JUCO Signing Day Headquarters

Nov 8, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; General view of Davis Wade Stadium during the UT Martin Skyhawks game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the second quarter. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Today is Junior College Signing Day for the 2015 recruiting class. It has the potential to be a really big day for Mississippi State. Check back all day and we’ll keep you updated on the signees as they come in.

Notes coming into the day

WR Donald Grey, LB Traver Jung and DE Johnathan Calvin are all expected to sign with State. The big targets who’s destination is unknown are OL Martinas Rankin and DL Mourice Swain who will make their pledge on signing day. Rankin would be a huge get for MSU as he projects as an offensive tackle, and is the best in the country coming out of the juco ranks. With Blaine Clausell graduating a questionable depth returning, his presence on the 2015 team could be a huge coup.

Signee #1: Johnathan Calvin

3-star defensive end from Co-Lin. He had offers from Auburn, LSU, Tennessee and a large number of other places. He committed to MSU on July 18th during the swoon at Big Dawg Camp and has stuck by that.

  Signee #2: Martinas Rankin

Like I mentioned above, this is a really big deal. Rankin has the potential to start immediately next year at either left or right tackle. If I had to bet, I’d say Justin Senior moves to LT and Rankin starts at RT, and if he’s all he’s cracked up to be that will be HUGE for the offensive line who is losing 4-year starter Blaine Clausell (along with Dillon Day and Ben Beckwith on the inside).

Signee #3: Malik Dear

Early high school enrollees can also sign today, so that means 4-star RB Malik Dear is in the fold. He has the potential to be a great one in maroon and white. Here’s the story we did when he committed back in the summer. 

Signee #4: Donald Gray

Donald is considered to be the best WR coming out of the juco ranks this year. He originally signed with State in the 2013 class but had to go to Co-Lin where he excelled, waiting for his time in Starkville. He has been one of State’s biggest recruiters for the 2015 class. Look for him to make an impact at the slot position next year as Jameon Lewis graduates.

Signee #5: Deddrick Thomas

Here is another early enrollee.  He is a 5′-9″ 170 pound athlete out of Memphis.

UPDATE: LB Traver Jung will sign in February.

Missed target:

Swain is a really good prospect, but at the end of the day if you had to choose between him and Rankin, MSU got what they needed just in sheer terms of positional needs. It’s a loss, but between the two uncommitted guys State was after, this one hurts less.