Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

VirgilCain · Jan 26, 2010

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

I like the idea of the home team actually being comprised of "home" players. I would take even more pride (than I already do) if MSU football was basically all MS players. Of course we would have to get the best players from MS, but I think if Mullen can continue to shift the attitude of MSU being the team for MS kids then we can be successful. If you didn't know already MS has the highest per capita of NFL players of any other state according to rivals (over 17 NFL players/million residents). We are also #10 in total NFL players by state. To me that means that our in-state recruits are under rated as a whole.

Obviously we would have to start winning games to win recruiting battles with the "big" schools cherry picking the cream of the crop MS prospects. I think Mullen's coaching philosophy lends itself well to the MS recruiting ranks with the glut of pure athletes we have. I took a lot of pride in our team this year (especially offense, specifically OL) being MS kids. I always felt it was kind of a hollow victory when our starting 5 in bball was all out of state kids. Hell, we only have one starter now that is from MS (Ravern).

We may still consistently lose with MS kids, but I would like to see us give it a try under Mullen's tenure. This will especially work well if OM continues to focus most of its recruiting efforts out of state. Right now we only have one kid committed (Muniz from Houston) that isn't from the immediate area. All others from out of state are from the likes of Mobile, Tuscaloosa, and Memphis.

Do I have too much state pride? Am I a complete dubmass to think that MS kids can field a highly competitive SEC football team? I welcome real responses as well bitingly sarcastic remarks.

VirgilCain · Jan 26, 2010

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

I like the idea of the home team actually being comprised of "home" players. I would take even more pride (than I already do) if MSU football was basically all MS players. Of course we would have to get the best players from MS, but I think if Mullen can continue to shift the attitude of MSU being the team for MS kids then we can be successful. If you didn't know already MS has the highest per capita of NFL players of any other state according to rivals (over 17 NFL players/million residents). We are also #10 in total NFL players by state. To me that means that our in-state recruits are under rated as a whole.

Obviously we would have to start winning games to win recruiting battles with the "big" schools cherry picking the cream of the crop MS prospects. I think Mullen's coaching philosophy lends itself well to the MS recruiting ranks with the glut of pure athletes we have. I took a lot of pride in our team this year (especially offense, specifically OL) being MS kids. I always felt it was kind of a hollow victory when our starting 5 in bball was all out of state kids. Hell, we only have one starter now that is from MS (Ravern).

We may still consistently lose with MS kids, but I would like to see us give it a try under Mullen's tenure. This will especially work well if OM continues to focus most of its recruiting efforts out of state. Right now we only have one kid committed (Muniz from Houston) that isn't from the immediate area. All others from out of state are from the likes of Mobile, Tuscaloosa, and Memphis.

Do I have too much state pride? Am I a complete dubmass to think that MS kids can field a highly competitive SEC football team? I welcome real responses as well bitingly sarcastic remarks.

dawgatUSM · Jan 26, 2010

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

"I want 11 guys that are the best high school players in the country and 11 guys that really want to play at the University of Notre Dame"<div>
</div><div>
</div><div>
</div><div>To me, I think we need to split it up... Focus on getting the top talent in the state of Mississippi every year, and that will (A) improve our PR with those in state and (B) it'll make us a pretty passionate team in rivalry games with players that know our history. However, when we have big needs, I think we need to target some of the most highly rated prospects that have interest in us no matter what state they come from. So, to answer your question, I think a lot of focus should be put on in state recruiting, but not so much that you miss out on other potential recruits that could be better.</div>

FlabLoser · Jan 26, 2010

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

And easier to build the brand at home. Recruiting MS isn't a destination. Its a vehicle.

futaba.79 · Jan 26, 2010

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

have been majority Mississippians. I recently came across a copy of the 1980 State/Bama game program. Don't hold me to this number but I think 17 starters were Mississippi kids.

was21 · Jan 26, 2010

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

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Homer J Simpson IV · Jan 26, 2010

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

The state just doesn't produce enough talent to go around between the state's big three and other SEC schools that will get a handful every year. The advantage would be having a group that understands the importance of the Egg Bowl and beating the in-state rival, but as far as going up against and routinely beating the SEC's best, the odds are against it.

