FLETCHER ADAMS
DL * 6-2, 260 * Brandon
Summary: The younger brother of Mississippi State sophomore Nelson Adams, Fletcher Adams is a long, rangy defensive tackle. MSU’s coaches believe Adams could be effective as a defensive end on the outside or as a defensive tackle on the interior of the defensive line. He comes to Starkville as one of the top 30 defensive linemen in the country and the state’s No. 5 overall prospect, according to 247sports.com.
MSU comparison: Defensive tackle Kaleb Eulls. Both have been highly rated, and Eulls possessed the same defensive line versatility Adams brings to the table.
Long-term prognosis: One of the lynch pins of MSU’s class, Adams has a chance to be at least a three-year starter.
2015 outlook: The biggest holes on MSU’s defense next season are at safety and at defensive line, where Adams could see immediate playing time.
NICK GIBSON
RB * 5-11, 197 * Birmingham, Alabama
Summary: Named a four-star prospect by 247sports.com, Gibson is among a handful of running backs in MSU’s newest class. After rushing for 2,205 yards and 27 touchdowns as a junior at Pinson Valley High, Gibson was listed as the No. 13 running back in the country and No. 7 prospect in the state of Alabama.
Long-term prognosis: Gibson joins a crowded backfield, but he possesses the size and speed to play in Mullen’s offense. But he likely will have to fight for carries, as freshman Aeris Williams and junior-to-be Ashton Shumpert could block any newcomers.
2015 outlook: True to Mullen’s philosophy of developing players, Gibson likely will redshirt in his first season.
FARROD GREEN
TE * 6-3, 215 * Wesson
Summary: A tall, athletic target, Green played wide receiver at Wesson Attendance Center, but MSU has indicated he is bound for tight end. Rated a three-star prospect by all three major recruiting services, Green caught 25 passes for 409 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior.
MSU comparison: Four-year letter-winner Brandon Hill, a tight end from West Lowndes High. Like Hill, Green will arrive as an unheralded recruit looking to add size to earn playing time.
Long-term prognosis: A project, Green will need some seasoning before he makes an impact.
2015 outlook: Green, like several others, is likely to redshirt.
JUSTIN JOHNSON
WR * 6-4, 224 * Birmingham, Alabama
Summary: Ranked as the No. 1 receiver in the state of Alabama, Johnson is a three-star prospect across the board. Playing at perennially powerful Hoover High, Johnson caught 22 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns in an injury-plagued senior season. He also earned MVP honors at the Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Classic.
MSU comparison: Body-wise, Johnson is nearly a carbon copy of MSU junior wideout Joe Morrow, who tied for second on the team with five touchdown catches in 2014.
Long-term prognosis: MSU’s wide receiver group is as good as any to play in Starkville, as upcoming juniors De’Runnya Wilson and Fred Ross lead a deep, talented group. Johnson will be among those waiting to inherit the throne.
2015 outlook: Unclear, but Mullen mentioned Johnson among a group that could contend for playing time as freshmen.
DONTAE JONES
WR * 6-4, 240 * Louisville
Summary: Rated a three-star prospect by all three recruiting services, Jones has started to bulk up for a position switch to tight end. Ranked as the No. 13 prospect in the state by Scout.com, Jones caught 34 passes for 537 yards and three touchdowns as a senior.
MSU comparison: Former tight end Malcolm Johnson, who finished third on the team in receptions in each of the past two seasons.
Long-term prognosis: At 240 pounds, Jones appears to be the heir apparent to the spot left vacant by the graduation of Johnson.
2015 outlook: Because of MSU’s lack of experience at tight end — Johnson and backup Brandon Hill have exhausted their eligibility — Jones projects to play early.
KENDELL JONES
DE * 6-4, 255 * Pinson, Alabama
Summary: After making 77 tackles and 5.5 sacks as a senior to lead Clay-Chalkville High to a Class 6A state title, Jones was rated the No. 13 player in Alabama by Scout.com. He is ranked the No. 38 defensive end nationally.
MSU comparison: Defensive end Ryan Brown, who is similar in size and also was a three-star prospect.
