For Whom the Cowbell Tolls - Mississippi State Bulldogs 2016 Maroon and White Spring GameGrindin' Daily for Mississippi State Athleticshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50285/fwtct-fav.png2016-04-18T18:18:48-04:00http://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com/rss/stream/112076372016-04-18T18:18:48-04:002016-04-18T18:18:48-04:00How Efficient Were The Quarterbacks on Saturday?
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<figcaption><a href='http://www.hailstate.com/PhotoAlbum.dbml?SPSID=90889&SPID=10997&DB_LANG=C&PALBID=1867059&DB_OEM_ID=16800'>Kelly Price/HailState.com</a></figcaption>
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<p>This is a made up statistical analysis for the efficiency of an offense under a quarterback. I made it up. I'm pretty sure nobody else has something exactly like this. It's a basic system, but it works to show how an offense progresses under a particular signal caller. If somebody else has done something like this before (which is likely), sorry not sorry for copying it.</p> <h4>First, let me explain</h4>
<p>I want to say that this is indeed different that a quarterback's rating. This doesn't go through yardage totals and completions or how well they ran the ball. This analysis goes through how efficiently the offense progressed under each quarterback. Allow me explain just how my new metric works. It's a fairly rudimentary and crude approach to seeing how efficient an offense runs under a certain quarterback, but it's also a fairly quick, and somewhat effective method to see just how well a quarterback can lead an offense.</p>
<p>So, the method is fairly simple. I scrolled through the drive charts from Saturday's Maroon and White game to see how many drives a quarterback led and how the drive ended. I broke up the ending into five different categories and assigned each of them a point value that I multiplied by the amount of times a drive ended in that fashion.</p>
<p>The categories and point values are as follows: 1) punting which is multiplied by -0.5. It's not the worst way to end a drive but it's not great either. 2) Turnover on downs or offensive turnover, multiplied by -1. This is more to see how efficient the offense was, not necessarily the quarterback. 3) Quarterback turnover, multiplied by -2. It's not good for a quarterback to turn the ball over. 4) Offensive touchdowns, multiplied by 1. This is pretty self explanatory, right? An offense scores, it's efficient. And finally 5) quarterback specific touchdowns, multiplied by 2. Quarterbacks are rewarded here with a higher point total because they were responsible in some manner for the touchdown, be it by passing, running, or catching in a trick play.</p>
<h4>Let's jump into the numbers, shall we?</h4>
<p>All of the below tables are from screenshots from an excel spreadsheet where I did all of my (very basic) calculations.</p>
<p>First, let's look at just how each drive ended under each quarterback:</p>
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<pre>Just a quick reminder that TOD_OT stands for turnover on downs or offensive turnover, Qb TO is quarterback turnover, and QB TD is quarterback touchdown.</pre>
<p>This data is very straightforward and pretty much just highlights how each drive ended for each quarterback. Of note, Damian Williams had four drives, both Nick Fitzgerald and Nick Tiano had five (I'm not counting the single play drive that featured two MSU legends. That drive doesn't count) and Elijah Staley had six. So, as a whole, my sample size is admittedly small. I'm not working with much here since I'm only using the spring game. But these guys haven't had lengthy careers with multiple starts, so it's not like I have much more to go on.</p>
<p>Here's the percentages for how each drive ended for each quarterback:</p>
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<p>Pretty easy to understand everything so far, right? Damian Williams had a 50/50 split of how his drives ended while the other guys had more variation in their results. And now, we're going to start doing some multiplication from our set of raw data to start compiling the efficiency data.</p>
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<p>All of the values are added in here. The columns show the point values that each quarterback accumulated for each category of how the drives ended and the overall score for their "Ethan Lee's Quarterback Efficiency Metric" is shown at the bottom.</p>
