<h1>
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This page consists of facts that I have read and rumors that I have heard or been emailed. I cannot vouch for the accuracy of the rumors, but I want all of you to know what I know. However, I will not put negative rumors about any university or its coaches on this page.
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<table border="1" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="2" align="center">Previous Month's Skuttle-Butt
<tbody><tr><th>1996</th><th>October</th><th>November</th><th>December</th><tr><th>1997</th><th>January</th></tr></tr></tbody></table>
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</p>
02/28/97 - This coming season look for another addition to our football stadium that EVERYBODY will love; more restrooms!
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02/26/97 - Here's a football player from Heritage Academy (Columbus, MS) I've been meaning to mention on my page for quite a while. Chad Ferraez is a 6-1 205, linebacker with 4.7 speed. He can bench press 325 pounds and squat 415. I have been told he is a ferocious hitter on defense. He has gotten very little attention; although, he is talking to Livingston, Mississippi College and North Alabama. He also interviewed with Miss State this past week. I'm not sure what will come of the interview, but I do know this guy has a defensive player's mentality. In fact, during one game this year he knocked Burney Veazey out cold for about 10 minutes.
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02/25/97 - Since I can't talk to high school or junior college players or coaches, I am making a personal appeal to all of you out there that are high school or junior college referees and officials. If you are willing, I would like to receive info from you about various football, basketball or baseball players you see. Anything you want to say about any player would be greatly appreciated. Of course, I will never mention your name. This is just a way that I can further evaluate players and give the most accurate info available to my readers. Think about it; who knows the abilities and attitudes of the best players in Mississippi, an official who officiates the games or these so-called expert recruiting gurus? If any of you are officials, let me know what you think.
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02/25/97 - Here's a brief analysis by Southeastern Recruiting Alliance of Miss State's recruiting class: "Mississippi State's class is much stronger than last year's group. Madkin is an exciting signal caller, who has a chance to develop into a very good SEC quarterback. Johnson is a talented ball carrier. The wide outs are among the top JUCO receivers in the nation. This is another huge offensive line headed to Starkville. Fairchild is an athletic figure that runs very well. Wyms broke Ole Miss' heart by picking the Bulldogs. We think he could play early at defensive end."
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Sorry I can't give you the complete analysis, but it wouldn't be fair to SRA if I did. If you have a chance, contact these guys and order their publication. They are very fair and accurate. They are one of the few recruiting publications I will continue subscribing to next year.
</p>
02/22/97 - I need sizes and anything else you know about any of these players:
</p>
[*]RB Jojo Miller - Columbus HS
[*]OL Dante Ellington - Clarksdale HS
[*]OL Josh Hawkins - South Panola HS
[*]DL Thad Weatherspoon - Tupelo HS
[*]LB Antwan Bradford - South Panola HS
[*]LB Mario Haggan - Clarksdale HS
[*]LB Brandon McAffee - Clarksdale HS
[*]DB Gerry Jones - Grenada HS
[*]DB Jonathan Rainey - Tupelo HS
[*]DB Berndale Golliday - Grenada HS
[*]DB Ras Bayles - McAdams
[*]QB Patrick Burchfield - Maben HS
[*]RB Leroy Johnson - Gulfport HS
</p>
02/22/97 - Here's a little more info about the new Scott Field scoreboard. It will be located where the present scoreboard is. It will show the game in progress as well as player bios and instant replays. The clarity of the screen will almost be as clear during the day as it will be during the night. Give AD Larry Templeton and Coach Jackie Sherrill a lot of credit, they know how to do things first class. First Coach Sherrill and his staff go out and sign a fantastic recruiting class. Now, he and AD Larry Templeton purchase a fantastic new video screen for Scott Field. BTW, the old scoreboard will be placed on top the M-Club building.
</p>
02/21/97 - Here's some info I received Thursday night:
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[*]Our O-Line next year will be better than that of 1994.
[*]It is likely that a new scoreboard ( ala diamondvision) will be installed at Scott Field.
[*]Jeff Walker will be the punter next year. He has the strongest leg we have ever had at MSU.
[*]Even with all of the JUCO signees, we will only have 25 in our junior class next year. What does this mean? It means, unlike what some are saying in the media, Jackie did not sell out the future for a few victories next year. The guy did his homework and he is right where all of the other programs are, plus he has immediate talent to help Miss State win next year. Jackie gets it done in his own quiet way.
02/20/97 - While other sites are still talking about their football recruiting efforts of this year, yours truly is hard at work putting together a list of Mississippi's best high school football senior players for next year. I will be giving you, my loyal readers, a sneak preview Monday. Look for my "Sweet 16" high school football senior players list Monday. I'll tell you this, 1997 is going to be the year of the running back. This is the site to visit if you want to know about tomorrow's players today.
</p>
02/20/97 - Here's a little more info on Ed Porter, the walkon QB from Jackson Prep. According to one of his former coaches, Ed is a solid player and given time could become a solid player for Miss State. He believes Miss State got a diamond in the rough. According to Ed's dad, Ed will walkon, then sign a scholarship when one becomes available, either next December or February.
</p>
02/19/97 - Just got my latest J. C. Grid-Wire. According to it, Miss State signed 6 JUCO players that were rated in the national top 100. They are WR Kevin Prentiss, WR Kevin Cooper, OL Brad Elmore, OL Craig Moore, OL Randy Thomas and RB James Johnson. They don't rate them in numerical order.
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02/19/97 - According to J. C. Grid-Wire, David Godfrey, a DB from Itawamba CC, hurt his back during the JUCO All-Star game and may never play football again.
</p>
02/17/97 - According to the Sunday edition (2/16/97) of The Clarion-Ledger, "the right knee of TB Keffer McGee was scoped last week to clean out scar tissue left over from reconstructive surgery. McGee is on course for limited spring work and is expected to be full speed when two-a-days begin Aug. 7."
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02/15/97 - I have heard from a source who has children who go to Jackson Prep, and according to them, Jason Cabell is telling people that he will be attending Millsaps. Stay tuned for further developments.
</p>
02/14/97 - I have had one source tell me Miss State has got Jason Cabell's best friend Ed Porter to walk on at State. I have also been told that Jason Cabell will enroll at State this summer and play football. If anyone has knowledge to confirm this, email me.
