Quiet second signing period sees duo officially join Bulldog class
Times have changed in college football recruiting for many reasons, and one of those is the signing periods designated by the NCAA.
After switching to an early signing period several years ago, the February period has lost its luster. Most of Mississippi State’s signing class was put to bed in December when head coach Jeff Lebby locked in the majority of his high school class as well as junior college and transfer portal players. As a matter of fact, the coach brought in over 20 players alone in January as early enrollees to begin their development as Bulldogs.
Wednesday was a chance to finish things out for Lebby as the coach was able to sign a commitment in McComb wide receiver Sanfrisco Magee and he also secured the signature of a surprise signee in Gadsden County (Fla.) EDGE player Josaiah Knight.
The latter of those was a longtime commitment to Illinois and even signed with the Illini in the early signing period and enrolled at the school in January. According to multiple reports, Knight had a class that didn’t transfer and instead opted to find a new location.
Teammates to 2025 Bulldog commit Jeramiah McCloud, Knight would visit Starkville on an official visit last weekend. He signed with the Bulldogs a few days later.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Josaiah Knight to the Bulldog family,” Lebby said. “He’s an explosive athlete and playmaker whose best football is in front of him. He will be a terrific addition to our program and we look forward to getting him to campus.”
At 6’4, 230 pounds, Knight is expected to be a linebacker/edge rusher for the Bulldogs. The four-star is the No. 267 player nationally by On3 and was 33rd inside the state of Florida while finishing 31st as an EDGE nationally. He had 36 tackles last season with 16.0 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, 3.0 sacks, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble.
For Magee, it was a longtime coming for him to become a Bulldog. Wide receivers coach Chad Bumphis built a strong relationship with Magee dating back to last spring and had the talented playmaker on the verge of a commitment last summer before he instead committed to Ole Miss.
Magee decommitted from the Rebels in December and the Bulldogs immediately became the favorite to land him. He committed to State on December 10 after an official visit and decided to wait to sign in February so he could take part in the signing day ceremony with his teammates.
“We’re fired up to add another versatile playmaker to our wide receivers room in Sanfrisco Magee,” Lebby said. “He’s a Mississippi kid and a tremendous talent with all the tools to have an outstanding career in Maroon and White.”
As a senior, Magee hauled in 48 catches for 1,229 yards and 15 touchdowns. He adds to a receiver room that includes four-stars JJ Harrell, Mario Craver and Stonka Burnside as well as three-star Ricky Johnson and transfers Kevin Coleman and Kelly Akharaiyi.
The Bulldog signing class was ranked 26th nationally by the On3 Industry rankings as of Wednesday afternoon.
