Caliber of recruit increasing as Croom fills class

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STARKVILLE — For Chris White, a linebacker from Gulf Coast Community College, committing to play football at Mississippi State last week wasn’t just a matter of coaches, facilities, tradition or the color of the uniform.

It was a matter of momentum, too. “I see the recruiting class that they’re getting,” he said.

At least among Mississippi State fans and recruits, it’s been hard not to notice.

In the first whole recruiting period that has transpired after Mississippi State went 8-5 and won the Liberty Bowl last year, the commitments, both in number and in stature, have been noticeable.

MSU coach Sylvester Croom said last week at SEC Media Days, prior to White’s commitment, that State had 19 non-binding, verbal commitments from players.

National signing day for high school players is Feb. 4.

“We’ve got a few guys in our state that, if we can get those guys committed, and we feel positive about that at this point, then we’ll have an excellent recruiting year,” Croom said.

In Croom’s early days, it was common to see him get commitments from players who didn’t have many other offers from schools in the Bowl Championship Series.

ClarionLedger
7/27/08