December 1998 Unofficial MSU Football Skuttle-Butt

12/31/98 - Dorsett Davis info: I talked to Bolivar Commercial Sports Editor David Johnson this morning and asked him when he talked to Dorsett Davis for his December 28th article. He told me he had talked to Dorsett that very morning and quoted him in the article. He said his newspaper, which is located in Cleveland, MS. (Dorsett's hometown), is an afternoon paper, therefore he had time to talk to Dorsett and write his article for the newspaper that very day. David said Dorsett was very sincere with his answers and did indeed say he had signed with MSU the prior week. When I told David about the Arkansas newspaper quotes where Dorsett and his dad Larry were quoted as saying Dorsett had not signed with MSU, he was surprised since Dorsett did not say a word about Arkansas during their conversation. One other thing, well two really, David had never heard of me or my site nor does he have any MSU ties. He is from Cleveland, MS. and went to high school there as well as college (Delta State). The location of the Bolivar Commercial is http://www.bolivarcom.com. His article is not in the Internet Edition but one of my Cleveland, Ms. readers posted it on my MSU Recruiting Message Board if you are interested in reading it. It is a very good article.

BTW, David told me about an article (in archives on their site, Dec. 16th) he wrote about another early MSU signee: Eugene Liger. Click here to read it.

12/31/98 - New Year's Eve MSU Party info:

Directions to the Automobile Building (where party is being held) from Dallas' Central Business District.

Take I-30 East
Take the first exit which is 2nd Avenue/Fair Park
Travel South on 2nd Avenue which will ultimately veer right into Robert B. Cullum Blvd.
Turn Left on Grand Avenue and follow directions to "Music Hall".
The Automobile Building is located between Music Hall and The Cotton Bowl Stadium.

12/31/98 - Info found in The Clarion-Ledger Dec. 30th:

State's players had their busiest day of the week Tuesday, with a 6 a.m. wake-up call, a bus trip to Texas' team hotel for a Fellowship of Christian Athletes breakfast (State's entire team attended the optional event while roughly 30 coaches and players from Texas showed up), then an 11 a.m. practice after the three-hour breakfast. After practice ended the Bulldogs showered at Texas Stadium and visited the nearby Children's Medical Center. The afternoon provided a short break before dinner and heading off to the SMU campus for the Sinbad on Stage concert, featuring the popular comedian and his expletive-free stand-up routine.

Reggie Kelly should be able to play Friday, although he will not be 100% according to team doctor Rusty Linton.

Rick Cleveland's prediction: Here in Dallas, media are treating the Cotton Bowl more like a coronation of King Ricky Williams than a football game. At the conclusion of State's Tuesday press conference, a bowl official announced to reporters: "This is a reminder that Ricky Williams and the rest of the Texas players will be here at 1 p.m." All the attention has State players steaming, which may or may not matter. Williams has been every Texas opponent's primary target and still rushed for 2,124 yards. He'll get his yards Friday morning, as well. But so will J.J. Johnson, who will be 100 percent for the first time since the Alabama game. In an upset: State 20, Texas 17.

12/31/98 - If you are going to the Cotton Bowl, don't forget to WEAR MAROON and BRING and RING YOUR COWBELL.

12/31/98 - Here are names of several players from the state of Louisiana who are considering Miss State, according to the Times-Picayune:

12/31/98 - Advertisement: Check out Tuxes, Too! by clicking here. Go by and see Doug at Tuxes, Too for the finest formal wear in Jackson, MS. Tell him you saw his ad on Gene's Page.

12/30/98 - If you are going to the Cotton Bowl, don't forget to WEAR MAROON and BRING and RING YOUR COWBELL. Also, please don't boo Senator Trent Lott. I noticed on the message board a few of you don't particularly like him for various reasons but that is no reason to boo the man. I was told this morning he is very proud to represent the state of Mississippi and Mississippi State, in particular, at the Cotton Bowl. In fact, he owns a MSU cowbell and, hopefully, will have it with him at the Cotton Bowl.

12/30/98 - A player Miss State was recruiting, Shomari Chism, has committed to Virginia.

12/29/98 - A fairy tale by The Great Recruiting Guru in the Sky:Once upon a time there was a man who wanted to marry a lovely woman (we'll call her Co-1st woman #1) but there was another lovely woman (we'll call her Co-1st woman #2) who also wanted to marry him. Well, after proposing a few months back, the man finally married the one he loved, Co-1st woman #1, in December. But the other woman, Co-1st woman #2, and her family (family can mean many things) just could not believe this, even after it was listed in the newspapers, and continued to pester the man and his family. Finally, the man and his family got so fed up with Co-1st woman #2 and her family continually bothering them, they began telling them he did not get married.

End of fairy tale. Hope you enjoyed it.

12/29/98 - Cotton Bowl news via the Dallas Morning News: Click here.

12/29/98 - Source: The Clarion-Ledger.

12/29/98 - According to the Star-Telegram, two Dallas-Fort Worth (TX) area offensive linemen are considering MSU. The two are Danny Murphy (6-5,285) of Marcus HS and Zak West (6-8, 280) of Carroll HS. Murphy is also considering Kentucky, Arizona State, and SMU. West is considering North Texas, Army and UTEP.

