5 2017 prospects every Mississippi State fan should know

As was the case in the previous cycle (2016), Mississippi State has elite talent in close proximity to its campus.

When discussing five prospects for 2017 that Bulldogs fans should know, two of them are in the neighborhood, including another at Starkville High.

1. Willie Gay, OLB, Starkville (Miss.)

This is one of the top prospects close to campus. The 6-foot-2, 216-pound Gay is the next high-level prospect from Starkville High. He has excellent speed and lateral movement. Ole Miss, Tennessee, Alabama and others have offered as well. Gay is the No. 16 outside linebacker prospect nationally in the 2017 recruiting cycle per 247Sports Composite rankings.

2. Brad Stewart, CB, New Orleans (La.) McDonough 35

The Bulldogs were one of the first programs to identify and offer the 6-foot, 193-pound four-star defensive back. Other programs — Florida, Florida State and others — have now offered, but Mississippi State remains in good shape. Stewart is the No. 7 overall prospect in the Pelican State for the 2017 recruiting cycle per 247Sports Composite rankings.

3. C.J. Avery, S, Grenada (Miss.)

The 6-foot-1, 196-pound Avery is one of the top safety prospects in the Southeast for the 2017 cycle (there seems to always be an elite safety in Mississippi for whatever reason) and currently holds offers from State, Ole Miss, Alabama and others. He is the No. 4 overall prospect in the Magnolia State per 247Sports Composite rankings for 2017 and the Bulldogs have to top the in-state rival Rebels for his services.

4. Kylin Hill, RB, Columbus (Miss.)

The 5-foot-11, 208-pound Hill is the second local prospect mentioned here (Columbus is very close to Starkville) and the Bulldogs have the upper hand currently over Ole Miss, Tennessee, Memphis and others. Hill is the No. 5 overall prospect in the Magnolia State per 247Sports Composite rankings for the 2017 cycle.

5. Deion Pope, DT, Copiah-Lincoln (Miss.) Junior College

The 6-foot-4, 275-pound Pope is one of the better JUCO defensive line prospects for 2017 in the state of Mississippi. The Collins (Miss.) High product could be yet another solid addition from the junior college ranks for the Bulldogs when all is said and done.

JC Shurburtt

Recruiting writer for Saturday Down South