</p>
02/12/97 - Coach Jackie Sherrill was on the Mississippi Sports Talk show tonight. Here are a few of his comments:
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[*]He was extremely happy with the signees.
[*]He expects Miss State to go bowling next year.
[*]He said Floyd Womack is very quick and has good feet.
[*]He said two of the first players Joe Lee Dunn asked about when he was hired were Ellis Wyms and Jamaal Dinkins.
[*]He expects to sign 25 players next year.
[*]Keffer McGee will be ready by next Fall.
[*]He is very impressed with Wayne Madkin. Not sure at this time if he will be redshirted.
[*]Said the hardest positions for freshmen to come in and play are QB and OL. He has had only one player to come in as a freshman and play effectively on the offensive line.
[*]Also said we had 30 players come in for visits, of whom 17 signed with us, four others were placed in Jucos, two players weren't offered and the others signed elsewhere.
02/11/97 - Sophomore to be John Hilliard, a defensive end on the football team, has provisionally qualified for the NCAA Indoor Championships in the shot put with the second-longest throw, 58-6, in Miss State history. Another football Bulldog, Terry Day, has also provisionally qualified in the shot put. Looks like Miss State has two of the strongest defensive linemen in the SEC.
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02/11/97 - The cowbell amendment failed 76-43. Oh well, we tried.
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02/10/97 - Here's what Super Prep says about Dorsett Davis: "Men this big (6-6, 270) don't run this well. Those in the South say Davis has as quick a first step as most RB's. With a 345 BP he becomes too tough for one man to handle. Despite being double and triple teamed, Davis made 102 stops in 1996 with 8 sacks and 1 pick. He has a 2.5 core GPA and a 14 ACT. He needs a 17 to qualify."
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02/10/97 - While we are all very proud of the sucesses our sports teams had last year, we can be even more proud of the academic success of our student-athletes during this past Fall semester. Here's a rundown by GPA by team. Source: Dawgs' Bite:
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Men's Overall GPA: 2.72 </p>
[*]Golf - 3.19
[*]Tennis - 3.07
[*]Track - 2.79
[*]Baseball - 2.77
[*]Basketball - 2.71
[*]Football - 2.60
Women's Overall GPA: 3.06 </p>
[*]Tennis - 3.28
[*]Soccer - 3.11
[*]Track - 3.09
[*]Volleyball - 3.08
[*]Golf - 3.06
[*]Softball - 2.94
[*]Basketball - 2.87
A tip of our Bulldog caps to our student-athletes as well as the academic staff at Miss State: Ray Berryhill, director of athletic academics, Linda Buehler, Ann Carr, George Miller and Lanna Miller.
</p>
02/10/97 - Here is The Clarion-Ledger's Miss State football recruiting analysis.
</p>
02/10/97 - Look for new strength coach Mike Grant to pay big dividends this coming year in more ways than one. Not only will he be a very good strength coach, but if allowed to, he should also help out with the defense. He was the reason Calhoun City high school had one of the best defenses in Mississippi high school 2A the past two years. My source told me the Wildcat defense was unbelievable for a 2A school and Grant was the reason. As an extra benefit, he should also help in recruiting, since he has been coaching in the Mississippi high school ranks the past two years.
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02/09/97 - Anthony Williams, a DB from Hinds CC who signed with Miss State last year but was not academically eligible, signed with Delta State.
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02/09/97 - Watch for Marvin Coley, a 6-5 265 DL, a late signee from last year's group to make an impact next year. He is a JUCO player who had surgery last year and was redshirted.
</p>
02/08/97 - Jacquis Walker, RB from Holly Springs, signed with Arkansas State. He, at one time, was being looked at by both Miss State and Ole Miss. Arkansas State also signed Cleo Lemon, a QB from Greenwood, who visited Southern Miss and Miss State looked at but did not bring in for a visit.
</p>
02/07/97 - In their Sunday edition, The Clarion-Ledger will analyze how each Mississippi team did with their recruiting efforts.
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02/07/97 - Finally found out who John Humphrey, a Miss State signee a couple of years ago who failed to qualify, signed with: Texas A&M-Kingsville. Here's a list of other Texas players we recruited but who went elsewhere:
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</p>
[*]Adrian Cole - Missouri
[*]Roderick Kelley - Trinity Valley CC
[*]Thomas Dunson - LSU
[*]Mike Minott - Juco
[*]Kevin Gober - SMU
02/07/97 - Yesterday two more players were announced as either a signee or a commitment: Commitment - Garth Henry, a 6-3 290 DL with 5.0 speed; Signee - Bert Keyes, a 6-0 270 LB (?) with 4.9 speed. Both are Jucos.
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02/07/97 - We lost out on the JUCO QB from Texas. Also lost out on the DB I mentioned. Can't win them all. I'm extremely happy with the ones we did get.
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02/07/97 - Guess who had the number one JUCO class in the entire USA? None other than Miss State, according to J. C. Gridwire. Wait a go Coach Sherrill and staff.
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02/07/97 - Wayne Madkin has qualified. Outstanding news!
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02/07/97 - Sam Potts, a player I have mentioned before, is not only a very good baseball player, but based on info I was emailed he is also an outstanding football player. Another one of those overlooked Mississippi players. Read these stats and info: He made the Division 2-4A all district team as a QB, as well as garnering most valuable offensive player on this team. He threw for approximately 1,500 yards, 15 TDs and ran for 5 more. Plus, he led his team to the state championship game where they lost a heartbreaker. Folks, Mississippi has a gold mine of top athletes IMO. Sam is just one of many. If you know of any others, email me any info you have and I will post it. If you have any info on any up and coming seniors to be, I would really like to receive it from you. Let's promote Mississippi's best!
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02/06/97 - I have just been informed, from a reliable source, that Dorsett Davis has just signed with Miss State. Before we all get too excited, remember, there is a big possiblity that he will not be eligible. He will, more than likely, have to go the JUCO or Prep School route. At least we signed him. No other school can say that. BTW, Joe Lee Dunn is rumored to have said he is the best high school defensive lineman he has ever seen. Keep your fingers crossed fellow Bulldogs. It wouldn't hurt if you kept those toes crossed also.
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02/06/97 - Miss State has just hired Mike Grant as the new strength coach. He was with Joe Lee Dunn at Ole Miss and Memphis State (now Memphis).