12/29/98 - Another Jackie Sherrill story, from one of you, which once again shows the little known side of the "real" man:

"My relative was married to a MSU graduate (we'll call him Fred) who had a true love for MSU and all it's activities. I doubt that he was a big donor because they were not wealthy people. A few years back Fred and his son were leaving a MSU game when Fred suffered what would be a fatal heart attack. Somehow Coach Sherrill heard about the heart attack, and during Fred's stay at the hospital, Coach Sherrill personally brought a team autographed football to Fred's room. He checked on the condition of Fred every day until his death.

"Although I wasn't there, my relative said that coach Sherrill was very sincere and his concern and expressions of sympathy meant the world to the family.

"That's when I became convinced that he had another side."

12/28/98 - I talked to recruiting analyst Kevin Henderson Sunday afternoon. He has checked around and come up with the facts about three MSU recruits who are really being talked about quite a bit lately: Dorsett Davis, Terrell Grindle and Keshan Fudge. Kevin told me Davis HAS signed with MSU. There is no point in talking about the Davis rumors any longer as far as I'm concerned. It is just a rumor that almost developed a life of it's own. Now, on to Fudge and Grindle. Both of these extremely talented players, according to Coach Merchant, who is their head coach and whom Kevin talked to Sunday, are both solidly committed to MSU. Forget all these rumors you are reading on the internet and other places. Neither player has decommitted. BTW, if you are on the IBBC, you will be able to read Kevin's entire recruiting article, which includes info about Fudge and Grindle as well as other choice recruiting info available only to IBBC dues paying members. Kevin also has some Southern Miss and Ole Miss recruiting info (scholarship offers to players) he will share with IBBC members. Remember, this info is copyrighted and you run the risk of losing your IBBC membership if you post it anywhere on the internet. Andy K. and I are the only ones allowed to post IBBC members-only info on free sites and we will only do it to give folks a sneak preview of what they are missing. Click here to go to the front page of the IBBC. On the right hand side of the page you will see a IBBC membership application link. Sign up, pay your dues, and once you receive your username and password from Andy K., come on in and join the fun we other Bulldog fans are having.

12/27/98 - PLEASE READ THIS ARTICLE ALL BULLDOG FANS: The Dallas Morning News had a very nice and well researched article about our own Jackie Sherrill. Here is a link to it. A big thanks goes out to Dallas Morning News sports writer Bill Campbell for making the effort to do a little research that so many, many reporters aren't willing to do.

12/27/98 - Despite what you are reading on the message boards (Arkansas and mine), Dorsett Davis has signed his MSU National Letter of Intent (NLI) papers. I can't speak for Otis Kirk, the writer from the Morning News (Arkansas newspaper), who claims to have spoken to Dorsett Friday and then quoted him as saying he has not signed his MSU NLI and wants to sign with Arkansas. All I do know is Dorsett committed to MSU (for the second time), not Arkansas, many months ago and has not waivered from that commitment, according to my sources. I leave it up to you to look at the facts and make your own determination.

12/27/98 - According to the Port Arthur News (TX) newspaper, Chris Inglish, a 6-5, 255 offensive lineman from Port Arthur (TX) Thomas Jefferson HS, is being recruited by MSU, Texas A&M and New Mexico. Chris has an "outstanding academic background", according to the newspaper article.

12/27/98 - Advertisement: Thanks to all the Bulldog fans who own or operate businesses for joining the Maroon Pages, a Gene's Page directory of businesses owned or operated by MSU fans and/or alumni. If you own or operate a business and you are a Bulldog fan and/or alumni, click here to discover how to join for $75 per year. Support my page by joining the Maroon Pages.

12/26/98 - It's that time of the year again. I would like to have copies of all all-county, all-area, all-division, and any other kind of high school football player lists that you notice in your local Mississippi newspapers. These lists help me discover the talent in your local areas. Please mail them to my home address at: 4361 Cal-Steens Road; Caledonia, MS. 39740 or you can fax them to my home fax number which is 601-356-4923. Your response is greatly appreciated.

12/26/98 - The Clarion-Ledger had it's annual (Mississippi) 1998 Athletes of the Year edition yesterday. Here are Bulldogs (future, present and past) who made the lists:

Additional Clarion-Ledger comments about MSU team sports:

All this was done on a budget near or at the bottom of the SEC. It's amazing what a bunch of quality individuals can achieve with a lot of determination and dedication.

The 90's: The MSU tradition begins. If you would like to help continue this tradition, join the Bulldog Club. You can find a Bulldog Club application form by clicking here.