Case in point, a look at the productive players from Mississippi that were available in recent years:

2002: Darren Williams, Parys
Haralson (49ers), Deljuan Robinson (Texans), Jerious Norwood (Falcons),
Jayme Mitchell (Vikings), Timmy Duckworth (Saints), Nate Banks, Will
Prosser, Kevin Dockery (Giants), Willie Evans (Saints, Giants) and
Bryan Brown all wound up being pretty good players. Richard Burch was a
good one until he got kicked off the team. That's 12 players from the
state, 7 that made the pro ranks. 

 



Busts: Chris Herring (twice), Markell McKinley (Didn't remember him doing much), Jamal Pittman, Jay
Kirkland, Otis Riddley, Kenny Kern, James McCoy, Aries Nelson, Ken
Topps, Dedrick Clark. The rest, I don't know much about.

<table id="Cell0_DataGrid1" style="font-size: 10pt; width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0">

<tbody><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle"><td><table id="Cell0_DataGrid1" style="font-size: 10pt; width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 153);" valign="middle"><td>
3
</td><td>

</td><td>
Darren Williams
(Clarksdale HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl03_City">Clarksdale</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl03_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-4/200/4.40

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>
7
</td><td>

</td><td>
Parys Haralson
(Madison Central HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl04_City">Madison</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl04_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-4/255/4.60

</td><td>

Committed to Tennessee

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>
8
</td><td>

</td><td>
Deljuan Robinson
(Hernando HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl05_City">Hernando</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl05_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-4/290/4.80

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>
17
</td><td>

</td><td>
Chris Herring
(South Panola HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl06_City">Batesville</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl06_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-2/260/4.55

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>
NR
</td><td>

</td><td>
Scott Shurden
(Neshoba Central HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl07_City">Philadelphia</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl07_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

5-8/175/4.80

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>
20
</td><td>

</td><td>
Markell McKinley
(Weir Attendance Center)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl08_City">Weir</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl08_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-3/270/4.80

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>
26
</td><td>

</td><td>
Jerious Norwood
(Brandon HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl09_City">Brandon</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl09_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-1/197/4.45

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>
27
</td><td>

</td><td>
Jayme Mitchell
(Forest HIll)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl10_City">Jackson</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl10_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-6/270/4.80

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>
30
</td><td>

</td><td>
Timmy Duckworth
(Taylorsville HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl11_City">Taylorsville</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl11_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-4/295/5.20

</td><td>

Committed to Auburn

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>
32
</td><td>

</td><td>
Jamal Pittman
(Columbia HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl12_City">Columbia</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl12_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-1/225/4.50

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>
34
</td><td>

</td><td>
Jay Kirkland
(New Albany/S.Tippah/Union Co.)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl13_City">New Albany</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl13_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-4/305/5.10

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>
47
</td><td>

</td><td>
Richard Burch
(Brandon HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl14_City">Brandon</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl14_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-6/290/5.30

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>
NR
</td><td>

</td><td>
Otis Riddley
(Provine HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl15_City">Jackson</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl15_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-3/305/5.10

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>
51
</td><td>

</td><td>
Kenny Kern
(Clarksdale HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl16_City">Clarksdale</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl16_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-1/225/4.70

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>
52
</td><td>

</td><td>
James McCoy
(Moss Point HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl17_City">Moss Point</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl17_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-4/285/5.20

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>
54
</td><td>

</td><td>
Aries Nelson
(East Side HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl18_City">Cleveland</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl18_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-3/195/4.50

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>
62
</td><td>

</td><td>
Ken Topps
(Shannon HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl19_City">Shannon</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl19_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-0/160/4.55

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>
73
</td><td>

</td><td>
Nathaniel Banks
(Amite County HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl20_City">Liberty</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl20_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

5-11/175/4.40

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>
93
</td><td>

</td><td>
Will Prosser
(Starkville Academy)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl21_City">Starkville</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl21_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-4/205/4.55

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>
95
</td><td>

</td><td>
Brett Morgan
(Warren Central HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl23_City">Vicksburg</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl23_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-0/190/4.60

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>
116
</td><td>

</td><td>
Tee Milons
(Starkville HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl25_City">Starkville</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl25_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

5-10/165

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>
NR
</td><td>

</td><td>
Monte Collins
(Provine HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl26_City">Jackson</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl26_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-7/350

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>
NR
</td><td>

</td><td>
Kevin Dockery
(Hernando HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl31_City">Hernando</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl31_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

5-9/178/4.50

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>
NR
</td><td>

</td><td>
Chris Booker
(Northwest HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl34_City">Brandon</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl34_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-4/225/4.67