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02/06/97 - Tyler Peterson signed with North Alabama today. Look for them to continue being a dominate force in their division, because they also signed Tanny Flowers to go along with Tyler. North Alabama signed two great Mississippi players. Bobby Wallace is an outstanding recruiter, to say the least.
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02/06/97 - According to Coach Jackie Sherrill, the players Miss State signed in December and February 5th will give Miss State a great chance to play for the SEC championship. He said almost all of the players we signed will be able to play immediately. You can tell why just by looking at the 40 speed of these guys. Truly outstanding. The players that will have the biggest impact are as follows:
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[*]RB James Johnson, 4.5 speed - The number 1 running back in the Mississppi JUCO ranks.
[*]WR Kevin Prentiss, sub 4.4 speed - The number 1 wide receiver in the entire JUCO ranks. A consensus All-American
[*]WR Kevin Cooper, 4.5 speed - A preseason JUCO All-American candidate. Was hurt during the season. Now 100% as evidenced by his 4.5 speed
[*]WR James Jones, 4.4 speed - An all-state player in high school.
[*]OL Brad Elmore, 5.0 speed - Consensus All-American out of high school
[*]OL Craig Moore, 5.0 speed - All-State JUCO in Mississippi
[*]OL Anthony Kapp, 5.0 speed - The 17th best prospect in the New England area coming out of high school
[*]OL Randy Thomas, 4.85 speed, 32" vertical leap - Number 1 OL in Mississippi
[*]LB Edward Smith, 4.5 speed - Joe Lee Dunn calls him an impact player. Need I say more?
[*]LB Jamaal Dinkins, 4.6 speed - The number 1 linebacker in Mississippi. The first player JL Dunn asked about when he was hired by Jackie Sherrill
[*]LB Ellis Wyms, 4.6 speed - All-State his senior year. A tremendous all around athlete.
02/06/97 - It looks like Coffeyville CC (KS) DL Bert Keys may sign with Miss State. He is 6-1, 265 with 4.9 speed.
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02/05/97 - Miss State is waiting on a big-time DB to decide between us and another school. My source wouldn't tell me the name of the player or the other school. Stay tuned.........
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02/05/97 - Here's our February signees. Click here to read info on each player. Extremely impressive group so far. Jackie Sherrill and his staff have done an outstanding job getting these guys on the dotted line:
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[*]Kevin Cooper - WR, 6-3 195
[*]Kenric Fairchild - DL, 6-5 300
[*]James Jones - WR, 6-2 180
[*]Craig Moore - OL, 6-3 315
[*]Floyd Womack - OL, 6-4 334
[*]Ellis Wyms - LB, 6-5 230
[*]Edward Smith - LB, 6-1 220
[*]Jamaal Dinkins - LB, 6-2 230
[*]Wayne Madkin - QB, 6-4 195
[*]Bert Keyes - LB, 6-1 266
[*]Dorsett Davis - DT, 6-6 270
02/05/97 - This one has me completely puzzled. Tyler Peterson, the outstanding QB from Louisville, is now seriously considering Delta State, East Miss CC and has drawn some interest from North Alabama. My question is why? This is a QB that has a very good arm, great speed, and is very intelligent. I sure hope this guy doesn't come back to haunt all three of the major instate schools, since it appears they have all backed off of him.
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02/05/97 - All of you Bulldogs that have fallen for this media hype that we are getting our tails kicked in recruiting better look at our very impressive list of signees. Our coaches have done an oustanding job getting these players to sign on the dotted line. We are probably going to have 11 to 12 immediate impact players among our 16 signees. We really helped ourselves with our receivers, offensive linemen and linebackers signees. Look for our defense to be something special with Joe Lee Dunn adding the new linebacker signees to it. Also look for whomever our QB is next year, Wyatt or Madkin, to put up some great numbers with the help of our new offensive linemen and wide receivers signees. I'm already looking forward to next year.
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02/05/97 - It appears nothing came of the meeting between Dulymus McAllister and our coach Glenn Davis this past weekend. Guess he wanted to explain to the Bulldogs why he chose Ole Miss. Really can't say anything bad about Dulymus. He was ours to lose and we lost him. We were just outrecruited by Ole Miss on this one. You win some and you lose some. In head to head competition, we won James Johnson, Ellis Wyms, Jamaal Dinkins, Craig Moore and Randy Thomas. Ole Miss won Terrence Metcalf, Romaro Miller, Dulymus McAllister, and Ken Lucas.
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02/05/97 - No signee info yet, but I'm trying.
</p>
02/05/97 - It has been confirmed that Dulymus McAllister was visited by MSU assistant coach Glenn Davis and former Bulldog player Michael Davis, his cousin, this past weekend at his request. I really don't expect anything to come of it, but it was reported to me and I'm now reporting it to you.
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02/05/97 - As I said last night, the rumors that Jamaal Dinkins is waivering on his commitment is completely false. He WILL sign with MSU today.
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02/05/97 - More oustanding news for the Bulldogs. Ellis Wyms will sign with the Bulldogs today. He is a 6-3 230, LB with 4.6 speed. What a prospect! We now have the two best LB's in the state committed to us. Dinkins, Wyms and Edward Smith will fit into the Joe Lee Dunn defense perfect because of their tremendous speed. There will be very few schools that will sign a group of linebackers this fast. Look for all three players to have big impacts at State next year. Remember, offense is for show; defense wins games.
</p>
02/05/97 - All indications are that Dorsett Davis will not have the ACT score to get into school next fall, but he will be taking it again next week. It is still down to Miss State and Oklahoma. In all probability, he will sign late, so don't worry if he does not sign with the Bulldogs today. This guy is worth the wait, according to Kevin Henderson, of MISSISSIPPI HOOPS. Kevin has seen all the players in Mississippi this year and he says Davis is the best lineman in the state, even better than Terrence Metcalf and Kenny Smith. What sets him apart from all the rest is his speed and quickness, which are unreal for a big man.
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02/04/97 - Orlando Dantzler has committed to Southern Miss over Miss State, according to WDAM TV 7.
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02/04/97 - It has been reported to me that WHBQ in Memphis is reporting that Jamaal Dinkins has committed to Ole Miss. Don't worry Bulldogs, he will be signing with us tomorrow.