<h4>And so, what are we seeing here?</h4>
<p>First of all, when Damian Williams ran the offense, it progressed at a much cleaner rate than every other quarterback. The offense didn't turn the ball over when he was on the field, and all of his drives ended in either a punt of a touchdown, specifically a couple of scores that he was responsible for. He showed that he could manage the offense well, and statistically he was rewarded here.</p>
<p>Behind him comes Nick Tiano, who had a bit of a "boom or bust" set of results when he was leading the offense. Many have remarked about how eye catching Tiano was, and he performed incredibly well, particularly for a redshirt freshman. And the offense was fairly efficient under him. He did throw an interception, but his ability to run through defenders and throw the ball with some speed did lead the offense to the most amount of cumulative touchdowns with three while he was on the field.</p>
<p>Elijah Staley comes in third here, just behind Tiano. Staley benefitted from having the most time on the field with six drives but the offense struggled for most of those, punting four times. Staley's offense was, like the one Williams ran, turnover free when it was on the field, with it getting two total touchdowns, one with Staley catching it.</p>
<p>And Nick Fitzgerald rounds out the bunch here with a score of -3.5. Many have already talked about his overall struggles as he threw two picks, but it should be noted that the offense was also stopped on fourth down, which is something not totally in his control.</p>
<h4>So, what should we make of this?</h4>
<p>Well, you really can't make too much of this. The sample size is small and this method doesn't reflect totally on a quarterback's abilities. Plus, we've seen every quarterback struggle at certain times throughout the spring, this is just looking at the spring game. But, it should be noted that the offense performed considerably better under Damian Williams on Saturday.</p>
<p>Many have counted the redshirt junior out of the competition, saying that he's bound to transfer to a smaller school. I don't think that's the case. These numbers, and Dan Mullen's comments about how it's still open for anybody to win show that Damian has as much of a chance as the other guys on the roster. There's very little separation between the quarterbacks, so it'll be interesting to see how the battle progresses into the summer and fall.</p>
https://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com/2016/4/18/11454780/mississippi-state-quarterback-battle-dak-prescott-ethan-lee-quarterback-efficiency-metricEthanLee2016-04-16T20:58:06-04:002016-04-16T20:58:06-04:00What are they saying about the MSU Spring Game
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<p>Interested in what takeaways others had from the MSU Spring Game? We've got you covered.</p> <p>Mississippi State concluded its spring practices with the annual Maroon and White Spring game, and now the Bulldogs will wait until August 2 to resume practice.</p>
<p>While there is much time between now and then, it is never too early to have takeaways from the game. One quick one, Mark McLaurin does not fall for tricks. The defensive back intercepted a Dak Prescott pass to Boobie Dixon, preventing the former running back from scoring his annual touchdown.</p>
<p>The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/college/mississippi-state/2016/04/16/5-takeaways-msus-maroon-and-white-game/83131774/">Clarion Ledger's Mike Bonner</a> took a look at the wide receivers who stepped up and made plays, and he looked at the play of the quarterbacks, which might have surprised some followers of the Maroon and White.</p>
<p>Our own Ethan Lee had a few thoughts on the game as well, especially the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com/2016/4/16/11444280/mississippi-state-football-spring-game-takeaways-dan-mullen-quarterback-battle">creativity and versatility</a> shown in the play calling and by the players on the field.</p>
<p>Hugh Kellenberger, also of the Clarion Ledger, examined what the next steps could be in the Bulldogs' <a target="_blank" href="http://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/columnists/kellenberger/2016/04/16/kellenberger-time-msu-trim-qb-competition/83128750/">quarterback competition.</a></p>
<p>Gridironnow.com came away impressed with the <a target="_blank" href="http://gridironnow.com/mississippi-state-spring-game-2016/">Bulldogs play on defense.</a></p>
