The Early Signing Period gets underway Wednesday, December 3, and Mississippi State football is looking to make some big moves. It's largely been an underwhelming cycle for the Bulldogs, that was until 5-star safety Bralan Womack made the flip to State from Auburn.
The commitment has given MSU some key momentum going into Wednesday. Their class now ranks No. 32 nationally, and there's optimism that it'll climb even higher. Which recruits could the Bulldogs land that would vault them up the national rankings?
Recruits to watch for Mississippi State football during the Early Signing Period
Though Signing Day can always bring some unexpected surprises, there are five key names of interest entering Wednesday. If Mississippi State can get these players into the class or even just a few of them, it would be a major win for the program.
All ratings courtesy of the 247 Sports Composite.
Edge Rusher Micah Nickerson
The biggest name to watch on Wednesday is 4-star edge Micah Nickerson. The 90-overall pass rusher from Magnolia, MS was previously committed to the Bulldogs before flipping to Missouri in September. State feels good about flipping back the 6-5, 215 defender, who is rated the No. 13 player in the state. Adding an impact pass-rusher would be a major win for this class.
Wide Receiver Kenny Darby
4-star wide receiver Kenny Darby will be a name to watch. The 92-overall prospect from Bossier City just decommitted from LSU, and the Bulldogs have long been after the 6-0, 175 wideout. Mississippi State was Darby's first major offer, and he committed shortly after. But after his recruitment began to take off, he decommitted from the Bulldogs. State is back in the game with him, and has a chance to earn his signature in the end. Darby will not sign until Friday.
Offensive Tackle Bryson Cooley
It's going down to the wire for 4-star tackle and LSU commit Bryson Cooley. The 6-6.5, 315 lineman from Laurel, MS is rated as a 92-overall prospect and No. 9 player in the state. The Tigers are no longer trending well for him since their coaching change, and the home state Bulldogs could swoop in and flip Cooley on Wednesday. State isn't the only program fighting for a flip, though. Alabama is pushing hard for Cooley too.
Defensive Lineman Tico Crittendon
State needs talented defensive lineman, and 3-star Tico Crittendon would be a great addition. The 89-overall prospect from Lithonia, GA stands at 6-4, 300. He decommitted from Florida State last month. Going into the Early Signing Period, it looks to be a three-way battle between State, Georgia Tech, and Purdue for Crittendon's signature.
Wide Receiver Keymian Henderson Jr.
Another wideout to keep an eye on is 3-star Keymian Henderson Jr. from Carthage, TX. The 88-overall prospect was previously committed to Arkansas, and the Bulldogs has gotten heavily involved with him. State, Kentucky, TCU, and Arkansas are the schools to beat for 6-3, 190 Henderson Jr.