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02/04/97 - Muskingum Barnes committed to LSU, as expected.
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02/04/97 - NEED HELP FOR SIGNING DAY!!!! Does anyone know how I can get the names of the players as they sign with us? I used to be able to listen to 106.1 FM for this info, but since they no longer do it, I need help.
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02/04/97 - Mark Henderson, a RB from Louisiana, has committed to Arkansas. Miss State was recruiting him at one time.
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02/03/97 - Ole Miss pick up a commitment from Robert Gates, a 6-3 245 DE from Holmes CC. From what I have been told, Ole Miss offered early and Miss State, due to it's scholarship limitations, weren't able to offer. Read below and you'll see who we are saving our final scholarships for. Looks like we are coming on strong at the end. Almost all of the great players that are left in Mississippi have Miss State as one of their final two.
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02/03/97 - Dorsett Davis, the best defensive lineman in the state, was quoted in The Clarion-Ledger as saying, "I thought I had my mind made up, but something else came across. It's the distance away from home and stuff like that. It's like 51percent for OU and 49 percent for Mississippi State. I might just decide at the last minute to flip a coin or something." IMO, he WILL chose the Bulldogs.
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02/03/97 - Also in The Clarion-Ledger today. Indianola Gentry LB Ellis Wyms was quoted as saying about Miss State and why he is leaning there, "The main thing is the style of defense. I feel I fit in better there."
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02/03/97 - Orlando Dantzler will chose between Miss State and Southern Miss Tuesday, according to The Clarion-Ledger. He is leaning to Southern Miss at this time.
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02/03/97 - Muskingum Barnes will announce between LSU or Florida Tuesday at 2:30.
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02/03/97 - It has been reported to me that Miss State has offered a scholarship to Lafaro Williams, a 6-3 280 offensive lineman from Jacksonville, Fla. He is a very good run blocker who drives his man downfield with good technique, according to Pigskin Preps. He is close to qualifying.
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02/03/97 - It has been confirmed that Alabama is, indeed, now recruiting Wayne Madkin. My source told me he doesn't expect anything to come of it since Wayne knows about the JUCO QB that will sign with Alabama. According to my source, who has talked to Romaro Miller several times, Romaro also knew about this same JUCO QB and he decided there was no reason to sign with Alabama if he was going to be there. The JUCO QB is probably a better choice for Alabama anyway. This will give their future QB, Tyler Watts, more time to develop.
</p>
02/03/97 - Just found it out this weekend, John Hilliard, the outstanding DT from Texas, was redshirted this past year. He was considered the number one defensive lineman in the state of Texas two years ago, but injured his knee his senior year. He played as a freshman but was still not completely healthy, so the coaching staff thought it would be better to go ahead and redshirt him this past year. He is now completely healthy, so expect big things from him next year.
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02/02/97 - I can confirm that Orlando Dantzler and Muskingum Barnes were both on campus today, since I saw both at the basketball game. One other player I saw, who has already signed with Miss State, was OL Randy Thomas. This guy is rock solid. Most OL are big with a big stomach; not this guy. Although he is a 6-4 285 offensive lineman, he looks very muscular and not fat at all. He was sitting near Barnes and Dantzler and he appeared to be having a great time at the game. If this guy is as good as he looks athletically, he will be some kind of offensive lineman.
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Also at the game was a who's who of Mississippi HS basketball. Go to this location to read some extraordinary news about what high school basketball players were at the Miss State-Bama game Saturday, 2/1/97. You won't believe the talent!
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02/02/97 - Jackie Sherrill is, supposedly, recruiting a very talented JUCO QB from Texas. Supposed to be able to step right in and start next year. At this time, I don't have a name. This has not been confirmed, so consider it a rumor at this time.
</p>
02/01/97 - Tupelo Rep. Steve Holland, an Miss State alum, has introduced a bill to prohibit university officials and law enforcement from confiscating symbols, noisemakers, etc., from people at collegiate sporting events in Mississippi. This means that the SEC, if they want these items taken away from people, would have to supply the security to do it. If you agree with this bill, please contact your local representative and tell him to vote yes. There is one stipulation in it that says if the noise gets too loud, the officials have the right to penalize the home team.
</p>
02/01/97 - A source of mine I consider very knowledgeable when it comes to Amory football, told me to look for Sam Gregg, a 6-4, 295 OL with 5.2 speed from Amory, MS., to commit to Miss State. He will be a walk-on his first year with the opportunity to earn a scholarship next year. Here's what Pigskin Preps says about him: "He graded 95% blocking as a junior. That's a great number! He is a 3-year starter. He has temendous strength benching 365 with a 550-lb squat. He has the toughness to become a great one in college. He has a 3.2 gpa with19 on the ACT."
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Here's additional info about him: He was selected 2-team all-state by The Clarion-Ledger his senior year. He was also selected to The Commercial Appeal Mid-South Top 100 preseason list. Jeff Whitaker's Deep South Football Recruiting Guide has him rated 9.25, which means he should contribute during his sophomore year. They also mentioned that his coach said "Sam has great feet and is very tenacious with a defensive mentality on the offensive line." This guy is a walk-on? Very glad to have you aboard, Sam. BTW, do you have a brother?
</p>
Look for more solid players (10-12) like Sam to come aboard as walk-ons. This will be done very quietly with very little fanfare.
</p>
02/01/97 - According to a source I consider very reliable, the rumors about Kendall Simmons waivering on his commitment to Auburn were most definitely true, but Kendall will definitely be signing with Auburn. Sorry you didn't get to do what you wanted to do, Kendall.
</p>
02/01/97 - According to an email I received yesterday, Muskingum Barnes will not only visit Miss State this weekend, but, somehow, he will also visit Ole Miss. Don't ask me how, unless he has cancelled his visit with Miss State or he will visit Ole Miss Sunday after visiting Miss State. If anyone sees him at the basketball game or on campus, let me know.
</p>
02/01/97 - The stature of Wayne Madkin continues to grow. I have heard, from someone who appears to be a very reliable source, that members of the A Club (BAMA) are upset with Dubose for letting Madkin go out-of-state. My opinion of Madkin continues to grow. It definitely appears Miss State got a good one.