</td><td>

Committed to Vanderbilt

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>
NR
</td><td>

</td><td>
Willie Evans
(Wayne County HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl35_City">Waynesboro</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl35_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-2/265

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State
</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>
NR
</td><td>

</td><td>
Dedrick Clark
(Pontotoc HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl37_City">Pontotoc</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl37_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-5/230/4.70

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi

</td>
</tr></tbody></table></td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle"><td><table id="Cell0_DataGrid1" style="font-size: 10pt; width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle"><td><a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl09_Pos">QB</a>
</td><td>
NR
</td><td>

</td><td>
Bryan Brown
(Corinth HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl09_City">Corinth</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl09_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

5-11/195/4.40

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi
</td></tr></tbody></table></td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td><td>
</td></tr></tbody></table>

Moving on to 2003: The state again produced some good talent, but most of it was unexpected as several top players turned out to be busts. 

 


The good: Quinton Culberson (Rams), Omarr Conner (better receiver than QB), Quentin Groves
(Jaguars), Trumaine McBride (Bears), Will Arnold, Dezmond Sherrod
(Steelers), Jeremy Young, Daryl Harris (Chiefs), Eric Butler (Rams),
Jeremy Garrett and Kareem Moore (bust at Ole Miss, but playing with the
Redskins). Mico McSwain has a world of talent, but could never get his
**** together. Tim Bailey would be a good one years later. That's 13 players that could be considered good,
7 that made the pro ranks. 

 

The busts: Devrick Hampton, Donovan
Davis, Marcus Cohen (Daryl Harris was just part of a package with Cohen
as the headliner and McBride viewed as just a decent player. Nothing
was expected of Harris), Sean Merrill, Corey Clark, Marquis McBeath,and
the rest were either busts or just not good to begin with. 

<table id="Cell0_DataGrid1" style="font-size: 10pt; width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0">

<tbody><tr style="color: Black; font-size: 9pt; font-weight: bold;" valign="bottom"><td style="font-size: 9pt;"><a style="color: Black;">Pos</a></td><td style="font-size: 9pt;"><a style="color: Black;">Nat'l
Rank</a></td><td style="font-size: 9pt;"><a style="color: Black;">Nat'l
Rating</a></td><td style="font-size: 9pt;">
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl02_Name" style="color: Black;">Name</a>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl02_School" style="color: Black;">School</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl02_Hometown" style="color: Black;">Hometown</a>
</td><td style="font-size: 9pt;"><a style="color: Black;">Video</a></td><td style="font-size: 9pt;">
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl02_Ht" style="color: Black;">HT</a>/
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl02_Wt" style="color: Black;">WT</a>/
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl02_ExtendedControl" style="color: Black;">40</a>
</td><td style="font-size: 9pt;">Schools of Interest</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl03_Pos">S</a>
</td><td>
4
</td><td>

</td><td>
Quinton Culberson
(Provine HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl03_City">Jackson</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl03_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-1/205/4.50

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl04_Pos">QB</a>
</td><td>
9
</td><td>

</td><td>
Omarr Conner
(Noxubee County HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl04_City">Macon</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl04_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-1/205/4.50

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl06_Pos">DT</a>
</td><td>
20
</td><td>

</td><td>
Devrick Hampton
(Greenville HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl06_City">Greenville</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl06_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-3/275/4.80

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl07_Pos">OL</a>
</td><td>
28
</td><td>

</td><td>
Donovan Davis
(Callaway Sr HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl07_City">Jackson</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl07_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-7/324/5.60

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl09_Pos">S</a>
</td><td>
23
</td><td>

</td><td>
Rickey Wright
(South Panola HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl09_City">Batesville</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl09_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-1/185

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl10_Pos">TE</a>
</td><td>
24
</td><td>

</td><td>
Robert Hough
(Provine HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl10_City">Jackson</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl10_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-5/200/4.60

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl11_Pos">DE</a>
</td><td>
25
</td><td>

</td><td>
Quentin Groves
(Greenville HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl11_City">Greenville</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl11_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-4/230/4.50

</td><td>

Committed to Auburn

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl12_Pos">CB</a>
</td><td>
35
</td><td>

</td><td>
Trumaine McBride
(Clarksdale HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl12_City">Clarksdale</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl12_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

5-10/175/4.40

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl13_Pos">OL</a>
</td><td>
38
</td><td>

