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Mississippi State flips 4-star defensive back on National Signing Day

This is a really nice Signing Day win for the Bulldogs.

ByAndrew Miller|
Nov 2, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. (0) celebrates with teammates after a game against the Massachusetts Minutemen at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images
Nov 2, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. (0) celebrates with teammates after a game against the Massachusetts Minutemen at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images | Matt Bush-Imagn Images

National Signing Day is underway, and Mississippi State football is already experiencing the highs and lows of the affair. Earlier today, the Bulldogs were dealt a major hit to their class with the loss of one one of their top commitments. But now, they've gotten a swing in the positive direction.

Mississippi State flips Houston cornerback commit Kyle Johnson on National Signing Day

Cornerback Kyle Johnson from Bunkie, LA has signed with Mississippi State. The 4-star prospect had been committed to the Houston Cougars since June. But the Bulldogs stayed after him, and as Signing Day approached, things began trending in Mississippi State's direction.

News of Houston defensive coordinator Shiel Wood leaving the Cougars for Texas Tech was likely the final push needed to get Johnson to make the flip to the Bulldogs. Mississippi State also beat out Virginia for Johnson.

247 Sports rates the 5-11, 165 defensive back as a 91-overall prospect. Johnson possesses great speed and athleticism. Along with being a corner, he's viewed as someone who can also make an impact on special teams.

Landing Kyle Johnson is a much needed Signing Day win for Mississippi State football

After losing highly-ranked JUCO defensive end Zavion Hardy to South Carolina earlier this morning, Mississippi State football badly needed to secure a Signing Day win of their own. And while Kyle Johnson obviously doesn't replace the loss of Hardy, seeing as how they play different positions, flipping a 4-star prospect today is at least something to hang their hat on.

And it's at a position of need, too. The Bulldog defense as a whole is in need of an upgrade in talent level. With starting cornerback Brice Pollock choosing to transfer from the program, State is losing the highest-rated player at that position.

That of course is not to suggest that Kyle Johnson can come in and be a starter right away for Mississippi State. That's very unlikely. But he at least adds a lot of talent to that room and is someone who, down the line, you would expect to become a key contributor.

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