STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State University football program welcomed the 12th verbal commitment to its 2013 recruiting class Saturday morning after Alabama athlete Dezmond Harris opted to play for the Bulldogs.
Harris who had only one other offer from Middle Tennessee State entering Friday’s Big Dawg Camp at MSU, impressed the Bulldogs coaches enough to receive a scholarship offer less than 24 hours after the workouts.
Harris performed all the skill drills Friday night despite being hampered with a sprained Achilles’ heel injury that left him unsure he’d be able to compete.
“I am just relieved to be a Bulldog,” Harris told Bulldawg Junction.com Saturday morning. “I am very happy, and so was my family. The coaches welcomed me to the family and were very happy I wanted to be a Bulldog.”
Harris was a Honorable Mention selection to All-West team by The Birmingham News after leading McAdory High School to a 6-3 record last season.
Harris, who is 6-foot-3, 207 pounds, has been timed at 4.55 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He was 10 of 12 for 259 yards and two touchdowns in 54-19 win against John Carroll High School last season.
Harris will finish his final season of high school action as McAdory’s quarterback, but he is expected to be a linebacker or safety in college. Harris is the third prospect from the state of Alabama to commit to MSU’s 2013 class, which is ranked 41st by Scout.com. Receivers B.J. Hammond and DeAndre Woods pledged to MSU in June.
Harris’ verbal commitment is non-binding. He can make it official Feb. 6 by signing a National Letter of Intent.
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