The first Wednesday in February does not hold the same drama and surprises it did for so many years, as the early signing period has taken the luster from what was a red letter day on the college football calendar. For Mississippi State, this is especially true, with nearly a full class signed in December that then held together minus one defection through the transition from Joe Moorhead to Mike Leach. State did still have some additions to make, so here are the newest Bulldog signees for the 2020 class.
JAMARI STEWART
Welcome to #StarkVegas, Jamari Stewart ‼️@1wayjaay » https://t.co/2oiNOFRSP1#HailState🐶 pic.twitter.com/nv0TNBwTAs
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) February 5, 2020
A three star prospect out of Port St. Luice, Florida, where he was coached by former Bulldog great Jamar Chaney, Stewart popped up on the radar in January as State looked to add another defensive lineman to the class. He picked the Bulldogs over offers from Auburn, Arizona, and Indiana.
KYLE CASS
Kyle Cass is officially a Bulldog.
Can't wait to get this guy back to campus. @K_cass8 » https://t.co/yyjulCz1L5#HailState🐶 pic.twitter.com/NXtJwnvQgo
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) February 5, 2020
Cass was another player who showed up on recruiting lists later in the process, as Mississippi State is in need of experienced players in the secondary. State’s depth chart at both cornerback and safety should allow Cass to make an impact in 2020, as the Bulldogs will feature one of the youngest defensive backfields in the SEC.
RUFUS HARVEY
Official. Welcome to the Family, Rufus Harvey. @R_Harvey6 » https://t.co/dnBTQLFOYU#HailState🐶 pic.twitter.com/Kx9aY9joit
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) February 5, 2020
Harvey’s addition to Mississippi State’s 2020 class has been a long time coming. A local product of Starkville High School, Harvey had to wait until the final weekend of recruiting to collect his much desired offer from the Bulldogs. His career as a Yellow Jacket saw him break several of former Ole Miss star and current Tennessee Titan AJ Brown’s records, and Brown even openly lobbied for Harvey to get an offer from either State or his own alma mater. With MSU moving to the Air Raid offense, Harvey should make a push for immediate playing time.
KJ COSTELLO
LET'S. GO.
K.J. Costello is now a DAWG.@kj_costello » https://t.co/ETrUCgP1sv#HailState🐶 pic.twitter.com/QlE8p06szd
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) February 5, 2020
Costello comes to Mississippi State from Stanford, where he threw for over 6000 yards and 49 touchdowns in his 2.5 years as a starter for the Cardinal, leading them to back to back nine win seasons in 2017-18. Leach made it clear upon his arrival he would be seeking a grad transfer at quarterback, and Costello appears to be the best pick of the lot this season. He will be expected to start from day one as State will look to completely rewrite its offensive record books.