</td><td>
Will Arnold
(Centreville Academy)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl13_City">Centreville</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl13_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-5/325/5.10

</td><td>

Committed to LSU

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl14_Pos">S</a>
</td><td>
39
</td><td>

</td><td>
Fernando Matthews
(Clarksdale HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl14_City">Clarksdale</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl14_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-2/210/4.50

</td><td>

Mississippi State, Auburn, LSU, Mississippi, Southern Miss

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl15_Pos">OL</a>
</td><td>
44
</td><td>

</td><td>
Marcus Cohen
(Clarksdale HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl15_City">Clarksdale</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl15_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-4/298/5.40

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl16_Pos">DT</a>
</td><td>
51
</td><td>

</td><td>
Sean Merrill
(D'Iberville HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl16_City">Biloxi</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl16_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-4/278/4.85

</td><td>

Committed to LSU

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl17_Pos">QB</a>
</td><td>
54
</td><td>

</td><td>
Cliff Davis
(Eupora HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl17_City">Eupora</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl17_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-5/215/4.80

</td><td>

Committed to Alabama

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl18_Pos">DT</a>
</td><td>
56
</td><td>

</td><td>
Corey Clark
(Collins HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl18_City">Collins</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl18_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-3/285/4.90

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl19_Pos">LB</a>
</td><td>
70
</td><td>

</td><td>
Marquis McBeath
(Moss Point HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl19_City">Moss Point</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl19_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-0/217/4.60

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl20_Pos">WR</a>
</td><td>
88
</td><td>

</td><td>
Joey Sanders
(Noxubee County HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl20_City">Macon</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl20_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-2/200/4.50

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl21_Pos">WR</a>
</td><td>
97
</td><td>

</td><td>
Jason Husband
(Jim Hill HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl21_City">Jackson</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl21_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-3/200/4.60

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl22_Pos">TE</a>
</td><td>
55
</td><td>

</td><td>
Dezmond Sherrod
(Caledonia HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl22_City">Caledonia</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl22_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-3.5/225/4.80

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl23_Pos">QB</a>
</td><td>
68
</td><td>

</td><td>
Jeremy Young
(Provine HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl23_City">Jackson</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl23_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-4/198/4.65

</td><td>

Committed to Southern Miss

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl28_Pos">DE</a>
</td><td>
102
</td><td>

</td><td>
Viciente DeLoach
(Columbus HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl28_City">Columbus</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl28_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-4/225/4.70

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl29_Pos">WR</a>
</td><td>
105
</td><td>

</td><td>
Bruce Edwards
(Columbus HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl29_City">Columbus</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl29_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

5-10/165/4.40

</td><td>

Committed to Auburn

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl34_Pos">TE</a>
</td><td>
NR
</td><td>

</td><td>
Eric Butler
(Moss Point HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl34_City">Moss Point</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl34_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-2.5/215/4.60

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl35_Pos">CB</a>
</td><td>
125
</td><td>

</td><td>
Tyler Threadgill
(Philadelphia HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl35_City">Philadelphia</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl35_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

5-11/180

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl36_Pos">LB</a>
</td><td>
126
</td><td>

</td><td>
Quinton McCrary
(Columbus HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl36_City">Columbus</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl36_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-2/215/4.53

</td><td>

Committed to Memphis

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl37_Pos">CB</a>
</td><td>
130
</td><td>

</td><td>
Cory Jones
(Columbia HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl37_City">Columbia</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl37_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

5-9/176/4.40

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl39_Pos">OL</a>
</td><td>
136
</td><td>

</td><td>
Travis West
(Northeast Jones HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl39_City">Laurel</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl39_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-4/275/5.20

</td><td>

Committed to Alabama

</td>
</tr></tbody></table>

<table id="Cell0_DataGrid1" style="font-size: 10pt; width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0">

<tbody><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle"><td><a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl03_Pos">RB</a>
</td><td>
NR
</td><td>

</td><td>
Akeem Lofton
(Wayne County HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl03_City">Waynesboro</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl03_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

5-11/175

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl04_Pos">CB</a>
</td><td>
NR
</td><td>

</td><td>
Kareem Moore
(Okolona HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl04_City">Okolona</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl04_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-0/190/4.50

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl06_Pos">S</a>
</td><td>
NR
</td><td>

</td><td>
Mico McSwain
(Richton HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl06_City">Richton</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl06_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-2/190/4.60

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl07_Pos">OL</a>
</td><td>
NR
</td><td>

