not playing on a level playing field.

Yep, just saw a video on 247 touting Bama's class as potentially the best recruiting class of all time. How lovely.***

[Bdawg]

It shouldn't be more attractive to a guy that grew up as an MSU fan like Strong. Nabors makes more sense even though he was at the bottom of LSU's WR take list given he got the late offer he didn't have before and is a LA kid.

Nope. We all know what makes them more attractive at the last minute(stealing from a children's hospital). Just can't let people like strong get away. Heck, He was staring at a starting job with Errol going on. Lower the scholarship level and signing class size and Strong and Nabors are both yours.

Goes back to what I just earlier, if the NCAA won't do anything about taking from hospital, for crying out loud, to level the playing field then we better learn to do what ever it takes to keep guys committed(matching offers I guess).

[Offshore Dawg]

Nope. We all know what makes them more attractive at the last minute(stealing from a children's hospital). Just can't let people like strong get away. Heck, He was staring at a starting job with Errol going on. Lower the scholarship level and signing class size and Strong and Nabors are both yours.

Goes back to what I just earlier, if the NCAA won't do anything about taking from hospital, for crying out loud, to level the playing field then we better learn to do what ever it takes to keep guys committed(matching offers I guess).

And who's money do "WE" plan on using

[KOdawg1]

And who's money do "WE" plan on using

We already use money.

Our fans have to get out of this mindset that we're a squeaky clean program that would never pay players. We do. The bunch up the road does. The two SEC schools in Alabama do. LSU does. Every one does it.

If you want to be competitive, you have to play the game. You just do. The reason we get skull drug on signing day is because we're really bad at playing the game. And until we get serious about it, we'll continue to recruit in the lower 1/3 of the SEC.

[maroonmania]

We already use money.

Our fans have to get out of this mindset that we're a squeaky clean program that would never pay players. We do. The bunch up the road does. The two SEC schools in Alabama do. LSU does. Every one does it.

If you want to be competitive, you have to play the game. You just do. The reason we get skull drug on signing day is because we're really bad at playing the game. And until we get serious about it, we'll continue to recruit in the lower 1/3 of the SEC.

Only the most naive fans would think we or any P5 program is squeaky clean, but I would categorize what we do as bringing a pocketknife to a gunfight.

[Jarius]

If you aren't Top 25. It doesn't matter if you are 28 or you are 40. Not going to get it done.

The difference in the class ranked 25 and the class ranked 30 is almost nothing. Especially now where you are going to get transfer portal guys who aren’t even counted in the rankings. We have a DE from UCF that would have been a high 3 star or low 4 star juco recruit and that would bump our class to around 25. In order for us to survive we have to take advantage of Jucos and the transfer portal. If we get 2 solid secondary guys to go along with the DE we already have from the portal I don’t care what the class finishes up as rankings wise. That doesn’t make our players any better. The portal is going to cause people to have to look deeper than just a class ranking. If we take a bunch of 3 star projects and end up ranked 27 instead of 32 but don’t fill immediate needs in the secondary I’m going to be much more pissed off than if we get a guy or 2 that can help but won’t count in the rankings.

[FISHDAWG]

Only the most naive fans would think we or any P5 program is squeaky clean, but I would categorize what we do as bringing a pocketknife to a gunfight.

I agree but with the transfer portal there's no guarantee of return on investment

[msbulldog]

If you aren't Top 25. It doesn't matter if you are 28 or you are 40. Not going to get it done.

I don't know the 2011 class was ranked 41st with Dak Prescott, Josh Robinson, Rufus Warren, B. Mckinney, Darius Slay, Tavese Calhoun, Justin Malone and Preston Smith held #1 in the nation for 5 weeks.

[Cooterpoot]

If you aren't Top 25. It doesn't matter if you are 28 or you are 40. Not going to get it done.

Top 20. Need to be inside top 20.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I don't know the 2011 class was ranked 41st with Dak Prescott, Josh Robinson, Rufus Warren, B. Mckinney, Darius Slay, Tavese Calhoun, Justin Malone and Preston Smith held #1 in the nation for 5 weeks.

Recruiting still comes down to development. The reason for Bama's lasting success is the continued development of players. It's good that they get 5 stars, but they get those 5 stars to reach their potential. I mean look at those OM classes that were ranked so highly. Take the 2013 class, their records for 4 years were 8-5, 9-4, 10-3, and 5-7. So 32-19 for 4 years.

Our 2011 class for comparison was 7-6, 8-5, 7-6, and 10-3. So 32-20 for 4 years. It all comes down to what you can do with them once they're in your building.

[thf24]

Recruiting still comes down to development. The reason for Bama's lasting success is the continued development of players. It's good that they get 5 stars, but they get those 5 stars to reach their potential. I mean look at those OM classes that were ranked so highly. Take the 2013 class, their records for 4 years were 8-5, 9-4, 10-3, and 5-7. So 32-19 for 4 years.

Our 2011 class for comparison was 7-6, 8-5, 7-6, and 10-3. So 32-20 for 4 years. It all comes down to what you can do with them once they're in your building.

Not saying Bama doesn't develop, but the bigger difference to me in your example is depth. A lot of schools can reel in a top 15, 10, 5 class every once in a blue moon, but one great class isn't going to get you over the top. You have to string several together, and only a handful can.

[Westdawg]

Delete

[Jarius]

Recruiting still comes down to development. The reason for Bama's lasting success is the continued development of players. It's good that they get 5 stars, but they get those 5 stars to reach their potential. I mean look at those OM classes that were ranked so highly. Take the 2013 class, their records for 4 years were 8-5, 9-4, 10-3, and 5-7. So 32-19 for 4 years.

Our 2011 class for comparison was 7-6, 8-5, 7-6, and 10-3. So 32-20 for 4 years. It all comes down to what you can do with them once they're in your building.

Ole Miss had 1 class that was anywhere remotely near an Alabama class. Alabama stacks those classes on top of each other every single year (and they are better than Ole Miss’ 2013 class 99 % of the time). The overwhelmingly main reason Alabama is so good is because they have way more talent than everyone else. When Saban was at Michigan State he was just considered a pretty good coach. Nothing special.

[HoopsDawg]

Top 20. Need to be inside top 20.

That will never happen under Leach. Or damn near anyone unless we hire Freeze and go All In.

[ShotgunDawg]

That will never happen under Leach. Or damn near anyone unless we hire Freeze and go All In.

I don’t agree. We’ll have to do well in the low 4 star market in Texas though.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Not saying Bama doesn't develop, but the bigger difference to me in your example is depth. A lot of schools can reel in a top 15, 10, 5 class every once in a blue moon, but one great class isn't going to get you over the top. You have to string several together, and only a handful can.

This was the point I was trying to hit on in a roundabout way. When you're able to get and develop top athletes year after year it gives you staying power. As you said, the ranking of one class won't kill you nor will it take you over the top.

[Jarius]

I don’t agree. We’ll have to do well in the low 4 star market in Texas though.

We will recruit top 25 regularly with Leach. Top 20 is pushing it but possible. He’s gonna recruit around the same spot we always recruit this year with a very down in state group. He is going to have to learn how to deal with MS prospects though.