Long-term prognosis: Already at 255 pounds, Jones could end up on the interior or on the outside of the defensive line.
2015 outlook: Jones is another player who likely will redshirt.
KEITH JOSEPH, JR.
LB * 6-4, 226 * Pascagoula
Summary: The son of former MSU player Keith Joseph, a linebacker for the Bulldogs from 1989-1992, Keith Jr. is ranked as the No. 13 high school senior in Mississippi by 247sports.com. He had 70 tackles and seven sacks as a senior.
MSU comparison: Seems only fair to compare him to his father, a standout on MSU’s Liberty Bowl and Peach Bowl teams in 1991 and 1992.
Long-term prognosis: Called by Mullen one of the state’s most underrated players, Joseph could mature into a defensive lineman or stay at linebacker. The smart money is on a move up front.
2015 outlook: Could go either way, as Mullen touted Joseph’s ability, but the Pascagoula native likely will need to add weight to be an effective defender, meaning a redshirt is possible.
TRAVER JUNG
LB * 6-4, 215 * Greenville
Summary: A four-star junior college linebacker out of Holmes Community College, Jung is rated as the No. 2 linebacker in the junior college ranks by ESPN.com. After a sophomore season that included 34 tackles and three sacks, Jung was a first-team All-MACJC selection.
MSU comparison: Former linebacker Matthew Wells, who had similar size and speed on the edge.
Long-term prognosis: With two years to play, Jung figures to be in the rotation sooner than later.
2015 outlook: Expect Jung to play early and often, perhaps as a replacement for Wells.
LEO LEWIS
LB * 6-2, 231 * Brookhaven
Summary: Lewis was MSU’s final signee, and he’s one of the best. Rated a four-star prospect by all three services, Lewis is the state’s No. 2 prospect and the No. 1 inside linebacker in the country, according to 247sports.com. Lewis had 176 tackles in his final two seasons at Brookhaven High. He was committed to Ole Miss as recently as Friday.
MSU comparison: Lewis is similar in stature to former linebacker Chris White, now a member of the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots, though Lewis is more athletic.
Long-term prognosis: While MSU has Beniquez and Richie Brown at inside linebacker, expect Lewis to be a quick study and to force his way into the rotation.
2015 outlook: A redshirt seems unlikely.
MARK McLAURIN
DB * 6-2, 210 * Collins
Summary: A four-star defensive back on 247 sports.com, McLaurin is nearly identical in stature to MSU’s most prized recruit, Bassfield safety Jamal Peters. Both figure to see playing time at safety in the coming years. A receiver at Collins, McLaurin ended his senior year with 35 receptions for 665 yards and eight touchdowns in leading the Tigers to the Class 3A state championship.
MSU comparison: Though his career ended with a suspension, former safety Justin Cox is an apt comparison for McLaurin, who possesses nearly identical measurables.
Long-term prognosis: Called MSU’s most underrated prospect by Scout.com, McLaurin has everything needed to be a multi-year starter in a defensive backfield that lacks depth.
2015 outlook: While a redshirt is possible, MSU’s lack of experience at safety bodes well for McLaurin.
HARRISON MOON
OL * 6-4, 276 * Chattanooga, Tennessee
Summary: Moon is a three-star lineman by ESPN, Scout, Rivals, and 247Sports. He began his high school career as a tight end before switching to offensive tackle for his senior season under coach Bill Price. Moon was rated the 17th-best player in the state of Tennessee by ESPN.com, and the 67th-best tackle prospect in the country.
MSU comparison: Though he hasn’t seen a ton of playing time, junior Rufus Warren followed the same career path from tight end to tackle.
Long-term prognosis: MSU is a developmental program, and nowhere is that more apparent than the offensive line, where Moon likely will need to time to develop.
2015 outlook: Like most offensive lineman under Mullen, Moon likely will redshirt.
KEITH MIXON
WR * 5-8, 175 * Birmingham, Alabama
Summary: An all-purpose back with a three-star rating from 247Sports, Rivals.com, Scout.com, and ESPN.com, Mixon runs the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds. He’s rated the No 34 player in Alabama. He had 73 career touchdowns at Shades Valley High.