</td><td>
Royce Blackledge
(Northeast Jones HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl07_City">Laurel</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl07_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-4/270/4.90

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: White;" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl08_Pos">DT</a>
</td><td>
NR
</td><td>

</td><td>
Jeremy Garrett
(Senatobia Jr Sr HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl08_City">Senatobia</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl08_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-2/270

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl10_Pos">DE</a>
</td><td>
NR
</td><td>

</td><td>
Darryl Harris
(Clarksdale HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl10_City">Clarksdale</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl10_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

-/-

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl18_Pos">OL</a>
</td><td>
NR
</td><td>

</td><td>
Thomas Eckers
(West Point HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl18_City">West Point</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl18_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-2/280

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl20_Pos">OL</a>
</td><td>
NR
</td><td>

</td><td>
Lance Fremin
(Starkville HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl20_City">Starkville</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl20_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-1/260

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl22_Pos">OL</a>
</td><td>
NR
</td><td>

</td><td>
David Long
(Madison Central HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl22_City">Madison</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl22_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-10/305

</td><td>

Committed to Stanford

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl24_Pos">OL</a>
</td><td>
NR
</td><td>

</td><td>
Zac Napier
(South Jones HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl24_City">Ellisville</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl24_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-3/285

</td><td>

Committed to West Virginia

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl30_Pos">TE</a>
</td><td>
NR
</td><td>

</td><td>
Linzy Patterson
(Amory HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl30_City">Amory</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl30_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-3/228/4.80

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State
</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table id="Cell0_DataGrid1" style="font-size: 10pt; width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0">

<tbody><tr style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" valign="middle"><td><a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl14_Pos">OL</a>
</td><td>
NR
</td><td>

</td><td>
John Davis
(Oak Grove Attendance Center)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl14_City">Hattiesburg</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl14_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-2/285/5.10

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State

</td>
</tr><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle">
<td>

<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl15_Pos">DE</a>
</td><td>
NR
</td><td>

</td><td>
Sandy Quinn
(Provine HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl15_City">Jackson</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl15_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

6-3/240/4.80

</td><td>

Committed to Mississippi State
</td></tr></tbody></table>

<table id="Cell0_DataGrid1" style="font-size: 10pt; width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr style="background-color: rgb(238, 238, 238);" valign="middle"><td><a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl03_Pos">LB</a>
</td><td>
NR
</td><td>

</td><td>
Tim Bailey
(Riverside HS)
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl03_City">Avon</a>,
<a id="Cell0_DataGrid1_ctl03_State">MS</a>
</td><td>

</td><td>

-/-

</td><td>




</td></tr></tbody></table>

So, approaching 2004, a trend is
developing. The state does not produce enough talent to go between Ole
Miss and MSU, along with USM and out of state schools.

2004: It was a pretty thin year talent-wise in the state. 

 


The good: Xavier Mitchell (Browns), Rory Johnson (Giants), David
Traxler, Lavarus Giles (Jaguars), Anthony Strauder, Gabe O'Neal, Peria
Jerry (Falcons), Cortez McCraney, Brandon Jackson (Packers) Jamarca
Sanford (Vikings), Glover Quin (Colts). Garry Pack was a good player,
but made a stupid decision. That's 12 good players from

8dog · Jan 26, 2010

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

1. So many examples of guys from MS not panning out are some of the top guys. Are you suggesting you don't offer them?

2. Related to no. 1, you have several guys at the bottom that were contributors when some of the top guys weren't.

It would be stupid to say "well, we think you are the no. 22 player in MS and we like you, but we don't think MS has 22 SEC players so you are out."

The chance of the no. 22 guy in MS panning out are about the same as the no. 140 guy in florida and its a lot easier to recruit the MS kid. And now that Cell South's gameplan is in place and several districts are adjusting grading scales, going after MS kids is worth it more.

People act like Nutt is killing it out of state, but I haven't seen it this year. And frankly, one of his most heralded out of state signees last year is already gone.