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If you have any information, please contact me at [email protected].</p>
February 1997 Unofficial MSU Football Skuttle-Butt
</h1>_________________________________________________
This page consists of facts that I have read and rumors that I have heard or been emailed. I cannot vouch for the accuracy of the rumors, but I want all of you to know what I know. However, I will not put negative rumors about any university or its coaches on this page.
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<table border="1" cellspacing="2" cellpadding="2" align="center">Previous Month's Skuttle-Butt
<tbody><tr><th>1996</th><th>October</th><th>November</th><th>December</th><tr><th>1997</th><th>January</th></tr></tr></tbody></table>
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</p>
02/28/97 - This coming season look for another addition to our football stadium that EVERYBODY will love; more restrooms!
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02/26/97 - Here's a football player from Heritage Academy (Columbus, MS) I've been meaning to mention on my page for quite a while. Chad Ferraez is a 6-1 205, linebacker with 4.7 speed. He can bench press 325 pounds and squat 415. I have been told he is a ferocious hitter on defense. He has gotten very little attention; although, he is talking to Livingston, Mississippi College and North Alabama. He also interviewed with Miss State this past week. I'm not sure what will come of the interview, but I do know this guy has a defensive player's mentality. In fact, during one game this year he knocked Burney Veazey out cold for about 10 minutes.
</p>
02/25/97 - Since I can't talk to high school or junior college players or coaches, I am making a personal appeal to all of you out there that are high school or junior college referees and officials. If you are willing, I would like to receive info from you about various football, basketball or baseball players you see. Anything you want to say about any player would be greatly appreciated. Of course, I will never mention your name. This is just a way that I can further evaluate players and give the most accurate info available to my readers. Think about it; who knows the abilities and attitudes of the best players in Mississippi, an official who officiates the games or these so-called expert recruiting gurus? If any of you are officials, let me know what you think.
</p>
02/25/97 - Here's a brief analysis by Southeastern Recruiting Alliance of Miss State's recruiting class: "Mississippi State's class is much stronger than last year's group. Madkin is an exciting signal caller, who has a chance to develop into a very good SEC quarterback. Johnson is a talented ball carrier. The wide outs are among the top JUCO receivers in the nation. This is another huge offensive line headed to Starkville. Fairchild is an athletic figure that runs very well. Wyms broke Ole Miss' heart by picking the Bulldogs. We think he could play early at defensive end."
</p>
Sorry I can't give you the complete analysis, but it wouldn't be fair to SRA if I did. If you have a chance, contact these guys and order their publication. They are very fair and accurate. They are one of the few recruiting publications I will continue subscribing to next year.
</p>
02/22/97 - I need sizes and anything else you know about any of these players:
</p>
[*]RB Jojo Miller - Columbus HS
[*]OL Dante Ellington - Clarksdale HS
[*]OL Josh Hawkins - South Panola HS
[*]DL Thad Weatherspoon - Tupelo HS
[*]LB Antwan Bradford - South Panola HS
[*]LB Mario Haggan - Clarksdale HS
[*]LB Brandon McAffee - Clarksdale HS
[*]DB Gerry Jones - Grenada HS
[*]DB Jonathan Rainey - Tupelo HS
[*]DB Berndale Golliday - Grenada HS
[*]DB Ras Bayles - McAdams
[*]QB Patrick Burchfield - Maben HS
[*]RB Leroy Johnson - Gulfport HS
</p>
02/22/97 - Here's a little more info about the new Scott Field scoreboard. It will be located where the present scoreboard is. It will show the game in progress as well as player bios and instant replays. The clarity of the screen will almost be as clear during the day as it will be during the night. Give AD Larry Templeton and Coach Jackie Sherrill a lot of credit, they know how to do things first class. First Coach Sherrill and his staff go out and sign a fantastic recruiting class. Now, he and AD Larry Templeton purchase a fantastic new video screen for Scott Field. BTW, the old scoreboard will be placed on top the M-Club building.
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02/21/97 - Here's some info I received Thursday night:
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</p>
[*]Our O-Line next year will be better than that of 1994.
[*]It is likely that a new scoreboard ( ala diamondvision) will be installed at Scott Field.
[*]Jeff Walker will be the punter next year. He has the strongest leg we have ever had at MSU.
[*]Even with all of the JUCO signees, we will only have 25 in our junior class next year. What does this mean? It means, unlike what some are saying in the media, Jackie did not sell out the future for a few victories next year. The guy did his homework and he is right where all of the other programs are, plus he has immediate talent to help Miss State win next year. Jackie gets it done in his own quiet way.
02/20/97 - While other sites are still talking about their football recruiting efforts of this year, yours truly is hard at work putting together a list of Mississippi's best high school football senior players for next year. I will be giving you, my loyal readers, a sneak preview Monday. Look for my "Sweet 16" high school football senior players list Monday. I'll tell you this, 1997 is going to be the year of the running back. This is the site to visit if you want to know about tomorrow's players today.
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02/20/97 - Here's a little more info on Ed Porter, the walkon QB from Jackson Prep. According to one of his former coaches, Ed is a solid player and given time could become a solid player for Miss State. He believes Miss State got a diamond in the rough. According to Ed's dad, Ed will walkon, then sign a scholarship when one becomes available, either next December or February.
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02/19/97 - Just got my latest J. C. Grid-Wire. According to it, Miss State signed 6 JUCO players that were rated in the national top 100. They are WR Kevin Prentiss, WR Kevin Cooper, OL Brad Elmore, OL Craig Moore, OL Randy Thomas and RB James Johnson. They don't rate them in numerical order.
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02/19/97 - According to J. C. Grid-Wire, David Godfrey, a DB from Itawamba CC, hurt his back during the JUCO All-Star game and may never play football again.
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02/17/97 - According to the Sunday edition (2/16/97) of The Clarion-Ledger, "the right knee of TB Keffer McGee was scoped last week to clean out scar tissue left over from reconstructive surgery. McGee is on course for limited spring work and is expected to be full speed when two-a-days begin Aug. 7."
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02/15/97 - I have heard from a source who has children who go to Jackson Prep, and according to them, Jason Cabell is telling people that he will be attending Millsaps. Stay tuned for further developments.
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02/14/97 - I have had one source tell me Miss State has got Jason Cabell's best friend Ed Porter to walk on at State. I have also been told that Jason Cabell will enroll at State this summer and play football. If anyone has knowledge to confirm this, email me.