<p>The Associated Press also found the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/apr/16/not-much-separation-in-mississippi-states-4-man-qb/">quarterback situation </a>to be the most interesting story coming out of the spring game.</p>
<p>The Dispatch took a look at <a href="http://cdispatch.com/sports/article.asp?aid=49579" target="_blank">Malik Dear's day.</a></p>
<p>Not long after the spring game, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com/2016/4/16/11445202/dan-mullen-and-mississippi-state-football-recruiting-earn-four-commitments">recruiting </a>took an important role in the narrative.</p>
https://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com/2016/4/16/11445372/mississippi-state-bulldogs-spring-game-articles-analysis-opinions-quarterbackjustinrsutton2016-04-16T20:26:13-04:002016-04-16T20:26:13-04:00Dan Mullen caps Spring Game with Four Commits
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<p>Today's spring game was not only interesting to watch for fans, but it also yielded some great results for Dan Mullen's recruiting efforts.</p> <p>After today's <a href="http://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com/2016/4/16/11444280/mississippi-state-football-spring-game-takeaways-dan-mullen-quarterback-battle">Maroon and White game</a>, Dan Mullen found himself making quite the recruiting haul by gaining four verbal commitments, all four of which were in state recruits. Now while these are just verbal commitments, it marks a huge day overall for the program in terms of adding quality in state talent, and shows that the recent additions to the coaching staff are paying off.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Four commits today for Mississippi State, 3 for 2017 1 for 2018. BIG day</p>
— Russell Johnson (@JohnsonERA13) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnsonERA13/status/721446464833122305">April 16, 2016</a>
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<p>The first 2017 commitment came from Ocean Springs three star wide receiver Austin Williams.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ocean Springs WR Austin Williams has committed to Mississippi State</p>
— Steve Robertson (@ScoutSteveR) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScoutSteveR/status/721420096468623360">April 16, 2016</a>
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<p>Williams is listed at 6'3 and 206 pounds and could help to add develop into a solid outside threat for the Bulldogs, as well as add more depth to a class where Mullen appears to be targeting several receiving threats. State already has commitments from 6'3, 224 pound tight end Ravian Pierce and receiver Monterio Hunt. Williams has added that he intends to help State recruit others, which could continue to help boost MSU's class.</p>
<p>State's second commit came from four star defensive end Aaron Odom.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Another 2017 commit for MSU today with the addition of 247Sports three-star defensive end Aaron Odom <a href="https://t.co/0NFqC57B0S">https://t.co/0NFqC57B0S</a></p>
— Paul Jones (@PJ247Sports) <a href="https://twitter.com/PJ247Sports/status/721431410033192965">April 16, 2016</a>
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<p>Odom measures in at 6'3 and 260 pounds. His commitment will help the Bulldogs add depth to the defensive line, a position group that has seen plenty of development recently. The shift to a 3-4 scheme will change things up a bit for the Bulldogs, but Odom's size will allow him to be fairly versatile in Peter Sirmon's scheme. Odom is the third defensive lineman in this recruiting cycle to commit to state but is the only one ranked thus far.</p>
<p>The third commit for the 2017 class was Pascagoula native Paul Gainer.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Another one for MSU. Gautier offensive tackle Paul Gainer who I think will be a big time guy this year. <a href="https://t.co/CA7m0WSEPl">https://t.co/CA7m0WSEPl</a></p>
— Robbie Faulk (@robbiefaulk247) <a href="https://twitter.com/robbiefaulk247/status/721445974149697536">April 16, 2016</a>
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<p>Gainer is currently unranked, but weighs in at an impressive 6'5 and 290 pounds. Gainer will likely bring depth to a position that has seen plenty of ups and downs in Mullen's stint so far at Mississippi State. A notable part of last year's losses were due to the offensive line struggling against the better defensive lines in the SEC. Gainer's size and potential may be able to help resolve some of those issues.</p>
