Bulldogs Look to Continue “QB Stock Up” in 2016

Mississippi State use to be called “the place quarterbacks went to die”, but all that seemed to change when seventh year head man Dan Mullen walked on campus.  For decades Mississippi State would be lucky if they had one guy that could challenge an SEC defense from the quarterback position and if you had two on the same roster, you were in high cotton.

But that was then and this is now, as the Bulldogs have seen immense success over the last six years at the quarterback position.  Dak Prescott leads the way again heading into 2015 as arguably the top quarterback in the country, but what is behind him and whats down the road, after Prescott heads to the NFL?

Heading into fall camp the Bulldogs will have five quarterbacks on the roster and all five are different classifications, which means their spacing – eligibility wise, has been well thought out and calculated.

Per 247sports.com, the average height and weight of the modern day Bulldog quarterback is now 6-5 and 229 lbs.

You can also add incoming freshman Nick Tiano to that mix, who fits this same mold.

By now the script for MSU at quarterback is well known and well documented.  Its get big, athletic quarterbacks, who can make plays with their arm and legs.  Their approach is very similar to Ohio State and Urban Meyer and it’s not by coincidence, considering Meyer and Mullen were locked at the hip for over a decade.

And most recruiting guru’s or coaches will tell you, try to take a good quarterback every year – because you never know what may happen.  Guys sometimes transfer out of the program, some don’t pan out and then some years you may have to use more than one, or even two.

In 2013 Mississippi State was forced by injury to use three quarterbacks at various parts of the season so you can never ever have to many quarterbacks.

So what does 2016 look like for Mississippi State and will they again try and take another quarterback?  You bet they will so lets take a look at the potential top high school targets for the Bulldogs; all heights, weights and photos are courtesy of 247sports.com.

Jalen Hurts is a three-star quarterback out of Channelview, TX who threw for 1520-yards and 14-touchdowns a year ago, while only throwing 2-interceptions.  He also added another 310-yards on the ground and 7-touchdowns.  Hurt is a little on the lite side when you look at body types of the current MSU quarterbacks.  If I were a guessing man, I would put him back in the pack on the Bulldog quarterback board.

At 6-5 and 217 pounds, Josh White definately fits the bill for the prototypical MSU quarterback.  While considered a “pro style” quarterback, White can move, runs a decent forty for a quarterback of his stature and can make plays with his feet and arm.  Many think Texas is the team to beat for the young signal caller.

I don’t get paid to break down recruiting and I don’t get paid to recruit quarterbacks, but if I did, I would take a hard look at Laurel, MS quarterback Keon Howard.  I had the privledge of calling the 5A State Championship game last year on radio and I was absolutely blown away with Howard.  He made all the right throws and made all the right decisons in leading his Laurel Tornados over a very talented Oxford Charger team.

One of the things Mullen looks for in a quarterback is their ability to win and Howard has that “IT” factor.

I fully expect Howard and Laurel to again be playing for 5A State again this year.

These are just three of many quarterbacks the Bulldogs will be looking at this year and there is no telling who will be “the guy” come Signing Day 2016, but one thing you can rest assured , the Bulldogs will again sign an athletic quarterback and continue to stock up at the most important position on the football field, because you never know what may happen in the future – you can never have to many quarterbacks.