MSU comparison: Mixon profiles like a young Ladarius Perkins, who played four years for the Bulldogs and graduated at No. 2 on the school’s list for all-purpose yardage.
Long-term prognosis: Best with the ball in his hands, Mixon likely will join a crowded group at slot receiver. He also has a chance to return kicks and punts.
2015 outlook: Unclear, as MSU is loaded in the slot. But opportunities might exist in special teams for the speedster.
T.D. MOTON
DL * 6-3, 310 * Shreveport, Louisiana
Summary: One of the nation’s top 25 defensive tackles, Moton is a member of the ESPN300 (No. 228 overall). He committed to MSU in the fall of his junior year at Woodlawn High, only to decommit and pledge to Alabama. A week ago, Moton flipped back, joining MSU’s latest class.
MSU comparison: Former defensive tackle P.J. Jones, a four-year contributor for the Bulldogs.
Long-term prognosis: Moton has all the tools to be a force for the Bulldogs, whether it’s early or late in his career.
2015 outlook: The opportunity exists for playing time, as three of MSU’s top four defensive tackles graduated, though it’s yet to be seen how Moton will fit into the mix.
ANFERNEE MULLINS
DL * 6-4, 245 * Aliceville, Alabama
Summary: On Wednesday, Mullen said of Mullins, “If he was in Dallas, he’d be the No. 1 player in the country.” As it is, Mullins played at Aliceville High, where he became the No. 7 defensive lineman in Alabama, according to Scout.com, and the No. 31 recruit in the state for 247Sports. In 22 games in his junior and senior seasons, he had 133 tackles, 24 sacks, three fumble recoveries, and a blocked field goal
MSU comparison: Former MSU defensive end Preston Smith was overlooked out of high school. Smith developed into a possible first-round pick in the 2015 NFL draft.
Long-term prognosis: Probably good, as Mullen seems high on an athlete he called “a true freak of nature.”
2015 outlook: MSU looks solid at defensive end in the short term with Ryan Brown and junior college signee Johnathan Calvin, so a redshirt is possible for Mullins.
ALEC MURPHY
RB * 6-1, 225 * Nixa, Missouri
Summary: The top running back prospect in Missouri, Murphy had 166 carries for 867 yards and 12 touchdowns to help Nixa reach the Class 5 state title game as a senior. He rushed for 1,973 yards and scored 22 touchdowns as a junior in 2013.
MSU comparison: Sophomore Ashton Shumpert, the Bulldogs’ expected starter at tailback in 2015.
Long-term prognosis: The player who emerges in the battle for playing time in the backfield will be better for it, and Murphy has the size and speed to survive.
2015 outlook: With so many talented backs on the roster, a redshirt seems possible.
JAMAL PETERS
DB * 6-2, 216 * Bassfield
Summary: Perhaps the crown jewel of the class, Peters has been MSU’s top commitment since his pledge last July. A true difference-maker at safety, Peters is the No. 1-ranked prospect in the state. He also is a consensus four-star recruit. He had 60 tackles, 13 pass deflections, five interceptions, 4.5 tackles for loss, and one forced fumble as a senior in leading Bassfield to its third-straight Class 2A state title.
MSU comparison: No one recently, as Peters’ combination of size, speed, and athleticism puts him ahead of where any recent MSU signee has been since Mullen arrived in Starkville.
Long-term prognosis: The cornerstone of MSU’s class, Peters will have every opportunity to be a four-year contributor.
2015 outlook: There’s room for a young safety to earn playing time, and Peters projects as that guy.
MAURICE SMITHERMAN
DB * 5-9, 178 * Adamsville, Alabama
Summary: Rated a three-star recruit by ESPN.com, Rivals.com, Scout.com, and 247Sports. He is the No. 13 prospect in Alabama, according to 247Sports, and ESPN.com has him as the No. 47 corner in his class, and No. 24 in the state. He had 98 tackles and 16.5 tackles for loss in 25 games in the past three seasons.