<p>The fourth overall commit, the first for the 2018 class was four star receiver Malik Heath</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Callaway 2018 WR Malik Heath has committed to Mississippi State</p>
— Steve Robertson (@ScoutSteveR) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScoutSteveR/status/721428070666801156">April 16, 2016</a>
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<p>Heath is still a decent ways out from his signing day, but earning his verbal commit is huge for Mullen and his staff. The 2018 commit is 6'3 and weighs 194 pounds. The addition of Heath would give Dan Mullen's offense yet another deep threat for whomever is throwing the ball for the maroon and white at that time.</p>
<p>According to Steve Robertson, all four of the recruits that committed today were attendees at MSU's 2016 junior day. Dan Mullen has had his eye on these recruits for a while now, and if he can keep them, he'll have added four players that he's wanted to come to Starkville.</p>
<p>Gaining these commits is big for many reasons, but one notable one being that there was a lot of concern that the turnover on the coaching staff would prevent Mullen from gaining the interest of in state recruits. It seems, however, that this is not the case. It'll be interesting to track these recruits through the rest of this recruiting cycle (and the next for Malik Heath).</p>
https://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com/2016/4/16/11445202/dan-mullen-and-mississippi-state-football-recruiting-earn-four-commitmentsEthanLee2016-04-16T14:42:43-04:002016-04-16T14:42:43-04:00Mississippi State Football Spring Game Takeaways
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<figcaption>Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The annual Maroon and White game was played today and here's what I observed.</p> <h4>The Quarterback Battle Continues to Be Intriguing</h4>
<p>First and foremost, the question on everyone's mind is who will replace Dak. Well, the quarterback competition continued on today and the general fan perception that Nick Fitzgerald or Elijah Staley would run away with the job was proven to be wrong today.</p>
<p>Both Staley and Fitzgerald had a mixture of success and struggles today. They both performed well at times and led the offense to score touchdowns, Fitzgerald threw for one and Staley caught one on a trick play, but it seemed like Damian Williams and Nick Tiano had the best showing on the field of the four quarterbacks.</p>
<p>Damian Williams, the guy that saved the 2013 season by leading MSU to victory over Arkansas and kept the Bulldogs competitive in the win against Ole Miss, proved today to everyone that he's still involved in this quarterback battle. Williams completed 14 of his 20 passes for a completion percentage of 70% for 165 yards and two touchdowns. Williams seemed poised and in control of the offense for most of the game.</p>
<p>Freshman Nick Tiano also played well, throwing a touchdown and 99 yards on eight completions to go with a completion percentage of 62% along with an interception. But Tiano seemed to be most comfortable later in the spring game and looked most impressive when running the ball. Tiano ran for 76 yards on 10 carries and bowled right through defenders as he did it. I wouldn't be surprised if Tiano received playing time this fall as a third or fourth and short running threat that is similar to what we saw out of Dak early in his career.</p>
<p>It's entirely possible that nobody wins the job outright just yet, but these two guys certainly showed fans their potential and likely convinced many that they have just as much of a chance to win the job. The quarterback battle will wage on, and it looks like Dan Mullen really can't go wrong with whomever he picks.</p>
<h4>Dan Mullen Showed Some Offensive Creativity</h4>
<p>We're used to the annual trick play that typically has Anthony Dixon involved in some way, but that wasn't even the most creative play that the offenses showed today.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">TRICK PLAY ALERT IN STARKVILLE! <br><br>RB lines up at QB<br><br>QB lines up at WR<br><br>That's a Touchdown: <a href="https://t.co/kqK2CYbOa4">https://t.co/kqK2CYbOa4</a> <a href="https://t.co/nstR4lwwFb">pic.twitter.com/nstR4lwwFb</a></p>
— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) <a href="https://twitter.com/SECNetwork/status/721392601421778945">April 16, 2016</a>