12/26/98 - FROM: Calvin Hull, 972-770-2672, chull@dallas.cushwake.com

TIME: 8:30pm - 12:30am - December 31, 1998

LOCATION: Automobile Building on the Texas State Fairgrounds

RE: Mississippi State University Alumni New Year's Eve Party

"There's some Dawgs up in here" for a New Year's Eve party. Please spread the word to all MSU Alumni living in the Dallas area that Mississippi State University is sponsoring a New Year's Eve party to celebrate the Bulldogs' trip to the Cotton Bowl. Included is an invitation detailing pertinent information about the party. Please also find a map of the Fair Park area and the Texas State Fairgrounds indicating the location of the Automobile building. The New Year's Eve party will be held at the Automobile Building and tickets will be sold for $10 per person in advance, as referenced on the attached party invitation, and at the door the evening of the event. Please spread the word to your friends, relatives, and all Bulldog fans traveling to Dallas from the great state of Mississippi. Mississippi State is expecting a huge turnout for this New Year's Eve party celebration. Hope to see you Thursday evening, December 31, 1998 at the New Year's Eve Party.

Game Day Reminder: Expect the Cotton Bowl game to be 4/5 Texas fans since Texas Alums will end up with most of the corporate tickets sold in Dallas. Therefore, Bulldogs should wear maroon and bring a cowbell so that we will be seen and heard. For those of you who were unable to locate Cotton Bowl tickets, Damon's, 214-373-6000, located on Central Expressway, North of Meadow Road next to Leadership Ford, will be televising the game in a festive atmosphere and welcoming Bulldog fans to join other Dallas Dawgs to watch the game.

****Go Dawgs!!****

Directions to the Automobile Building from Dallas' Central Business District.

Take I-30 East
Take the first exit which is 2nd Avenue/Fair Park
Travel South on 2nd Avenue which will ultimately veer right into Robert B. Cullum Blvd.
Turn Left on Grand Avenue and follow directions to "Music Hall".
The Automobile Building is located between Music Hall and The Cotton Bowl Stadium.

Mississippi State University
1999 Southwestern Bell
Cotton Bowl Classic

_______________________

New Year's Eve Party:

You are invited to The Mississippi State University New Year's Eve Party, December 31, 1998, 8:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.

Automobile Building on the Texas State Fairgrounds - site of the Cotton Bowl Stadium.
Tickets cost $10 per person and include band, party favors, and light hors d'oeuvres. Cash bar available.

Tickets may be purchased by calling Fair Winds Travel of Montgomery, Alabama at 888-8781 or the Mississippi State University Alumni Association at 601-325-2434. (The Alumni Office will be closed for the holidays December 22, 1998 - January 3, 1999.) Beginning Tuesday, December 29, 1998, tickets to the New Year's Eve Party may be purchased through the Hyatt Regency - Dallas, host hotel for the Bulldogs during their stay in Dallas.

12/26/98 - Click here to read what CNN/SI is saying about the Cotton Bowl. BTW, disregard the 1:30 p.m. start time. It is incorrect.

12/25/98 - August 23rd quotes from The Clarion-Ledger's Football Preview issue:

Tom Lemming, a national recruiting guru based out of Chicago: "If nothing else, this year's group (of Mississippi high school players) is much deeper (than last year's group). There are a lot of kids in Mississippi who are very highly regarded by schools all over the country."

Sekou Smith, beat writer for MSU (previously a prep writer for the C-L): "Talented and deep at every position except maybe linebacker, this year's class should top the approximately 40 players from Mississippi who signed Division I-A scholarships last year. One of the most complete packages in recent years"

David Wilson, MSU's Director of On-Campus recruiting: "I think you could use 22-24 scholarships in-state this year."

Why did I bring up these quotes? Considering MSU is doing extremely well recruiting the state of Mississippi this year (maybe an understatement?), I just wanted you guys to know what the so-called experts were saying about this class before MSU starting raking in the most talented players in the state.

P.S. Don't you wish we had unlimited scholarships like in decades past? What a great, great time to be a Mississippi State University Bulldog.

12/24/98 - According to Tupelo, MS. television channel WTVA, Mississippi's top offensive lineman Donald Tucker (6-4, 310, 5.1) committed to the Bulldogs yesterday. MGA also told Conference Call the same thing. MSU now has 17 commitments. According to NRA, Tucker's official visits were to be Ole Miss Dec. 18 (Took it), Alabama Jan. 8 (Canceled), Mississippi State Jan. 15, Tennessee Jan. 22 (Canceled) and Kentucky Jan. 29 (Canceled). Why did Donald chose MSU you ask? According to Donald (via Border Wars): "I went to the ARK-MSU game and the atmosphere was fantastic. They are getting some great commitments like Kevin Fant, the Thompson Twins, and Dontae Walker. But the main thing is that they have been graduating their players - around 70% the last couple of years. I am going to college for an education first, then football." A link to Border Wars can be found here if you want to read the full story.

12/24/98 - MSU running back commitment Dontae Walker received two very prestigious honors yesterday: First Team USA Today All-American and Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year.

12/24/98 - Georgia high school linemen who are supposed to visit MSU:

12/23/98 - Click here to see The 1998 Clarion-Ledger All-State Team (1st and 2nd teams).

