Editor’s note: Since the publication of this article, Mississippi State has picked up another four-star in offensive lineman Jimothy Lewis. Lewis, a 6’6″, 278-pound right tackle out of IMG, spent his first two seasons at Madison-Ridgeland Academy before transferring. He’s a member of the class of 2024.
College football recruiting is heating up in the Magnolia State with all three of Mississippi’s major universities landing big-time commitments this week.
In Starkville, Mississippi State picked up three class of 2024 4-stars on Tuesday: wide receivers J.J. Harrell and Braylon Burnside and defensive back P.J. Woodland.
Woodland chose the Bulldogs over Arkansas and Auburn. Both Harrell and Burnside decided to ride with newly-hired wide receivers coach and Mississippi State great Chad Bumphis over offers from Ole Miss and a handful of other SEC teams.
Cooper Petagna with 247Sports said on Thursday’s edition of SportsTalk Mississippi that the additions of Harrell and Burnside will help the Bulldogs in creating a successful passing game in the Zach Arnett era. Burnside is a physical slot receiver with a stocky build known for gaining extra yards after the catch, while Harrell is a speedy receiver with serious deep-threat ability.
“I like what they’re doing there with those two in-state guys. That’s what you want. You want to build your receiver room like a basketball team. Everybody’s a little bit different,” Petagna said. “I like those two guys in-state and they’re definitely guys they made a priority and got in the boat early.”
On the Ole Miss front, it’s no secret that Lane Kiffin is prioritizing his quarterbacks room. Kiffin and company landed a hard commitment from 4-star Austin Simmons on Sunday. The former Florida commit was originally a 2025 prospect but has since chosen to reclassify to 2023.
Simmons, a left-hander, is known for his quick release and is expected to play a crucial role on both the football field and baseball diamond.
“He’s a mature pocket-passer. He’s got a baseball background, quick-twitch in the pocket. He can navigate and he is a guy that is really sharp in the short and intermediate part of the field,” Petagna added. “If you’re an Ole Miss fan, I’d be really excited. I like the way he fits.”
Down in Hattiesburg, third-year head coach Will Hall built up some momentum on the recruiting trail with the commitment of 4-star Christopher Jones, a class of 2024 linebacker from Hartfield Academy in Flowood. Jones chose the Golden Eagles over Florida State, Arkansas State, and Jackson State.
All three of Mississippi’s major universities will continue to add to their recruiting classes ahead of December’s early national signing day.
