STARKVILLE — Mississippi State University’s football coaching staff is using its 2012 recruiting class to define a philosophy.
MSU expects to sign a class Wednesday that features some of the state’s top defensive linemen. The Bulldogs hope those players will help the defense dominate the line of scrimmage with its front four. According to Scout.com, MSU is in position to sign the most talent at defensive line in the nation.
“When you look at what coach (Dan) Mullen has preached and we believe in as a staff, in order to be dominant in the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference, you have to win the battle up front,” MSU defensive coordinator Chris Wilson said in a phone interview Monday.
The Bulldogs, who already have senior Josh Boyd and sophomores P.J. Jones and Curtis Virges in the fold, have already added two defensive-line prospects with the arrival of junior college defensive end Denico Autry and Morton High School defensive tackle Quay Evans.
MSU announced Friday that Autry, Evans, center Dylan Holley, offensive lineman Charles Siddoway and offensive lineman Justin Senior enrolled earlier this month, which allowed them to sign financial aid papers and made them eligible for spring practice March 22.
Some questioned Evans’ work ethic and maturity in high school, but the four-star prospect still had 72 tackles, four and a half sacks, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries as a senior.
“When you think about how dominant the young man was at his level, he could get away with that type of play,” Wilson said about Evans’ attitude. “I don’t know many kids his age that would make the choice to work with (MSU strength coach) Matt Balis instead of preparing for the prom.”
Autry, who could give MSU an instant pass rushing threat, led East Mississippi Community College defensive linemen with 81 tackles (54 solos, 27 assists), including a team-high 11 sacks and 13 tackles for loss. The Albemarle, N.C., native also was credited with 41 quarterback hurries, four pass breakups and a pair of forced fumbles.
“He’s a guy we expect to make a real impact as soon as possible with all the college experience he has,” Wilson said. “He’s got all the tools and understands our system and how we do things here, so the transition should be almost immediate.”
MSU expects to receive National Letters of Intent on Wednesday from 330-pound tackle Nick James, of Long Beach, North Pike defensive end A.J. Jefferson, and Brandon High prospect Nelson Adams.
While historical evidence shows Mullen and his coaches prefer to redshirt incoming freshman, another high-profile verbal commitment — Will Redmon, of Memphis, Tenn. — could see the field next season. The four-star athlete, who is a 6-foot, 190-pounder, is projected to be a defensive back. He used his Twitter page Monday night to calm any fears of a surprise during his signing ceremony Wednesday at Memphis East High School.
“110% SIGNING MY LOI WENSDAY (sp) and I WILL Be GRINDing FOR #STATE,” Redmond tweeted.
Once again, Mullen’s message of MSU’s desire to dominate in-state talent remains the focus this year. Eighteen of MSU’s expected 28 signees are from the Magnolia State.
Only two players highly recruited by MSU — Alabama athlete Beniquez Brown and Long Beach linebacker Richie Brown — will remain uncommitted until they are expected to sign Wednesday with MSU. Of the 28 prospects MSU is allowed to bring in and to sign this season, the Bulldogs have verbal commitments from 26, including the four early enrollees.
“Thus far, Dan Mullen’s Bulldogs have gotten verbals from nine of the Magnolia State’s best prospects,” Rivals.com recruiting analyst Keith Niebuhr said. “That’s six more than the Rebels have entering the homestretch.”
One of the final pieces to the 2012 recruiting class puzzles formed Monday when MSU received a verbal commitment from quarterback Nick Schuessler. The standout from Grayson High (Ga.) led his team to the state championship in that state’s largest classification. Schuessler picked MSU over Colorado State, and also had serious interest from the University of Arkansas.
Schuessler didn’t return multiple phone calls and messages left by The Dispatch.
As a senior, Schuessler completed 121 of 181 passes for 1,753 yards and 19 touchdowns while leading his team to the Class AAAAA title.
“It has been my dream to play in the SEC since I was little,” Schuessler told the Atlanta Journal Constitution on Monday. “God opened a door for me, so I am taking it and running with it. I’m just chasing a dream.”
The MSU athletic department will introduce a new wrinkle to its National Signing Day festivities this year with a new live show beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday. The show, which will be free of charge, will be on HailState.com., MSU’s athletic website. Hosted by Jim Ellis, Matt Wyatt, and Bart Gregory at the Bryan Athletic Administration Building, the show will feature highlights of every new Bulldog, live interviews with Mullen and assistants and video features on aspects of the MSU program.
“We’re excited to provide something new and creative for our fans this Signing Day,” MSU Director of Athletics Scott Stricklin said in a university release.
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.