12/23/98 - Another one of the top players in Mississippi, Justin Jenkins (Pearl HS, DB/QB, 6-1, 200, 4.43), has verbally committed to MSU according to The Clarion-Ledger. Justin also considered Ole Miss and Auburn. I saw Justin at MSU's football camp. In fact, I saw him run the 4.43 forty I have listed. This youngster has really turned some heads this past season with his outstanding athletic ability. Great pickup for MSU. BTW, Justin was selected 1st Team All-State as a defensive back by The Clarion-Ledger.

BTW, the rumor is MSU was visited by Tupelo HS's Donald Tucker (6-4, 310, 5.1), the top offensive lineman in Mississippi, at Monday's practice. It is also rumored Cliff Woodruff (6-7, 245, Oxford (MS) HS) was also a visitor at the same practice.
Cliff is a player who has not gotten much publicity this year but is a very talented player (good size and speed) who will be heard from as the recruiting process picks up.

12/21/98 - The primary reason for the success MSU is having on the football field and in recruiting:

MSU's Football Coaches:

12/21/98 - Updated from 12/15/98:

MSU Commitments Ratings (Jeff Whitaker's Deep South Football Recruiting Guide):
Rating System:
10.00 - Superstar
9.50 - Major College Star
9.00 - Major College Player

I have not added to this list recent commitment Nathan Jackson who committed to MSU last year but did not go to school full time this fall due to a knee injury suffered in last summer's MS/AL All-Star football game.

This is a 9.65 average, which is a little above the Major College Star rating. Before you get too excited, remember, this is just one person's opinion. However, it is fun to read this kind of information, isn't it? If you are interested in purchasing Jeff Whitaker's Guide and you can't find it in your local area, you can call Jeff Whitaker Sports at (205) 582-5257 or email them at jwsports@aol.com

12/21/98 - Where's the offensive line beef you ask? According to Border Wars, the top offensive lineman in Mississippi Donald Tucker is very close to committing to MSU. Donald is also being heavily recruited by Alabama and Ole Miss. It is also rumored that 2nd Team J.C. Grid-Wire JUCO All-American offensive lineman Kevin Barry (6-6, 325, Hutchinson (KS) CC) is also considering MSU.

BTW, for those of you who are worried about the lack of JUCO signee announcements, don't worry about it. It will happen very soon.

12/21/98 - Check out the Border Wars site for the latest on several recruits MSU is looking good with. Go to the section titled The Buzz.

BTW, Border Wars ranks MSU 14th in the country in their current recruiting rankings (12/17/98). Other SEC teams in the Top 25 are:
#03 LSU
#08 Georgia
#09 Alabama
#11 Florida
#15 Kentucky

12/20/98 - Thanks once again goes out to Jimbo Raley of Mississippi Gridiron Authority recruiting service for this Kevin Fant info. You can go to the MGA site by clicking here. Jimbo has a great site which I highly recommend.

It's official, Kevin Fant has committed to Miss State. This was confirmed this morning. Fant is another in a wave of early commitments. Yesterday Miss State landed the Thompson brothers, Eric and Derrick. This is a "Maroon" letter weekend for Miss State.

When asked what was his process in making his decision? Fant replied " I've prayed about this for a long time and a man told me there were only 24 hours in the day. I knew I could only play football for four hours so I had to decide where I would be happiest for the other 20. I prayed and thought about this and my heart led me to Miss State."

I thanked Kevin for his honesty and giving MGA the opportunity to report on his recruiting. We at MGA wish Kevin the best of luck in his college career.

Gene's Comments: Kevin Fant is a big-time commitment for MSU. This youngster has all the things you want in a quarterback: Intelligence, leadership ability, toughness, plays big in the big games, very good arm, reads defenses well, and good speed (4.6). One thing you need to keep in mind, he played in the top division in the state of Mississippi (5A) and helped lead his team to two state championships his sophomore and junior years. I suspect he would have won three if he had been healthy his entire senior year. Something else you may not know is he is very, very well respected by his teammates at Moss Point, hence this could be the in MSU has been looking for as far as Moss Point is concerned.

12/19/98 - A Clarion-Ledger Dandy Dozen update based on info I have received or read:

My prediction on where they will sign (just an opinion, folks):
MSU - 5 or 6
Ole Miss - 0 or 1
JSU - 1
Out of State - 2 or 3
JUCO - 2 or 3

12/19/98 - Per Kevin Henderson, WR/FS Randy Williams, 6-4, 195, 4.5, from Brandon H.S., plans to visit MSU Jan 22. (If you were a member of the IBBC, you would already know this since it was in Kevin's column this week.) According to another source of mine, Randy is very athletic and stars in football, track and basketball. Great leaper.

12/18/98 - From a source of mine: "The Star Telegram reports that Marcus HS (Dallas) offensive lineman Josh Wade, 6-5, 275 lbs, has committed to NE Louisiana. The report said that he was considering MSU, La Tech, & Brigham Young. Deciding factor was that he wanted to play with his cousin who plays for NE La."

12/18/98 - According to another source of mine, Meridian HS strong safety Tim Penry is strongly considering MSU as well as Southern Miss.

12/17/98 - What has MSU athletics done that NO OTHER university has?