MSU comparison: During his Signing Day press conference, Mullen compared Smitherman to former cornerback Darius Slay, now of the NFL’s Detroit Lions.
Long-term prognosis: Mullen seems excited about Smitherman, who had more than two dozen Division I offers. Expect him to be in line to inherit the starting cornerback spots once Taveze Calhoun and Will Redmond graduate.
2015 prognosis: With Redmond and Calhoun still in Starkville, though, Smitherman’s path to early playing time might be blocked.
JONNAS SPIVEY
WR * 6-1, 181 * Bay Springs
Summary: A consensus three-star prospect, Spivey played on both sides of the ball and was quarterback at Bay Springs, which advanced to the second round of the 2014 Class 2A playoffs. In 2014, he was 80 of 112 for 1,431 yards with 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also had 133 rushes for 1,002 yards and 13 touchdowns.
MSU comparison: Former Starkville High standout Gabe Myles, who transitioned from high school quarterback to receiver.
Long-term prognosis: The position of receiver is crowded, and Spivey will be given time to grow into a contributor.
2015 outlook: Expect Spivey to redshirt.
CHRIS STAMPS
DB * 6-1, 170 * Vicksburg
Summary: A standout four-star rated defensive back by 247Sports and a three-star by ESPN.com, Scout.com, and Rivals.com, Stamps was ranked the No. 10 player in the state of Mississippi by Scout.com, No. 11 by 247Sports, and No. 14 by Rivals.com. At Warren Central High, he had 112 tackles and two for loss in 36 games. He also intercepted 13 passes and returned them for 123 yards.
MSU comparison: Mullen compared him to former Thorpe Award winner Johnthan Banks, now with the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Long-term prognosis: Every indication is that Mullen sees Stamps and Smitherman as his bookends at cornerback for the future.
2015 outlook: Like Smitherman, Stamps’ path might be blocked in 2015.
NICK TIANO
QB * 6-5, 230 * Chattanooga, Tennessee
Summary: As a senior in 2014, he was 137 of 224 for 2,096 yards with 16 touchdowns and three interceptions. He also had 136 rushes for 723 yards and eight touchdowns to become the top quarterback prospect in the state of Tennessee.
MSU comparison: He has a frame and athletic profile similar to former quarterback Chris Relf, though Tiano is more established as a passer than Relf was as a high school senior.
Long-term prognosis: Tiano becomes the latest quarterback to get in line behind current quarterback Dak Prescott, a line that is four players deep.
2015 outlook: Freshmen rarely play for Mullen, and it is unlikely a freshman quarterback will get an opportunity in 2015 with Prescott on the roster. A redshirt season is a near-certainty.
TIM WASHINGTON
OLB * 6-3, 183 * Yazoo City
Summary: An athletic four-star linebacker who comes from a program that producer former MSU standout and current NFL star lineman Fletcher Cox, Washington is a member of the ESPN300 (No. 297). He had 50 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and six sacks as a senior in 2014.
MSU comparison: A young KJ Wright, now a linebacker with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks. Like Wright, Washington needs to bulk up before becoming an impact player in the middle of the defense.
Long-term prognosis: No position at MSU has produced as many NFL-ready players as linebacker, and Washington looks like the next step in that line.
2015 outlook: At 183 pounds, Washington could use a redshirt year to adjust to the physicality of Southeastern Conference football.
DARRYL WILLIAMS
OL * 6-3, 304 * Bessemer, Alabama
Summary: A versatile offensive lineman, Williams could play three inside positions. One of several MSU players ranked in the ESPN300 (No. 245), he is a four-star prospect ranked the 10th-highest in the state of Alabama by ESPN.com.
MSU comparison: Though much more highly rated coming out of high school, Williams is versatile like former Bulldog Ben Beckwith.
Long-term prognosis: Williams will enter the factory that is MSU’s offensive line development, and he could emerge as an interior starter as early as 2016.
2015 outlook: Like most high school offensive linemen under Mullen, look for Williams to redshirt.
— Brandon Walker
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