Assessing Mississippi State’s 2016 recruiting class

Mississippi State will attempt to continue its formula of developing middle-tiered talent into stars.

Although the Bulldogs’ incoming 2016 recruiting class is above average nationwide, it is ranked just 12th in the SEC, according to 247 Sports.

The lone four-star recruit coach Dan Mullen and his staff landed is DE Marquiss Spencer. He is one of the best 20 defensive ends in the class based on the rankings at 247 Sports. The other 14 Mississippi State commits are three-star recruits.

Interestingly, one of the biggest tasks Mullen faces to turn this class into a success is determining which position each recruit will play. Three of his top six commits, and four in the entire class, are listed as athletes.

Tight end, defensive back and tackle were a focal point for Mississippi State in this class. North Carolina native Dontea Jones is one of three three-star tight ends the Bulldogs will be adding to the roster. Mississippi State also landed two cornerbacks and two offensive tackles.

Mullen likely still has some work to do. Mississippi State currently has 15 commits, which is tied for the fewest in the SEC. But there are several four-star recruits and even a five-star commit still considering the Bulldogs.

ASSESSING MISSISSIPPI STATE’S 2016 CLASS

Current commits or enrollees: 15 (avg. star 3.07)
Remaining primary targets: DE Jeffery Simmons, WR A.J. Brown, CB Nigel Knott, DT Kobe Jones, DE Emmit Gooden
National/SEC rank: 44/12

NOTABLE COMMITS

Dave Holcomb

Dave covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.