Im really not advocating one way of thinking over another, but I think this whole "MS only has so many SEC types" theory has its flaws.

goldeneye · Jan 26, 2010

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

I think its more of a recruiting pitch than an actual gameplan. Look at all the out of state offers he has given out. At the end of the day , he doesnt pass up offering a Rajion Neal for a kid in MS that he thinks is less of a talent. We never gave Markese Triplett a solid offer but we offered Madrecus Humphrey from AL (big mistake by the way). In theory, all schoolds probably recruit their home state first but the bigger schools just have more success bringing in out of state talent.

jcdawgman18 · Jan 26, 2010

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

1) How is Charles Burns a bust? He hasn't been all-world, but he's been very, very solid.<div>
</div><div>2)Derrick Davis hasn't done anything, but I believe that is due to the fact that he never recovered from one of the more gruesome knee injuries I've ever seen. Knees shouldn't bend backward that far.</div>

RebelBruiser · Jan 26, 2010

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

8Dog said:
1. So many examples of guys from MS not panning out are some of the top guys. Are you suggesting you don't offer them?

2. Related to no. 1, you have several guys at the bottom that were contributors when some of the top guys weren't.

It would be stupid to say "well, we think you are the no. 22 player in MS and we like you, but we don't think MS has 22 SEC players so you are out."

The chance of the no. 22 guy in MS panning out are about the same as the no. 140 guy in florida and its a lot easier to recruit the MS kid. And now that Cell South's gameplan is in place and several districts are adjusting grading scales, going after MS kids is worth it more.

People act like Nutt is killing it out of state, but I haven't seen it this year. And frankly, one of his most heralded out of state signees last year is already gone.

Im really not advocating one way of thinking over another, but I think this whole "MS only has so many SEC types" theory has its flaws.

Lost in all this is that Nutt does want to recruit Mississippi first too. He's landed some good out of state players as well, but he's not conceding the state, and I think that's the biggest problem with focusing too much on Mississippi.

There will always be players that will go to Ole Miss or MSU over the other regardless of the situation. You can't sweep the state.

maroonmania · Jan 26, 2010

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

if we could start having some consistent success. When you are recruiting out-of-state guys that have no built in loyalty to you they are much more likely to seriously consider you if they think they can be part of a successful program. Now right now Mullen is trying to convince them that will happen but its just a sales job until we get some tangible success to back it up with. Therefore, for right now, concentrating primarily in-state IS likely the best strategy. Hopefully with some success we can supplement that more with the out-of-state guys than we currently are able to.

ckDOG · Jan 26, 2010

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

I think some are misinterpreting this as if we are going to "live and die by the MS talent". It's not that way at all. It's simply a tactic to try to make sure that we get the best of a limited resource. We already have a smaller recruiting base in MS, but there's no doubt that it is fertile at times. Anything we can do to increase our chances at snagging high quality recruits that are just down the street can only make our recruiting efforts better.

Basically, if successful, it guarantees a solid core of recruits that are relatively easily obtainable year in and year out. After you identify your core, you then can move on to identifying your other needs and filling those needs with either a) "diamond in the rough" MS talent (Jackie liked this) and b) out of state talent.

The greater you can expand your "core" into locally grown recruits, the easier it is for you to be more effective when having to cover extended ground in your recruiting efforts. Basically, the less you have to spread your resources out, the more effective we can be in our out of state efforts. It's a simple and logical approach to recruiting.

MedDawg · Jan 26, 2010

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

Those players were coached by Croom and Orgeron. <div>
</div><div>Looking at it a different way: checking rosters of Ole Miss' and MSU's best teams will find a significant number from Mississippi.</div><div>
</div><div>I do like going after Mississippi players, and we're beginning to read comments from Mississippi prospects about playing with each other at State.</div><div>
</div><div>Either way, Mullen's original statement was to concentrate within a five-hour radius (he didn't say just Mississippi). That 5-hour radius includes a lot of players from Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee. An very large portion of MSU's and UM's successful teams came from that wider area. </div><div>
</div><div>
</div><div>
</div>

maroonmania · Jan 26, 2010

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

Do MS HS recruits turn out to be busts on any larger percentage than out-of-state recruits? I don't know. You can certainly point to a lot of MS guys we've signed that have been busts BUT WE SIGN a lot higher percentage of MS guys and follow their recruiting more so we remember them more. We've certainly had out-of-state signees that were not worth the effort as well. Heck, the biggest bust we've probably ever had at QB (based on ranking) was an out-of-stater, Rodney Hudson.

Johnson85 · Jan 26, 2010

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

ckDOG said:
...Basically, if successful, it guarantees a solid core of recruits that are relatively easily obtainable year in and year out. After you identify your core, you then can move on to identifying your other needs and filling those needs with either a) "diamond in the rough" MS talent (Jackie liked this) and b) out of state talent...

