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2027 safety Hudson Fuqua breaks down his Mississippi State decision

Paul Jones Mississippi State Bulldogsby: Paul Jones21 hours agoPaulJonesOn3
Syndication: The Daily News Journal
Riverdale's Hudson Fuqua (17) carries the ball as Father Ryan's Gareth Miller (15) moves in for a tackle during the football game between Riverdale and Father Ryan at Riverdale, on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025.

Mississippi State’s recent recruiting momentum carried over to the Class of 2027 on Thursday with the addition of 2027 defensive back Hudson Fuqua. The Riverdale (Tenn.) High School standout delivered the news to Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby earlier on Thursday.

With his decision, Fuqua becomes the third commitment in State’s Class of 2027. He joins punter Gunnar Gillentine of Petal High School and defensive back Brandon Allen of Westlake (Ga.) High School.

“I called the coaches today to tell them I was ready to commit,” Fuqua remarked. “I called Coach Lebby himself. He was excited and pumped up. They like me as a free safety and I think it’s a good fit for me.”

On the recruiting scene, Fuqua also holds offers from Ole Miss, Arkansas, Indiana, Vanderbilt and Virginia Tech among several others. A factor in Thursday’s decision, shared Fuqua, was the way Mississippi State treated him and his family as a priority.

“It was just the way they took me serious and treated my family,” added Fuqua. “They kept it 100% honest with me about how they see me in their defense. Then the atmosphere there is just great.”

So far this year, Fuqua has taken in multiple visits to Mississippi State since collecting his Bulldog offer back in January. He has also visited several other schools and noted of his future visits.

“This year I’ve been on game-day visits to Mississippi State, Maryland, Southern Miss and Louisville,” the 6-foot and 180-pound Fuqua recalled. “Those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head. I will be back at Mississippi State this weekend and I am going to Vanderbilt and Memphis later.”

Fuqua’s last trip to Starkville was in late October and once again, he felt at home and raved about the atmosphere at Davis Wade Stadium.

“The last time I was at Mississippi State was for the Texas game,” noted Fuqua. “Every time I have been to Mississippi State it has never disappointed. It is always live and exciting with their fans and I always enjoy myself there.”

Fuqua wrapped up the regular season last weekend as Riverdale posted a 7-3 record. His junior season continues Friday in the first round of the Class 6A playoffs on the road at Lebanon.

“We start the playoffs on Friday and this year, I’ve mostly been at free safety,” Fuqua explained. “I’ve done well so far. I’ve been racking up a lot of tackles, forcing some fumbles and I have two interceptions on the year so far.”

Entering the playoffs, Fuqua has totaled 73 tackles with four tackles for loss, two interceptions, nine PBUs and two forced fumbles.

“Overall, I have been more vocal this year,” shared Fuqua. “Not just in the way of understanding what I have to do. But being able to also help everyone else out in the system and being able to adjust on the fly without having to look at the coaches.”

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