Top 5 Mississippi State Recruiting Surprises

Oct 11, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Nick Marshall (14) steps out of the pocket and is chased by Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Preston Smith (91) during the game at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

2. Preston Smith
2011 Signing Class, 2 Star Prospect

Preston Smith is another member of one of the most successful recruiting classes in Mississippi State history. The 2011 class was ranked lower than all but one class Dan Mullen has signed.

Close to the bottom of that class was Preston Smith. Smith was yet another two star prospect, and he didn’t attract much attention when he signed with the Bulldogs.

He did attract a lot of attention from offensive coordinators though once he took the field. Smith had good years for the Bulldogs his Sophomore and Junior seasons, and contemplated an early leap to the NFL. Most thought he would be a late round pick after his Junior season.

Preston Smith decided to come back for his Senior year, and he capitalized. Smith had 7 sacks before 2014. He increased his career number to 16 with 9 more sacks in 2014 and even intercepted two passes as well. Preston Smith was named the Defensive Lineman of the week in the SEC the first three weeks of 2014. All of his hard work paid off as he was drafted in the 2nd round of the NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins.

Not bad for a 2 star afterthought.