From the SEC Bowl Preview Press Release:
"Miss. State is the only school in the nation to have participated in a New year's Day post-season football bowl game, the NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four and the College World Series in the last four seasons."

Like I've said before, championship results. Don't you think it is about time you do your part if you aren't already. Obviously the coaches and players are doing their part. Bulldog Club Membership form link

12/17/98 - What are the recruiting analysts saying about MSU's recruiting efforts so far?

Jimbo Raley, Mississippi Gridiron Authority: "Miss State's recruiting class will end up as one of the top 5 to 10 nationally."
Bill King, Radio station WLAC and Southeastern Recruiting Alliance Magazine: MSU may have the best recruiting year of any team in the SEC West.
Jamie Newberg, Border Wars: Has MSU ranked 14th nationally, at this time.

12/17/98 - No early Juco signees have officially been announced. The rumor is signee announcements will be forthcoming later this week.

12/17/98 - Quite a few of you have asked how you can get in touch with MSU Athletic Director Larry Templeton to express your support for MSU. Emails and phone calls are OK, although I don't believe Larry has an email address, but I would suggest writing him a personal letter and either faxing it to 601-325-7904 or mailing it to:

12/16/98 - The words from Moss Point QB supreme Kevin Fant himself via MGA's Jimbo Raley. A huge, huge thank you goes out to Jimbo for allowing us to read what he has put on his premium MGA recruiting site. If you want to subscribe to one of the top recruiting services on the 'net, MGA is the site for you. Click here to go to the MGA recruiting site. For sure go over there and thank Jimbo.

Here's the article:

Kevin Fant, Moss Point, QB

MGA spoke with Kevin tonight (Tuesday) and the reports that Auburn was a strong consideration are false. Kevin told me tonight that his top choices are Miss State, squarely in the lead, LSU a distant second, Southern Miss still hanging in and Auburn just barely there. Ole Miss is now completely off of his list.

Fant has narrowed his choices down to Miss State and LSU. He will begin calling schools tomorrow or Thursday and thanking them for their offers. Keshan Fudge and Terrell Grindle, two recent Miss State commitments from Hattiesburg, have kept in close contact and Kevin said he will call Allen Tillman very soon.

When asked when he would commit, Fant replied " A decision will be made soon, I will make calls in the next two days." " I want this to be over soon, I will decide no later than the end of the month (December), who knows maybe next week."

Gene's comments about Kevin: I have seen Kevin play one time and that was this year against the best team in Mississippi High School football, South Panola HS. To say he is an awesome quarterback is almost an understatement. I had heard about him but was skeptical he was as good as advertised. Boy, was I wrong. Kevin, playing most of that game with a hurt knee, helped Moss Point make a tremendous comeback and win the game, at South Panola HS, no less. He was sacked numerous times by South Panola's defensive line (MP's offensive line could not handle SP's DL) but he got right back up each time, with his hurt knee, and make crucial plays time after time. This kid has as great a combination of talent, determination, toughness and leadership as I have ever seen in a quarterback. Plus, he is a big-game quarterback (two State Championships to prove it). Obviously, I became, after seeing that game, a big Kevin Fant fan.

12/16/98 - All you have to do is report an unconfirmed rumor and the folks in the know contact you letting you know the truth. As you remember, yesterday I posted on my page Conference Call reported that MSU defensive coordinator, Joe Lee Dunn, was going to interview with Florida this week. Well, guess what folks? I have received word from two very reliable sources that Joe Lee is NOT going to interview with Florida. It's just one of those rumors that get started and no one really knows the origin. I know there are a lot of folks, especially fans and coaches of opposing schools, who would like to see Joe Lee leave MSU not only because of the great talent he has but also because of the talented players his style of defense brings to State.

This, indirectly, leads into another bit of info I found out about yesterday. Did you know MSU's base salary average for it's football coaches is 11th in the SEC? That's 11th out of 12th, folks, 11th out of 12th. We want championship results from our coaches while paying them much less than championship salaries. I realize this salary average is the base rate only and does not take into consideration any additional income they may generate from other sources. I have heard it from some very well connected Bulldog fans that this is the best coaching staff we have ever had at State and I agree. Folks, we have got to keep this staff intact.

How do we do that? One way is to pay them higher salaries. I can hear it now: But Gene how can we compete financially with the Florida's, LSU's, Georgia's and Tennessee's when they have much bigger budgets than us? My answer is a question to you: Why are their budgets bigger than ours? All SEC teams divide the television and bowl revenues pretty much equally, so the money has to be coming from other sources. Those other sources are the tickets the other teams fans purchase (remember the sea of orange at the SECC game as compared to the lake of maroon?) and the amount they give to their booster clubs. We, as fans, aren't doing our share for this monumental movement that is going on at State. The coaches and players are doing their share, but we fans aren't. A lot of us are sharing in the rewards but haven't paid the price to be reaping those rewards.