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<p>Mullen put some of his more creative plays on display today and did so with a range of creativity. Whether it was the relatively more basic play with using Brandon Holloway on a sweep from receiver, to having Ashton Shumpert throw a jump pass, to the Damian Williams run-pass option, and finally the gem shown above. Dan Mullen continued to remind fans that he's one of the more creative offensive minds in the nation today, and hopefully that trend will continue into the season. We'll likely need it against some of the better SEC teams.</p>
<h4>Mississippi State has Several Versatile Players on the Roster</h4>
<p>Gabe Myles, Brandon Holloway, and Malik Dear all reminded fans of their ability to play at multiple positions on the field. And this will be useful for the fact that the Bulldogs will need as much experience as possible at the receiver position, which is still a relatively young group and is missing Donald Gray and Fred Ross.</p>
<p>But the surprise of the spring game to me came with seeing Ashton Shumpert play at running back, in a bit of an H-back role at times, and then also at linebacker. Shumpert's struggles have been fairly well documented and he's received a lot of unfair backlash, but he's still an incredible athlete and will be able to find a place on the field. The versatility of these four players will be a huge boost for MSU if Mullen can find the most creative ways to utilize them to help carry the offense this year.</p>
https://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com/2016/4/16/11444280/mississippi-state-football-spring-game-takeaways-dan-mullen-quarterback-battleEthanLee2016-04-16T11:15:02-04:002016-04-16T11:15:02-04:00Maroon and White Spring Game Open Thread
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<p>It's time for some football. How do you feel about the spring game?</p> <p>Mississippi State's Maroon and White Spring game has finally arrived, and Bulldog fans can check out their team for the first time in several months.</p>
<p>If you need to catch up, we have the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com/2016/4/16/11443556/mississippi-state-bulldogs-maroon-white-spring-game-rosters-analysis-questions">rosters and some thoughts on them</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com/2016/4/16/11431368/mississippi-state-football-spring-game-how-to-watch-tv-channels-times">how to watch the game.</a></p>
<p>At the end of the day, let's hope the team shows some progress at running back, at least one solid quarterback, a good grasp of the defense, and a Boobie Dixon touchdown.</p>
<p>Also, let's not have any major injuries.</p>
<p>Folks, here it is...</p>
https://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com/2016/4/16/11443624/mississippi-state-bulldogsmaroon-and-white-spring-game-open-discussion-anthony-boobie-dixonjustinrsutton2016-04-16T10:01:11-04:002016-04-16T10:01:11-04:00Maroon White Spring Game Rosters Available
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<p>Mississippi State made its spring game rosters available Friday afternoon. Here are some quick thoughts on the split.</p> <p>Mississippi State coaches released the <a href="http://www.hailstate.com/fls/16800/pdf/fb/fb_roster_16mwgame.pdf?DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=16800" target="_blank">rosters for today's 2016 Maroon and White Spring Game</a> Friday afternoon.</p>
<p>As always, the splitting up of the players draws that attention of fans as it allows an attempt to try to read the tea leaves as to the standing of players on the team.</p>
<p>Here are a few observations from a quick look at the rosters.</p>
<p>1) Perhaps the biggest question going into the 2016 season revolves around the battle to replace Dak Prescott at quarterback. Most have felt that in the end this will be a battle between Elijah Staley and Nick Fitzgerald. <a href="http://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com/2016/4/15/11439770/mississippi-state-announces-quarterbacks-for-bulldogs-ahead-of-the" target="_blank">Nothing on the roster release</a> makes anyone feel any differently. Fitzgerald and Staley were put on two different squads with Damian Williams and Nick Tiano being split as well. We will now have to watch the playing time for each quarterback to see how it shakes out and perhaps lends more insight.</p>
