STARKVILLE — Mississippi State junior linebacker Willie Gay Jr. is going pro.
A Starkville native, Gay released a statement Monday morning on Twitter announcing he will forgo his final year of eligibility and enter the 2020 NFL draft.
“Playing for your hometown team is a feeling words cannot describe and so few are blessed to experience,” he wrote. “This city and university will always hold a special place in my heart as the only place I have ever known. I am so thankful for all I have, while I pursue all I’ve ever dreamed of. After much thought and prayer I have decided to declare for the 202 NFL Draft.”
After a standout sophomore season in which he recorded 48 tackles, two interceptions and one fumble recovery, Gay was a limited participant in 2019 as he was suspended eight games for his role in the academic misconduct scandal that has come to be known as ‘Tutorgate.’
More recently, he was also involved in a fight with freshman quarterback Garrett Shrader that left the latter injured and unable to play in MSU’s 38-28 Music City Bowl loss to Louisville. Gay was not publicly disciplined for the skirmish.
In all, he notched 28 tackles — 3.5 for a loss — two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble and one interception in five games played this year.
With Gay now off to the NFL, the decision of classmate and fellow linebacker Erroll Thompson becomes all the more important. A source with immediate knowledge of the situation told The Dispatch Jan. 3 Thompson is leaning toward entering the draft following coach Joe Moorhead’s firing. He is expected to make a decision this week or early next week.
Should Thompson leave, the Bulldogs would be left with a stable of underclassmen to fill his and Gay’s spots. Former Copiah-Lincoln Community College standout Tyrus Wheat — the No. 1 rated junior college inside linebacker by 247sports.com — could also aid in the effort.
Ben Portnoy reports on Mississippi State sports for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter at @bportnoy15.
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