It's up to you. I'm about to give you your first chance. All it is going to take is for you to click on this Bulldog Club Membership form link, print the form and mail it, along with your check, to the Bulldog Club. If you can't mail a check at the moment, check the pay by bank draft box and mail the form in. You can have a bank draft drawn against your account for as little as $8.34 a month. Heck, I spent more than that buying movie tickets for Mary Ann and me Saturday night. Please do your part to help increase our budget. If you really are worried about losing coaches like Joe Lee Dunn and David Wilson, you will mail in your money to the Bulldog Club and become a member. If you don't, then you don't really want to help, just reap the benefits without doing your part. BTW, if you are already a Bulldog Club member, it would sure help if you would send in additional money. Mississippi State football is on the threshold of greatness. Now we have to take the next step. Do your part, join the Bulldog Club.

12/16/98 - The early Juco signing period starts today. Look for MSU to sign up to five outstanding players. Tomorrow, I will have as much detail about each player as I have available.

12/15/98 - One of the best known southeastern recruiting analysts Forrest Davis has a free, live chat session each Tuesday night at 9:30 CAST. Click here to go to it.

12/15/98 - Comments heard on Mississippi State Live on SportsSouth last night:

12/15/98 - It has been reported on Conference Call that MSU defensive coordinator Joe Lee Dunn will interview with Florida about their defensive coordinator's job opening. I have no additional details to give you. This is just one of the things you sometimes have to deal with when your team is very successful. Even if we wind up losing Coach Dunn, I have a lot of confidence in Coach Sherrill's ability to hire another outstanding defensive coach. Coach Sherrill has a tremendous knack for hiring outstanding assistant coaches.

12/15/98 - I received my Jeff Whitaker's Deep South Football Recruiting Guide in the mail yesterday. Outstanding publication. If you see it on the magazine rack, buy it.

Here is a little tidbit from it that should arouse your interest:

MSU Commitments Ratings:
Rating System:
10.00 - Superstar
9.50 - Major College Star
9.00 - Major College Player

This is a 9.64 average, which is a little above the Major College Star rating. Before you get too excited, remember, this is just one person's opinion. However, it is fun to read this kind of information, isn't it? If you are interested in purchasing Jeff Whitaker's Guide and you can't find it in your local area, you can call Jeff Whitaker Sports at (205) 582-5257 or email them at jwsports@aol.com

12/14/98 - It's official, Clinton HS running back Dontae Walker has committed to MSU. Dontae is considered by almost all of the recruiting analysts as the top running back in the South and quite a few consider him the top running back in the country. He is 5-10, 205 with 4.45 speed in the forty. With a Jackie Sherrill offensive line in front of him, the possibilities are unlimited for this young man.

Will this cause a ripple effect in the recruiting process? The word is several other prime time recruits are about to commit to MSU.

12/14/98 - Correction: According to Rob Haralson, of Bulldog Bytes, Georgia linebacker Kamau Jackson did not commit to MSU. Rob talked to Kamau last night and was told that Kamau's coach misunderstood him. What Kamau actually said is he is leaning to MSU.

If you haven't already done so, you ought to check out Bulldog Bytes. Rob is a Bulldog fan who will give you the inside scoop on the players he talks to. Bulldog Bytes Link.

12/14/98 - According to Bobby Burton, of National Recruiting Advisor, 2nd Team J.C. Grid-Wire All-American linebacker Baris Grant (6-1, 240, Dodge City (KS) JC) has committed to MSU. He chose MSU over Texas A&M, Cinncinati, and South Carolina.

12/14/98 - The official early Juco signing period begins this Wednesday, December 16th, and goes through January 15th. MSU should sign between between 5 and 6 players. DL Dorsett Davis, MS. Delta CC, and WR Larry Huntington, East MS CC, are the only two I know of.

12/13/98 - The MSU Live show will be telecast on Fox/SportsSouth this Monday (Dec 14th) between 8-9 p.m. (CST). Coach Jackie Sherrill will be the special guest.

12/13/98 - Check out the 1998/1999 Miss State football recruiting prospects page. I updated it last night.

12/12/98 - To all of you who have made offers (money, rooms, rides, tickets, etc.) to help Mary Ann and me go to the Cotton Bowl, your offers are very, very much appreciated but we cannot accept them. I didn't mean to imply that we needed your money when I posted that we wouldn't be going because of lack of money. There are other reasons we aren't going besides the money, work being one of them. Thanks again for the offers. It sure is nice to be a member of the Bulldog family. You have proven once again there aren't any better people than Bulldog folks.

12/12/98 - MSU received a huge commitment from Washington HS (Atlanta, GA.) linebacker Kamau Jackson (6-1, 225, 4.6), one of the top 4 linebackers in the South, according to the SuperPrep Pre-Season Issue. I talked to recruiting analyst Kevin Henderson about Kamau and he said he has the potential to be the best to ever play at MSU. He is a big-time hitter. A lot of schools showed interest in him but Kamau cut his list down to MSU, Georgia Tech and Auburn with MSU coming out on top. According to Pigskin Preps, Kamau should make it academically. Big-time quarterback Latrez Harrison is a teammate of Kamau's. This could effect his recruiting decision but, according to Kevin, Latrez does not has MSU on his list at this time.