The emphasis on MS is a sales gimmick. Right now, State doesn't have any businesspoaching out of state talent thatare high on other states boards. And it has limited resources to look for diamonds in the rough among the leftovers from other states. Focusing on in-state talent gets their relationships in placeinState's natural recruiting base so that each year (if successful), Mullen can know he has a decent base for his recruiting class. Most years, that will give him a couple of talented players and lots of role players, freeing him up to be focused on his out of state recruits. At most, the local focus will mean that if they are in a position where they are taking a flyer on someone, they might be more likely to do it on somebody from in state (i.e., Dylan Favre).

RebelBruiser · Jan 26, 2010

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

MedDawg said:
Those players were coached by Croom and Orgeron. <div>
</div><div>Looking at it a different way: checking rosters of Ole Miss' and MSU's best teams will find a significant number from Mississippi.</div><div>
</div><div>I do like going after Mississippi players, and we're beginning to read comments from Mississippi prospects about playing with each other at State.</div><div>
</div><div>Either way, Mullen's original statement was to concentrate within a five-hour radius (he didn't say just Mississippi). That 5-hour radius includes a lot of players from Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Tennessee. An very large portion of MSU's and UM's successful teams came from that wider area. </div><div>
</div><div>
</div><div>
</div>

I agree about the 5-hour radius thing, and that's common sense. Of course you'll get most of your talent from driving distance. I do think we should both spend a lot of time in Florida though, and I'm glad we're finally doing that. I believe we have two recruiters that recruit the state now.

Our 2008 team by the way was heavy out of state, more than 50% out of state I believe. We were closer to 40% in-state, though I'm not going to run the numbers again. I looked at it one time and remember it being about 60-40 out of state, and we've had that quite a bit over the years, even with our good teams.

rezdawg · Jan 26, 2010

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

I'm just saying...

Homer J Simpson IV · Jan 26, 2010

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

8Dog said:
1. So many examples of guys from MS not panning out are some of the top guys. Are you suggesting you don't offer them?

2. Related to no. 1, you have several guys at the bottom that were contributors when some of the top guys weren't.

It would be stupid to say "well, we think you are the no. 22 player in MS and we like you, but we don't think MS has 22 SEC players so you are out."

The chance of the no. 22 guy in MS panning out are about the same as the no. 140 guy in florida and its a lot easier to recruit the MS kid. And now that Cell South's gameplan is in place and several districts are adjusting grading scales, going after MS kids is worth it more.

People act like Nutt is killing it out of state, but I haven't seen it this year. And frankly, one of his most heralded out of state signees last year is already gone.

Im really not advocating one way of thinking over another, but I think this whole "MS only has so many SEC types" theory has its flaws.

Not saying we didn't offer the top guys. We did. I also realize that a lot of the better contributors turn out to be guys not all that highly thought of in high school. I'll defer to Mullen on that one, who has said he doesn't want to miss on the next Jerry Rice, Brett Favre, Walter Payton, etc. The problem is when you start issuing shotgun blasts of offers. Odds are you may once in a lifetime hidden gem, but will likely instead wind up with a lot of bodies taking up space on the roster.

It's too soon to tell what effect the changes in grade scales and CellSouth Gameplan will have in the long run. But look at how many of those guys that signed with MSU and Ole Miss actually qualified out of high school and made it to campus, but still didn't work out, whether due to academics being overhyped or really just not being all that talented to begin with.

And while we did have a casualty in Craig Drummond last year, I also realize that most of our success the last two seasons has come from guys without Mississippi ties. Eight of our major contributors the last two years (Powe, the Jerrys, Hodge, Marcus Tillman, Allen Walker and Markeith Summers and Cordera Eason) from the last two Cotton Bowl teams were from Mississippi. Of course, Louisiana product Brandon Bolden got more time than Eason this year, and Peria Jerry graduated last year.

The rest was an assortment from California, Florida, Louisiana, Texas and Georgia.

In my opinion, academic problems solved or not, the state is just too small for both SEC schools, along with others trying to dip into the pot, and USM to rely on the high school talent the state produces.

8dog · Jan 26, 2010

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

on MS and LA kids these last 2 years. The decision to go into Louisiana was easy b/c of O and Wilson.