<p>2) Opportunity is knocking for someone to replace Fred Brown. The Bulldogs lost one of their leading returning receivers from 2015 when Brown was dismissed from the university. While the Bulldogs have had to be creative with their use of receivers due to low numbers because of injury this spring, Saturday may be an opportunity for a new face to shine in Brown's former role. Jesse Jackson (Maroon) and Jonnas Spivey (White) could be the two most likely to replace him, especially based on size. They just happen to be on two different rosters.</p>
<p>3) Who will look the best at the running back position? There is no doubt that the Bulldogs struggled at the running back position in 2015, and if they want a successful 2016 season, that position will have to produce more than it did last year. It should be interesting to see if someone shows out at the position today.</p>
<p>4) All eyes should be on the defense as well. The entire staff turned over from last year, so it will be interesting to see how that side of the ball reacts to the different schemes, terminology, and philosophy on that side of the ball.</p>
<p>5) Will Boobie Dixon score a touchdown?</p>
https://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com/2016/4/16/11443556/mississippi-state-bulldogs-maroon-white-spring-game-rosters-analysis-questionsjustinrsutton2016-04-16T09:43:13-04:002016-04-16T09:43:13-04:00MSU Spring Game-Game Time, Streaming, How to Watch
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<p>We get a football like activity today in Starkville. Here's how to keep up with the spring game. </p> <p>Mississippi State will conduct its annual Maroon and White Spring Game, giving fans an opportunity see the team in a bit of a football game before the long summer wait comes.</p>
<p>The game kicks off at 11am at Davis Wade Stadium for those in Starkville and partaking in #SBW16. Admission is free and the stadium opens at 10am. The first 5,000 fans to enter through gates A or F will be able to get a Maroon State of Mind Poster.</p>
<p>For those of us not in Starkville, the game will still be available for your enjoyment.</p>
<p>Anish Shroff, Clint Stoerner, and Cole Cubelic will have the call on the televised broadcast on ESPNU. You can also <a target="_blank" href="http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index/_/id/2781277/mississippi-state-spring-game">catch the game online </a>and on the WatchESPN App. For those wanting to catch the MSU radio crew of Jim Ellis, Matt Wyatt, and John Correro, tuning into a MSU Radio Network Affiliate, HailStatePlus or Sirius 83 or XM 190 will do the trick.</p>
<p>As for the game itself, the first half will play with normal timing. The second half will feature a running clock. Halftime will last ten minutes.</p>
https://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com/2016/4/16/11431368/mississippi-state-football-spring-game-how-to-watch-tv-channels-timesjustinrsutton2016-04-15T15:00:02-04:002016-04-15T15:00:02-04:00Spring Game Recruiting Primer
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<figcaption>Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>As the countdown to the 2016 spring game gets under 24 hours, we take a look at the recruits who are expected to be on campus this weekend, as well as some updates on a few top targets.</p> <p>Dan Mullen and this staff have gotten off to a very impressive start to the class of 2017, already having commitments from 7 players from Louisiana and Mississippi. This weekend, SEVERAL of the top 2017 targets are expected to be on campus, as well as the majority of the signees from the #StateSquad16. Before we get to the list of visitors for the weekend, let's take a look at some recent news regarding three of the top remaining targets for the class of 2017:</p>
<h4><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Xavier-Newman-88677" target="_blank">Xavier Newman</a></h4>
<p>Newman has blown up since his impressive showing at The Opening in Dallas several weeks ago, picking up offers from Texas Tech, Texas, and Texas A&M among several others in recent weeks.When catching up after his most recent visit to College Station, he said that the visit went "great" and that he was headed to Austin this weekend for the Texas spring game. Mississippi State was one of Newman's first Power 5 offers. Newman could very possibly commit to Texas this weekend while on campus.</p>
<h4><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Brad-Stewart-75563" target="_blank">Brad Stewart</a></h4>