12/12/98 - Bernard Sykes, a Calhoun City HS linebacker who MSU looked at, has committed to Ole Miss. I was also told, by an Ole Miss source, that Newton HS quarterback Allen Tillman will visit Ole Miss. This contradicts what recruiting analyst Jamie Newberg stated on the radio. Who knows who is correct.

12/11/98 - From Sources: During WJTV's Wednesday night interview with Clinton HS running back Dontae Walker, Dontae said he heavily favors MSU at the moment. According to recruiting analyst Jamie Newberg, Kevin Fant and the Thompson twins, Eric and Derrick, are close to committing to MSU. Jamie also said Newton HS quarterback Allen Tillman has dropped Ole Miss from his list of colleges.

12/11/98 - Advertisement: Please support my advertisers by checking out their pages on the internet:

12/10/98 - The Greater Jackson (MS) Bulldog Boosters Club are having their 2nd Annual Christmas Party Friday night beginning at 7 p.m. Members cost is $60 per couple and $40 single. If you are a non-member, the cost is $75 (includes $35 membership fee). Contact Bobbi Raines at 601-856-2777 today only if you want to reserve a reservation. Special guests will include Jackie & Peggy Sherrill and other MSU football coaches and their wives.

12/10/98 - Answers to questions I have received the last few days:

1) What is the situation with David Wilson? Answer - David is the greatest Recruiting Coordinator we have had since Wesley Reed. We are lucky to have him but, in my opinion, he has to be fairly compensated or some other team will hire him away from us. To keep him, we have to speak up and let AD Larry Templeton know we do not want David to leave MSU. It is up to you and me to see that this is done.
2) Is Lynn Amedee leaving or staying? Answer - The latest word I hear is he will continue to be our OC next year.
3) How are we doing in recruiting? Answer - You have got to be kidding. We are going to have a banner year based on everything I hear and read. I expect MSU to sign most of the top players in Mississippi and a few from Georgia. With MSU in the Cotton Bowl, we might even sign a few from Texas. The tremendous success and national exposure we have received this year should pay huge dividends. Who knows, ESPN may finally realize the name of our school is Mississippi State and not Mississippi.
4) Do you have any Cotton Bowl tickets? Answer - Sorry, I don't have any. In fact, Mary Ann and I will have to miss the Cotton Bowl. Basically, we have run out of extra money due to the SEC Championship Game, a new computer and Christmas shopping.

12/10/98 - Advertisement: Please support those that support my page. Check out the webpages of these great Bulldogs:
C. Mark Doiron Insurance Agency
Monroe-Tufline
Optical 2000
Tradewind
Mountain Air Products

12/09/98 - I spoke with John Correro of the Alumni Association last night at the basketball game. He wanted me to relay to all of you that the MSU Alumni Association is organizing a New Year's Eve party for all MSU fans who will be Dallas for the Cotton Bowl. As soon as the details are worked out, he will fax me the info and I will post it on my page. Please don't call the Alumni Association. John promised me he will get the info out as quickly as possible.

12/09/98 - The Associated Press All-SEC Team included six MSU football players:

First Team:
James Johnson
Edward Smith

Second Team:
Eric Allen
Randy Thomas
Kevin Prentiss
Jeff Walker

12/09/98 - To purchase a copy of the exciting Official 1998 Mississippi State Football Highlight Video, click here to go to an order form which you can print off and mail in. It will be a great Christmas present for that die-hard Bulldog fan. If you order it by phone, tell them you saw it on Gene Swindoll's website.

12/09/98 - Here is a scouting report from someone who saw all of the Mississippi HS Championship Games this past weekend. My source also has included a few comments about a couple of other players he saw during the regular season.

"Hattiesburg HS wideouts Keshan Fudge and Terrell Grindle (both MSU commitments) are better than advertised. When watching Fudge two words came to mind...Eric Moulds. Grindle is not as good of a leaper as Fudge (this is not an insult, he's still a very good leaper), but he has great moves and strength. Both are incredibly quick and fast. They were wide open all night, but the Panola defensive front dominated the H'burg offensive like few I have ever seen. I think H'burg had 11 yards rushing. The H'burg QB had far less time than MSU gave the UMiss quarterback. Most every pass was a hurry with numerous sacks.

"Tarnaka Counslor of Clarksdale is absolutely fabulous. The big question is his size, something like 5'7".

"Taylorsville QB Jason Campbell (brother of MSU football player Larry Campbell) looked great. Nice touch, read defensives well for high school (ie: he would choose not to handoff to the fullback up the gut when the LBs charged, but would keep the ball and break outside). I talked to people with the team. Jason comes from a solid family, he stays out of trouble and has good grades. I can see why people tout him for basketball. He is tall and lanky.

"Smithville had a real nice running back in Matt Grier. Same thing on Booneville's QB Chuck Spearman. Both are possible D-I material. I heard UMiss is looking at Spearman. Smithville's QB Willie Lopez is small, smart and doesn't make dumb mistakes. He's a good defensive back too. He is also a possible D-I prospect.

