We’re exactly two weeks away from national signing day (Feb. 6), so this seems like a good time to assess where MSU stands with its 2013 commitment class. Let’s take stock.
• MSU has 23 verbal commitments, four of whom are already enrolled in classes: WR Jeremey Chappelle, DB Kivon Coman, DB Justin Cox and TE Artimas Samuel.
• Of the 23 commitments, there is one five-star (DE Chris Jones), five four-stars, 16 three-stars and one two-star, according to 247Sports.com.
• 247 rates MSU’s class No. 15 nationally and seventh in the SEC. Scout.com also ranks State 15th overall and seventh in the SEC, while Rivals has it at 21st overall and 10th in the league.
• There are several more targets being pursued by MSU’s coaching staff, including QBs Joshua Dobbs and John O’Korn, CB MacKensie Alexander, and ATH Jahmere Irvin-Sills. This class has a good shot at climbing even higher in the rankings.
• As for Jones, the Houston (Miss.) product hasn’t shut down his recruiting. Our Brandon Speck reported this morning that Jones expects Alabama to visit him today, and he’d considering taking a visit to Ole Miss this weekend; but Jones told me this afternoon he’s decided not to visit Ole Miss this weekend. Jones visited MSU this past weekend and still appears to be firmly committed to the Bulldogs, but he’s trying to make sure he explores all his options. According to 247Sports, Jones is planning a Feb. 1 visit to Auburn. Jones told me he’s not sure if he’ll still make that visit.
“I’m just checking out everything, making sure I made the right decision,” said Jones, who committed to MSU in June. After a strong senior season and impressive performances in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic and the Under Armour All-America Game, Jones rose to No. 2 overall in 247Sports’ national prospect rankings.
• The most recent commit was WR De’Runnya Wilson (Birmingham), who made his decision public on Tuesday. His addition gives MSU six receivers in this class, and there are two or three other prospects listed as “athletes” who could wind up at that position. It’s a group with a lot of size. In fact, those six receivers have an average build of 6-foot-3, 198 pounds, and three of them are 6-4 or taller.
I've covered Mississippi State athletics for the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal (djournal.com) since August of 2008. I like sports, but I love writing.