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02/12/97 - Coach Jackie Sherrill was on the Mississippi Sports Talk show tonight. Here are a few of his comments:
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</p>
[*]He was extremely happy with the signees.
[*]He expects Miss State to go bowling next year.
[*]He said Floyd Womack is very quick and has good feet.
[*]He said two of the first players Joe Lee Dunn asked about when he was hired were Ellis Wyms and Jamaal Dinkins.
[*]He expects to sign 25 players next year.
[*]Keffer McGee will be ready by next Fall.
[*]He is very impressed with Wayne Madkin. Not sure at this time if he will be redshirted.
[*]Said the hardest positions for freshmen to come in and play are QB and OL. He has had only one player to come in as a freshman and play effectively on the offensive line.
[*]Also said we had 30 players come in for visits, of whom 17 signed with us, four others were placed in Jucos, two players weren't offered and the others signed elsewhere.
02/11/97 - Sophomore to be John Hilliard, a defensive end on the football team, has provisionally qualified for the NCAA Indoor Championships in the shot put with the second-longest throw, 58-6, in Miss State history. Another football Bulldog, Terry Day, has also provisionally qualified in the shot put. Looks like Miss State has two of the strongest defensive linemen in the SEC.
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02/11/97 - The cowbell amendment failed 76-43. Oh well, we tried.
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02/10/97 - Here's what Super Prep says about Dorsett Davis: "Men this big (6-6, 270) don't run this well. Those in the South say Davis has as quick a first step as most RB's. With a 345 BP he becomes too tough for one man to handle. Despite being double and triple teamed, Davis made 102 stops in 1996 with 8 sacks and 1 pick. He has a 2.5 core GPA and a 14 ACT. He needs a 17 to qualify."
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02/10/97 - While we are all very proud of the sucesses our sports teams had last year, we can be even more proud of the academic success of our student-athletes during this past Fall semester. Here's a rundown by GPA by team. Source: Dawgs' Bite:
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Men's Overall GPA: 2.72 </p>
[*]Golf - 3.19
[*]Tennis - 3.07
[*]Track - 2.79
[*]Baseball - 2.77
[*]Basketball - 2.71
[*]Football - 2.60
Women's Overall GPA: 3.06 </p>
[*]Tennis - 3.28
[*]Soccer - 3.11
[*]Track - 3.09
[*]Volleyball - 3.08
[*]Golf - 3.06
[*]Softball - 2.94
[*]Basketball - 2.87
A tip of our Bulldog caps to our student-athletes as well as the academic staff at Miss State: Ray Berryhill, director of athletic academics, Linda Buehler, Ann Carr, George Miller and Lanna Miller.
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02/10/97 - Here is The Clarion-Ledger's Miss State football recruiting analysis.
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02/10/97 - Look for new strength coach Mike Grant to pay big dividends this coming year in more ways than one. Not only will he be a very good strength coach, but if allowed to, he should also help out with the defense. He was the reason Calhoun City high school had one of the best defenses in Mississippi high school 2A the past two years. My source told me the Wildcat defense was unbelievable for a 2A school and Grant was the reason. As an extra benefit, he should also help in recruiting, since he has been coaching in the Mississippi high school ranks the past two years.
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02/09/97 - Anthony Williams, a DB from Hinds CC who signed with Miss State last year but was not academically eligible, signed with Delta State.
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02/09/97 - Watch for Marvin Coley, a 6-5 265 DL, a late signee from last year's group to make an impact next year. He is a JUCO player who had surgery last year and was redshirted.
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02/08/97 - Jacquis Walker, RB from Holly Springs, signed with Arkansas State. He, at one time, was being looked at by both Miss State and Ole Miss. Arkansas State also signed Cleo Lemon, a QB from Greenwood, who visited Southern Miss and Miss State looked at but did not bring in for a visit.
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02/07/97 - In their Sunday edition, The Clarion-Ledger will analyze how each Mississippi team did with their recruiting efforts.
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02/07/97 - Finally found out who John Humphrey, a Miss State signee a couple of years ago who failed to qualify, signed with: Texas A&M-Kingsville. Here's a list of other Texas players we recruited but who went elsewhere:
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[*]Adrian Cole - Missouri
[*]Roderick Kelley - Trinity Valley CC
[*]Thomas Dunson - LSU
[*]Mike Minott - Juco
[*]Kevin Gober - SMU
02/07/97 - Yesterday two more players were announced as either a signee or a commitment: Commitment - Garth Henry, a 6-3 290 DL with 5.0 speed; Signee - Bert Keyes, a 6-0 270 LB (?) with 4.9 speed. Both are Jucos.
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02/07/97 - We lost out on the JUCO QB from Texas. Also lost out on the DB I mentioned. Can't win them all. I'm extremely happy with the ones we did get.
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02/07/97 - Guess who had the number one JUCO class in the entire USA? None other than Miss State, according to J. C. Gridwire. Wait a go Coach Sherrill and staff.
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02/07/97 - Wayne Madkin has qualified. Outstanding news!
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02/07/97 - Sam Potts, a player I have mentioned before, is not only a very good baseball player, but based on info I was emailed he is also an outstanding football player. Another one of those overlooked Mississippi players. Read these stats and info: He made the Division 2-4A all district team as a QB, as well as garnering most valuable offensive player on this team. He threw for approximately 1,500 yards, 15 TDs and ran for 5 more. Plus, he led his team to the state championship game where they lost a heartbreaker. Folks, Mississippi has a gold mine of top athletes IMO. Sam is just one of many. If you know of any others, email me any info you have and I will post it. If you have any info on any up and coming seniors to be, I would really like to receive it from you. Let's promote Mississippi's best!
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02/06/97 - I have just been informed, from a reliable source, that Dorsett Davis has just signed with Miss State. Before we all get too excited, remember, there is a big possiblity that he will not be eligible. He will, more than likely, have to go the JUCO or Prep School route. At least we signed him. No other school can say that. BTW, Joe Lee Dunn is rumored to have said he is the best high school defensive lineman he has ever seen. Keep your fingers crossed fellow Bulldogs. It wouldn't hurt if you kept those toes crossed also.
