As Jeff Lebby ends his first season as head coach for Mississippi State, he and his staff turn their attention to National Signing Day. Their class, headlined by quarterback KaMario Taylor and edge rusher Tyshun Willis, has a chance to be a good one.
But as is always the case on Signing Day is the chance for some last minute flips one way or the other. Several of MSU's current commits are being pursed by other programs (including Ole Miss...), and there are prospects MSU themselves is hoping to flip.
Here are eight prospects that State fans should keep a close eye on during Wednesday's action...
Linebacker Tyler Lockhart
The first player to watch for is the four-star linebacker out of Winona. Lockhart is listed just shy of 6'2" at 205 pounds. He has good size for a linebacker, and after he puts on weight, his build could be similar to Willie Gay. This will most likely the top target State fans need to watch as he is now predicted to possibly flip to Ole Miss. After the disastrous season State had on defense, this is a very real possibility. Jeff Lebby and Coleman Hutzler will have to battle to the very end to make sure they get his National Letter of Intent.
Defensive End Zavion Hardy
The East Mississippi CC defensive end is another player that State fans need to watch to make sure they get signed. If they do secure his commitment, Hardy should instantly bolster State's defensive line. He is listed at 6'5" 260, and the four-star JUCO prospect holds offers from South Carolina, Florida, and Arkansas as well. The anticipation is that he will sign with State, but after the season State had on defense they will be battling with teams to make sure they keep their top defensive targets from flipping. The battle to watch here is State trying to fend off South Carolina who has made some headway with Hardy this fall.
Safety Lo'Kavion Jackson
The 6'2", 195 pound safety is one of the top guys to watch as he led Mosley (Lynn Haven, FL) to the Class 5A District 1 championship. He is a composite three-star who can provide some much needed for State in the secondary. He has been committed since June, but Florida State, who is only two hours away, has come into the picture as they look to secure his commitment. State will also be battling with Louisville where Jackson visited recently.
Offensive Tackle Saquon Miles
The three-star Hinds C.C. offensive tackle comes in at 6'6", 300 pounds, and he can help bolster the offensive line which is needed for the Bulldogs. He visited State on Nov. 22 which seems to have locked down his commitment, but Ole Miss has made a push for him late. This is a player that State can not afford to lose to their in-state rival.
Wide Receiver Davian Jackson
The composite three-star wide receiver who is listed at 6'2" and 185 pounds is a must have for State especially after Creed Whittemore and Trent Hudson have officially entered the transfer portal. It appears to be certain that State will get him signed, but since he is from New Iberia, LA, LSU has shown interest. With that being said, at this point he appears to be heading to Starkville.
Offensive Tackle Josiah Clemons
He has the size for an offensive tackle at 6'7" and 335 pounds which could anchor State's offensive line for the next few seasons. The three-star from Madison Central has been committed to State since June, and all signs point to him signing with the Bulldogs on Wednesday. However, Memphis is making a strong push to land him. After the type of season that State had, they cannot afford to lose an in-state recruit to a group of five school thats out of state.
Safety Tony Mitchell
Mitchell, who is a four-star JUCO defensive back from E.M.C.C and the number three player in the JUCO ranks, has been committed to State since September. At 6' and 208 pounds, he has the size to be an SEC safety which State desperately needs. As of now, he is still committed to State, but there's momentum for him to flip to Ole Miss. This is a battle that Lebby needs to win to boost the morale of the State fans.
Defensive End Eric Hazzard
The 6'3", 250 pound edge rusher is a prospect that State is looking to flip. He is a three-star player from Franklin, Tennessee that has been committed to Louisville since June. He comes from a Mississippi State family, and he could add some quality depth to the defensive line. This will be an uphill climb because not only do they have to flip him from Louisville, State will also have to battle with Memphis who have made a late push for Hazzard.