And a fortunate transfer didn't hurt things.

olemissbydamn · Jan 26, 2010

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

I think all this talk of the perfect formula or ration of instate vs. out of state players is just another stupid rivalry argument with absolutely no merit.<div>
</div><div>If you team has more instate, as a poster, you come here and spew **** about how important it is to lock down your state.</div><div>
</div><div>If your team has more out of state guys, as a poster, you come here and discredit having a wealth of MS players.</div><div>
</div><div>Just like the Ark fans...last year they beat their chest over their Rivals recruiting ranking. Now that they are sucking hind tit, they want to talk about how bogus the rankings are. They are rationalizing their cause to themselves.</div><div>
</div><div>Regarding instate or out of state....give me the best 25 that are willing to come to my school. I could give a **** less what their zip code is.</div>

Todd4State · Jan 26, 2010

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

Here's why: Think about the very best players that we've had recently at MSU- AD, Norwood, Moulds, Keefer, Smoot- where did most of them come from? Mississippi.

The fact of the matter is this: If we are going to get a "blue chip" player, it's most likely going to come from Mississippi. The real question is this- Are Mississippi's top players as good as the ones from Florida, Texas, and California? And I would say that the very best could indeed hold their own with those players. What people have to realize about those states is that most of those players are more likely to go to an in state school like a South Florida vs coming to Starkville in a lot of cases. So, basically we're going after players that are basically comparable to the players that we could get in state in a lot of cases. Realistically, we're not going to be able to get the top prospects in those states away from Texas or Florida or whoever.

But I think one advantage to getting Mississippians is that you can build ties to other recruits that come out of those schools. A guy at Terry may see AD have success and then want to come to MSU because of that. I also think that MSU as a University is trying to bill itself as Mississippi's university. I think it makes sense to reinforce that by saying our football team has Mississippi's best players on it or is primarily made up of Mississippians. We're getting players that a lot of times "want to be Bulldogs" when we recruit in state as well. I do think that there is something to that. It's a small part, but I also think that having some pride about your team is a good thing and something that is desirable. I think having Mississippians is good for the University with the "Mississippi's University" mission because it also attracts students when they see these players on Fri. night from their hometown, and then the next they see them starring for MSU- like Chad Bumphis.

As far as the past, there have been steps taken to get Mississipppi players eligible, and the schools are becoming more and more aware of what it takes to get them eligible, so that's not as big as issue as it once was. Now there is only one guy in the Dandy Dozen that likely won't qualify, but the others are on track. That was unheard of five years ago. So, why not take a chance on them?

I think where MSU gets beat a lot of time in football is not because of the front line talent that we have- it's because of depth and lack of general player development at the high school level- (sorry coaches). What that means is that MSU has to have coaches that can develop the players that we get to be successful. Look at Croom- he was a poor coach, and had a poor offensive staff in general. But on defense, we were usually successful because we had a good defensive coordinator. Look at the staff from last year- our offense was adequate most of the time despite limitations in talent. Why? Because we had a good offensive staff that could coach. But we finished 11th in the SEC in defense last year because we had a DC that wasn't very good at this stage of his career. Some schools can afford to have a Willie Martinez at DC and they can still go to a bowl- like UGA. If we have a bad staff even on one side of the ball, we go 4-8.

So, I think the key is finding the best players in Mississippi, give them good coaches and a good reason to go to MSU and not Alabama or LSU and then coach them up.

Shmuley · Jan 26, 2010

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

Hell, I'd be fine if the only part of Tennessee his *** touches is the corporate boundaries of Memphis, and it would suit me fine if his *** never crossed into Arkansas. He needs to recruit Mississippi, Louisiana, very selective parts of Alabama (especially B'Ham and Mobile), Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, and the Florida panhandle. There's your f'n radius right there.

RebelBruiser · Jan 26, 2010

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

Shmuley said:
Hell, I'd be fine if the only part of Tennessee his *** touches is the corporate boundaries of Memphis, and it would suit me fine if his *** never crossed into Arkansas. He needs to recruit Mississippi, Louisiana, very selective parts of Alabama (especially B'Ham and Mobile), Atlanta, Houston, Dallas, and the Florida panhandle. There's your f'n radius right there.

I agree with you, though there are only so many staff members that can take on only so many regions, so you really can't hit all of those spots. You have to pick and choose. I think I'd throw in the whole state of Florida, especially south Florida. Sure the panhandle is closer, but we've gotten some solid pick ups from the Miami area here recently.

Does anyone else really like Mullen's theory of recruiting first & foremost MS kids?

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