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02/06/97 - Miss State has just hired Mike Grant as the new strength coach. He was with Joe Lee Dunn at Ole Miss and Memphis State (now Memphis).
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02/06/97 - Tyler Peterson signed with North Alabama today. Look for them to continue being a dominate force in their division, because they also signed Tanny Flowers to go along with Tyler. North Alabama signed two great Mississippi players. Bobby Wallace is an outstanding recruiter, to say the least.
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02/06/97 - According to Coach Jackie Sherrill, the players Miss State signed in December and February 5th will give Miss State a great chance to play for the SEC championship. He said almost all of the players we signed will be able to play immediately. You can tell why just by looking at the 40 speed of these guys. Truly outstanding. The players that will have the biggest impact are as follows:
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[*]RB James Johnson, 4.5 speed - The number 1 running back in the Mississppi JUCO ranks.
[*]WR Kevin Prentiss, sub 4.4 speed - The number 1 wide receiver in the entire JUCO ranks. A consensus All-American
[*]WR Kevin Cooper, 4.5 speed - A preseason JUCO All-American candidate. Was hurt during the season. Now 100% as evidenced by his 4.5 speed
[*]WR James Jones, 4.4 speed - An all-state player in high school.
[*]OL Brad Elmore, 5.0 speed - Consensus All-American out of high school
[*]OL Craig Moore, 5.0 speed - All-State JUCO in Mississippi
[*]OL Anthony Kapp, 5.0 speed - The 17th best prospect in the New England area coming out of high school
[*]OL Randy Thomas, 4.85 speed, 32" vertical leap - Number 1 OL in Mississippi
[*]LB Edward Smith, 4.5 speed - Joe Lee Dunn calls him an impact player. Need I say more?
[*]LB Jamaal Dinkins, 4.6 speed - The number 1 linebacker in Mississippi. The first player JL Dunn asked about when he was hired by Jackie Sherrill
[*]LB Ellis Wyms, 4.6 speed - All-State his senior year. A tremendous all around athlete.
02/06/97 - It looks like Coffeyville CC (KS) DL Bert Keys may sign with Miss State. He is 6-1, 265 with 4.9 speed.
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02/05/97 - Miss State is waiting on a big-time DB to decide between us and another school. My source wouldn't tell me the name of the player or the other school. Stay tuned.........
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02/05/97 - Here's our February signees. Click here to read info on each player. Extremely impressive group so far. Jackie Sherrill and his staff have done an outstanding job getting these guys on the dotted line:
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[*]Kevin Cooper - WR, 6-3 195
[*]Kenric Fairchild - DL, 6-5 300
[*]James Jones - WR, 6-2 180
[*]Craig Moore - OL, 6-3 315
[*]Floyd Womack - OL, 6-4 334
[*]Ellis Wyms - LB, 6-5 230
[*]Edward Smith - LB, 6-1 220
[*]Jamaal Dinkins - LB, 6-2 230
[*]Wayne Madkin - QB, 6-4 195
[*]Bert Keyes - LB, 6-1 266
[*]Dorsett Davis - DT, 6-6 270
02/05/97 - This one has me completely puzzled. Tyler Peterson, the outstanding QB from Louisville, is now seriously considering Delta State, East Miss CC and has drawn some interest from North Alabama. My question is why? This is a QB that has a very good arm, great speed, and is very intelligent. I sure hope this guy doesn't come back to haunt all three of the major instate schools, since it appears they have all backed off of him.
</p>
02/05/97 - All of you Bulldogs that have fallen for this media hype that we are getting our tails kicked in recruiting better look at our very impressive list of signees. Our coaches have done an oustanding job getting these players to sign on the dotted line. We are probably going to have 11 to 12 immediate impact players among our 16 signees. We really helped ourselves with our receivers, offensive linemen and linebackers signees. Look for our defense to be something special with Joe Lee Dunn adding the new linebacker signees to it. Also look for whomever our QB is next year, Wyatt or Madkin, to put up some great numbers with the help of our new offensive linemen and wide receivers signees. I'm already looking forward to next year.
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02/05/97 - It appears nothing came of the meeting between Dulymus McAllister and our coach Glenn Davis this past weekend. Guess he wanted to explain to the Bulldogs why he chose Ole Miss. Really can't say anything bad about Dulymus. He was ours to lose and we lost him. We were just outrecruited by Ole Miss on this one. You win some and you lose some. In head to head competition, we won James Johnson, Ellis Wyms, Jamaal Dinkins, Craig Moore and Randy Thomas. Ole Miss won Terrence Metcalf, Romaro Miller, Dulymus McAllister, and Ken Lucas.
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02/05/97 - No signee info yet, but I'm trying.
</p>
02/05/97 - It has been confirmed that Dulymus McAllister was visited by MSU assistant coach Glenn Davis and former Bulldog player Michael Davis, his cousin, this past weekend at his request. I really don't expect anything to come of it, but it was reported to me and I'm now reporting it to you.
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02/05/97 - As I said last night, the rumors that Jamaal Dinkins is waivering on his commitment is completely false. He WILL sign with MSU today.
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02/05/97 - More oustanding news for the Bulldogs. Ellis Wyms will sign with the Bulldogs today. He is a 6-3 230, LB with 4.6 speed. What a prospect! We now have the two best LB's in the state committed to us. Dinkins, Wyms and Edward Smith will fit into the Joe Lee Dunn defense perfect because of their tremendous speed. There will be very few schools that will sign a group of linebackers this fast. Look for all three players to have big impacts at State next year. Remember, offense is for show; defense wins games.
</p>
02/05/97 - All indications are that Dorsett Davis will not have the ACT score to get into school next fall, but he will be taking it again next week. It is still down to Miss State and Oklahoma. In all probability, he will sign late, so don't worry if he does not sign with the Bulldogs today. This guy is worth the wait, according to Kevin Henderson, of MISSISSIPPI HOOPS. Kevin has seen all the players in Mississippi this year and he says Davis is the best lineman in the state, even better than Terrence Metcalf and Kenny Smith. What sets him apart from all the rest is his speed and quickness, which are unreal for a big man.
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02/04/97 - Orlando Dantzler has committed to Southern Miss over Miss State, according to WDAM TV 7.
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02/04/97 - It has been reported to me that WHBQ in Memphis is reporting that Jamaal Dinkins has committed to Ole Miss. Don't worry Bulldogs, he will be signing with us tomorrow.