"Magee's QB, Thomas Brown, gets the heart award. Played the whole game with the flu. He was very weak from the 1st quarter on (kneeling with his head down during all timeouts from the game's outset). He made some good decisions and some bad decisions, but he finished the game and he fought to the end.

"I talked to some coaches who think the same as I do, in two years St. Al's Jason Biedenharn could be a great, great Offensive line prospect.

"Last year, I wrote you saying that while Velma Jackson's Albert Jones did not particularly impress me, then sophomore Michael Vaughn (not sure about the first name) greatly impressed me. This year Vaughn had three 300+ yard games. The impressive thing is that he would get the ball sometimes 40+ times per game. In high school if you run the ball that many times, basically the defense just keys on you all night long because you are the only offensive threat. Watch for him next year."

12/08/98 - Although all the newspapers (and me) were reporting yesterday that MSU was headed to the Cotton Bowl, it did not become official until yesterday at 3:05 p.m. That was the time when senior offensive lineman Eric Allen, speaking for his teammates, said YES to the Cotton Bowl representatives. BTW, the Cotton Bowl officially extended the bowl invitation at 3:00 p.m.

The team will arrive, via various ways, December 26th at Noon. The Cotton Bowl allows each player the option to travel to the game by various means, all reimbursable by the Cotton Bowl. The Bulldogs will have their first practice that afternoon and will have daily practices until the day of the game. Their are two shows planned for the teams. One of the shows will be performed by Roy Firestone, one of the ESPN announcers. Sinbad will perform the other one.

As I receive additional info, I will post it on my skuttle-butt section.

12/08/98- Shhhh, don't tell anybody but Moss Point HS senior quarterback Kevin Fant was at the MSU Pep Rally last Saturday prior to the MSU - Tenn. SEC Championship Game and he had an MSU FanFare button on. The word is Kevin wants to go where he can play early.

12/06/98 - Travel First Inc., of Starkville, MS., is handling the Cotton Bowl Game travel package. Ann Mitchell, owner of Travel First, Inc., is eagerly waiting to hear from you. Call her at 800-748-9621 beginning Monday morning. I am not making any money off of this, but tell her you found out about her package through my page. Maybe I can get her to advertise on my page if enough of you respond to this post.

12/05/98 - I talked to Kevin Henderson Friday. Here is a list of the Top 5 Mississippi High School senior football players and three other recruiting analysts:

BTW, for those of you who are members of the IBBC, Kevin will be doing his first recruiting column later this week. Remember, you have to be an IBBC MEMBER to read his column.

12/04/98 - James Johnson won the Conerly Trophy last night, over All-American TE Rufus French, and All-Conference USA WR Sherrod Gideon.

In an interview afterwards, JJ said he practiced well Thursday, and said he's at 95%. He hopes to be 100% by kickoff Saturday.

12/04/98 - I'll be carrying my laptop with me and updating from the hotel. Mary Ann and I will be sitting in Section 104, Aisle L6, Row 29, Seats 13 and 14. See you at the game.

12/04/98 - The latest recruiting info on Clinton's outstanding running back Dontae Walker. According to someone who talked to Dontae a few days ago, Dontae is still a solid lean to MSU.

12/04/98 - Here is a little Jason Campbell (Junior, 6-5, 195, QB, Taylorsville HS) info that was in the Hattiesburg American newspaper.

OK, now that the public service announcements are done, let's go to Atlanta and show them how the BIG DOGS DO IT. Mary Ann and I will be arriving at the Westin Airport Hotel around Midnight, Friday. Hope to see all of you Friday and Saturday. Man, is this really happening?? What a time to be a Mississippi State University Bulldog!!

P.S. The team will arrive home at the Golden Triangle Airport Sunday, 8:30 a.m.

12/03/98 - Recruiting Info: Guess what top quarterback recruit is talking a lot about MSU and wearing MSU clothing? Can you say Moss Point quarterback Kevin Fant? This comes from a very, very reliable source.

This same source told me that Pascagoula's outstanding tight end, Casey Gilbert has MSU, LSU and Alabama at the top of his list. No preference at this time.

12/01/98 - According to an MRI test done yesterday, James Johnson's shoulder is fine. His groin pulls are day-to-day. He continues to receive the best treatment available. Whether he will be able to play in the SEC Championship Game is unknown at this time.

BTW, JJ was selected the MSU senior player of the year by the Jackson Touchdown Club last night.

12/01/98 - Request from Andy Kalinowski, IBBC Vice President:

If you or someone you know is hosting a SEC Championship Game party in your community, please let Andy or me know. This includes: Alumni Associations, Bulldog Club chapters, or just a bunch of Bulldog supporters. All we need to know is where your party will be, when, cost, etc. Since the championship game is on national TV, there could be MSU parties in every major city across the nation. I'm sure the Tennessee faithful will have their own parties, and wear their orange shirts. We have Bulldogs in: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Reno, St Louis, Tampa, Washington, and many more places to. Let's show the world we're proud to be BULLDOGS.

Also, if any of you are hosting pre-game parties in Atlanta and would like to get the word out to other Bulldog fans, let us know about them.