STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State University football team bolstered the depth up front in its 2013 recruiting class with the commitments of three in-state linemen.
According to several reports, 6-foot-4, 315-pound offensive guard Deon Mix committed Sunday to MSU. Mix, who will be a senior at South Panola High School, had 23 offers from some of the nation’s top programs, including the University of Mississippi, the University of Alabama, Auburn University, the University of Arkansas, the University of Florida, the University of Georgia, the University of Southern Mississippi, the University of Nebraska, the University of Notre Dame, the University of Oregon, and the University of Texas.
According to Rivals.com, Mix, a four-star lineman made his decision when he met with MSU coach Dan Mullen shortly before his time at the MSU camp.
In addition to Mix, Hollandale-Simmons High offensive tackle Kent Flowers and Houston High defensive end Chris Jones committed to MSU. The three verbal pledges give MSU six commitments for its 2013 recruiting class. The verbal commitments are non-binding.
“I just told (MSU coach Dan Mullen) I was ready to be a Bulldog,” Mix told BulldawgJunction.com. “This is where my heart has been since I’ve been recruited by Mississippi State. I love it down here. It is a big family.”
As recently as a couple of weeks ago, Mix claimed he wasn’t sure where he was going, and admitted comments he had made were less than truthful because of the recruiting process.
“I was just hiding it. I’ve been knowing where I’m going,” Mix said. “I was just keeping it a secret and it is out there now. I’m a Bulldog.”
Mullen hopes the commitment of Mix will help MSU have more success in a part of the state they haven’t had a lot of success. Ole Miss has won many of the recruiting battles for players from South Panola High, which has long been one of the state’s premier programs. Last season, though, Kendrick Market signed with MSU, which apparently set the table for Mix to follow.
MSU started to beef up the offensive line Saturday with the verbal commitment of Flowers, a 6-5, 300-pounder who was at MSU’s individual camp. He decided to turn his scholarship offer into a commitment.
“I know Ole Miss offered, but I don’t want to go to Ole Miss. I want to go to Mississippi State,” Flowers said. “I feel like I’m at home here, so this is the school I’m choosing to come to.”
Flowers has known he wanted to go to MSU for some time. He said Saturday was a good time to take the plunge.
“They said they were happy and I’m happy, too,” Flowers said. “I feel like this is a good place for me to get an education and play football.”
Last season, Flowers helped Hollandale-Simmons to an 8-5 record and a trip to the Class 2A playoffs.
“I feel like the (MSU) coaches are good coaches,” Flowers said. “(MSU offensive line coach John) Hevesy is a good coach, and I feel like he’s going to teach me everything I need to learn to be a great football player.”
Jones, a 6-5, 250-pounder, also attended MSU’s camp.
“I like the coaching staff and the D line,” Jones said. “I like all the stuff they do with the D line to make them better and make themselves into men.”
Jones joined his Houston High teammates last Friday at MSU’s 7-on-7 tournament, where he displayed his athleticism and worked as a tight end. Jones said the commitments of Mix and Flowers affected his decision.
“I’m loving it man,” said Jones. “It’s great out here. It’s a great environment and a great social status.”
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.