<p>Stewart, a 4-star CB from McDonogh 35 in Louisiana made news this week when he announced a top group including Florida, Ole Miss,, Oklahoma, and Mississippi State. Coach Sirmon has been on an endless grind since taking the job in Starkville, and being able to possibly add someone with the talent Stewart has would be something special. Stewart will not be on campus this weekend, though. He will be at LSU for their spring game.</p>
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<h4><a href="http://247sports.com/Player/Addison-Gumbs-66010" target="_blank">Addison Gumbs</a></h4>
<p>Gumbs was on campus for an unofficial visit several days ago, and from what <a href="http://247sports.com/Article/Calif-native-and-2017-four-star-Addison-Gumbs-recaps-MSU-visit-44775079" target="_blank">Paul Jones with Bulldawgs247 has reported</a>, it appears the visit went extremely well. Gumbs is a west-coast kid from Cali, but is expected to keep Mississippi State among his favorites when the time comes.</p>
<p>"I could see myself playing for someone like Coach Mullen. That is why I have interest in Mississippi State. They reached out to me over a month ago and liked my film and offered me. It was a great experience there and I think Coach Mullen is a great coach and person."</p>
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<h4><a href="http://mississippistate.247sports.com/Board/59413/Contents/List-of-expected-visitors-this-weekend-at-MSU-44807277" target="_blank">Spring Game Visitors (Per 247Sports)</a></h4>
<p>2016 MSU Signees <br>DL Kobe Jones of Starkville HS <br>OL Greg Eiland of Philadelphia HS <br>LB Erroll Thompson of Florence (Ala.) HS <br>OL Dareuan Parker of Desoto Central HS <br>DB Cameron Dantzler of St. Thomas Aquinas (La.) HS <br>WR Jamal Couch of Central (Ala.) HS <br>DE Marquiss Spencer of Greenwood HS <br>TE Jordan Thomas of East Central CC <br>ATH Nero Nelson of Hollandale Simmons HS</p>
<p>2017 Prospects <br>OL Zach Kadum of Rome (Ga.) HS <br>LB Willie Gay of Starkville HS <br>RB Kylin Hill of Columbus HS <br>WR Austin Williams of Ocean Springs HS <br>WR Kymbotric Mason of Noxubee County HS <br>MSU commit and CB Emanuel Dabney of Callaway HS <br>OL Saadhiq Charles of MRA <br>WR Dominique Booth of Indianapolis (Indiana transfer) <br>DE Aaron Odom of Callaway HS <br>WR Monterio Hunt of Walnut HS (MSU commit) <br>DB Alec Long of Liberty Tech (Tenn.) HS <br>DB Joshua Brown of Langston Hughes (Ga.) HS <br>DL LaBryan Ray of James Clemens (Ala.) HS <br>DB Johnathan Abram of Jones County JC <br>WR Stephen Guidry of Hinds CC (South Carolina commit) <br>DE Marques Ford of Jones County JC <br>DL Deion Pope of Copiah-Lincoln CC <br>DE Tyree Owens of Copiah-Lincoln CC <br>MSU commit and OL Tommy Champion of Copiah-Lincoln CC <br>DB Caleb Rozar of Dickinson County (Tenn.) HS <br>WR Sean Nelson of Langston Hughes (Ga.) HS<br>QB Keytaon Thompson of Landry-Walker HS (LA) (Commit)<br>QB Jack Walker of Madison Central HS</p>
<p>2018 Prospects <br>ATH Quinshawn Lucious of West Lowndes HS <br>ATH Marcus Murphy of West Point HS <br>MSU commit and DE Emmit Gooden of Holmes County CC</p>
<p>2019 Prospects <br>OL Louis Paul Smith of D'Iberville HS</p>
<h3><a target="_blank" href="http://247sports.com/Player/Keytaon-Thompson-78058">Quick Note on Keytaon Thompson</a></h3>
<p>Thompson is a highly-coveted QB recruit from Louisiana, so naturally people are shocked to see that he is not headed to LSU to play at the next level. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football-recruiting/2016/4/12/11397736/ncaa-best-quarterback-recruits-2017-commits" target="_blank">Recent reports</a> have come out stating that Thompson is still open to possibly playing for LSU and that if they were to turn up the pressure and make him a priority he would flip to LSU rather easily. When I reached out to Thompson myself to see where is head was at, he made it clear that he is "Solid" in his commitment to the Bulldogs, that he had no idea where those reports came from, and that he was looking forward to heading to Starkville for the spring game this weekend.</p>
<p><b><i>Monday, we will have a special recap from the recruiting side of the spring game, with reactions from recruits, possible commitments, and any other news that breaks between now and Sunday. #HailState and enjoy Super Bulldog Weekend 2016.</i></b></p>
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https://www.forwhomthecowbelltolls.com/2016/4/15/11433242/Mississippi-state-football-recruiting-spring-game-2017-sec-visitors-highlights-brad-stewartRuss Johnson