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02/04/97 - Muskingum Barnes committed to LSU, as expected.
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02/04/97 - NEED HELP FOR SIGNING DAY!!!! Does anyone know how I can get the names of the players as they sign with us? I used to be able to listen to 106.1 FM for this info, but since they no longer do it, I need help.
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02/04/97 - Mark Henderson, a RB from Louisiana, has committed to Arkansas. Miss State was recruiting him at one time.
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02/03/97 - Ole Miss pick up a commitment from Robert Gates, a 6-3 245 DE from Holmes CC. From what I have been told, Ole Miss offered early and Miss State, due to it's scholarship limitations, weren't able to offer. Read below and you'll see who we are saving our final scholarships for. Looks like we are coming on strong at the end. Almost all of the great players that are left in Mississippi have Miss State as one of their final two.
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02/03/97 - Dorsett Davis, the best defensive lineman in the state, was quoted in The Clarion-Ledger as saying, "I thought I had my mind made up, but something else came across. It's the distance away from home and stuff like that. It's like 51percent for OU and 49 percent for Mississippi State. I might just decide at the last minute to flip a coin or something." IMO, he WILL chose the Bulldogs.
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02/03/97 - Also in The Clarion-Ledger today. Indianola Gentry LB Ellis Wyms was quoted as saying about Miss State and why he is leaning there, "The main thing is the style of defense. I feel I fit in better there."
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02/03/97 - Orlando Dantzler will chose between Miss State and Southern Miss Tuesday, according to The Clarion-Ledger. He is leaning to Southern Miss at this time.
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02/03/97 - Muskingum Barnes will announce between LSU or Florida Tuesday at 2:30.
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02/03/97 - It has been reported to me that Miss State has offered a scholarship to Lafaro Williams, a 6-3 280 offensive lineman from Jacksonville, Fla. He is a very good run blocker who drives his man downfield with good technique, according to Pigskin Preps. He is close to qualifying.
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02/03/97 - It has been confirmed that Alabama is, indeed, now recruiting Wayne Madkin. My source told me he doesn't expect anything to come of it since Wayne knows about the JUCO QB that will sign with Alabama. According to my source, who has talked to Romaro Miller several times, Romaro also knew about this same JUCO QB and he decided there was no reason to sign with Alabama if he was going to be there. The JUCO QB is probably a better choice for Alabama anyway. This will give their future QB, Tyler Watts, more time to develop.
</p>
02/03/97 - Just found it out this weekend, John Hilliard, the outstanding DT from Texas, was redshirted this past year. He was considered the number one defensive lineman in the state of Texas two years ago, but injured his knee his senior year. He played as a freshman but was still not completely healthy, so the coaching staff thought it would be better to go ahead and redshirt him this past year. He is now completely healthy, so expect big things from him next year.
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02/02/97 - I can confirm that Orlando Dantzler and Muskingum Barnes were both on campus today, since I saw both at the basketball game. One other player I saw, who has already signed with Miss State, was OL Randy Thomas. This guy is rock solid. Most OL are big with a big stomach; not this guy. Although he is a 6-4 285 offensive lineman, he looks very muscular and not fat at all. He was sitting near Barnes and Dantzler and he appeared to be having a great time at the game. If this guy is as good as he looks athletically, he will be some kind of offensive lineman.
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Also at the game was a who's who of Mississippi HS basketball. Go to this location to read some extraordinary news about what high school basketball players were at the Miss State-Bama game Saturday, 2/1/97. You won't believe the talent!
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02/02/97 - Jackie Sherrill is, supposedly, recruiting a very talented JUCO QB from Texas. Supposed to be able to step right in and start next year. At this time, I don't have a name. This has not been confirmed, so consider it a rumor at this time.
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02/01/97 - Tupelo Rep. Steve Holland, an Miss State alum, has introduced a bill to prohibit university officials and law enforcement from confiscating symbols, noisemakers, etc., from people at collegiate sporting events in Mississippi. This means that the SEC, if they want these items taken away from people, would have to supply the security to do it. If you agree with this bill, please contact your local representative and tell him to vote yes. There is one stipulation in it that says if the noise gets too loud, the officials have the right to penalize the home team.
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02/01/97 - A source of mine I consider very knowledgeable when it comes to Amory football, told me to look for Sam Gregg, a 6-4, 295 OL with 5.2 speed from Amory, MS., to commit to Miss State. He will be a walk-on his first year with the opportunity to earn a scholarship next year. Here's what Pigskin Preps says about him: "He graded 95% blocking as a junior. That's a great number! He is a 3-year starter. He has temendous strength benching 365 with a 550-lb squat. He has the toughness to become a great one in college. He has a 3.2 gpa with19 on the ACT."
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Here's additional info about him: He was selected 2-team all-state by The Clarion-Ledger his senior year. He was also selected to The Commercial Appeal Mid-South Top 100 preseason list. Jeff Whitaker's Deep South Football Recruiting Guide has him rated 9.25, which means he should contribute during his sophomore year. They also mentioned that his coach said "Sam has great feet and is very tenacious with a defensive mentality on the offensive line." This guy is a walk-on? Very glad to have you aboard, Sam. BTW, do you have a brother?
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Look for more solid players (10-12) like Sam to come aboard as walk-ons. This will be done very quietly with very little fanfare.
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02/01/97 - According to a source I consider very reliable, the rumors about Kendall Simmons waivering on his commitment to Auburn were most definitely true, but Kendall will definitely be signing with Auburn. Sorry you didn't get to do what you wanted to do, Kendall.
</p>
02/01/97 - According to an email I received yesterday, Muskingum Barnes will not only visit Miss State this weekend, but, somehow, he will also visit Ole Miss. Don't ask me how, unless he has cancelled his visit with Miss State or he will visit Ole Miss Sunday after visiting Miss State. If anyone sees him at the basketball game or on campus, let me know.
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02/01/97 - The stature of Wayne Madkin continues to grow. I have heard, from someone who appears to be a very reliable source, that members of the A Club (BAMA) are upset with Dubose for letting Madkin go out-of-state. My opinion of Madkin continues to grow. It definitely appears Miss State got a good one.
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If you have any information, please contact me at [email protected].</p>
