J. Short Rates The Class (21-28)

Initial Outlook: I have rated the Mississippi State signing class. There will be a countdown to Number One, over the course of this week. Numbers 21-28 will be the first installment. It will end with me counting down to the top spot in the class.

My ratings are based on the players’ immediate impact, long-term impact, and overall potential.

Terms To Remember

X-Receiver (Split End)

Z-Receiver (Flanker)

H-Back (Slot Receiver)

One-Technique Defensive Tackle (DT aligned between guard and center)

Three-Technique Defensive Tackle (DT aligned between guard and tackle)

Will Linebacker (Weak Side Linebacker)

Mike Linebacker (Middle Linebacker)

Sam Linebacker (Strong Side Linebacker)

Field Cornerback (MSU’s Man-to-Man Corner)

Boundary Cornerback (Zone Cornerback)

21.Adarrius Perkins | Brooklyn, MS (Forrest County Agricultural HS)

Size: 6’2″ 215

Primary Position: Strong Safety

Secondary Position: Tight End, Linebacker, X-Receiver

Consensus Rating: 2.75

2011 Stats: 23-498 6 Rec. TD 43 Tkls. 6 TFL 1 Int.

Strengths

+ Versatility

+ Good Speed

+ Frame

Weaknesses

- Aggression on Defense

- Quickness

Player Breakdown: Perkins is the most versatile prospect in the class and could play several positions during his time at Mississippi State.  He has good speed and the frame to play all the positions I listed above.  Perkins must get a little more aggressive on defense and get a little quicker offensively.  Perkins is projected to play strong safety and play on special teams in 2012. I do think he eventually ends up at Tight End and starts there once Malcolm Johnson and Brandon Hill graduate.

Immediate Role: Redshirt

Max Potential: Two-Year Starter at Tight End

22a. Jordan Washington | Suwannee, GA (North Gwinnett HS)

Size: 6’2″ 275

Primary Position: Defensive Tackle

Secondary Position: Offensive Guard

Consensus Rating: 3.0

2011 Stats: 33 Tkls. 8.5 TFL 5.5 Sks.

Strengths

+ Plays Violent

+ Great Initial Burst

+ Size

Weaknesses

- Hips

- Agility

Player Breakdown: Jordan Washington was a solid signing out ofGeorgia. He will get his first look at defensive tackle, but I think offensive guard could be in his future.

Washingtonis probably the most violent defensive player I’ve seen in a while. What he lacks in athleticism is made up with aggression. He must work on his hips and lateral movements—if he hopes to become a really good defensive tackle. Otherwise he might be moved to guard. I do think Washington redshirts in 2012. He will battle Nelson Adams for a rotation spot in 2013. If he loses out then he is likely moved to guard as I mentioned above.

Immediate Role: Redshirt

Max Potential: Rotation Defensive Tackle or Starting Offensive Guard

22b. Nelson Adams | Brandon, MS (Brandon HS)

Size: 6’4″ 290

Primary Position: Three-Technique Defensive Tackle

Secondary Position: 3-4 Defensive End

Consensus Rating: 3

2011 Stats: 106 Tkls. 18 TFL 6 Sks.

Strengths

+ Versatility

+ Length

+ Production

Weaknesses

- Explosion

- Conditioning

Player Breakdown: Adams is a player that brings a lot of versatility toMississippiState. He can play defensive tackle, strongside end, or five-technique defensive end.  The Brandon native possesses terrific length and put up huge numbers his final high school season. He still needs to get more explosive and get in better condition—Matt Balis should take care of both. Adams likely redshirts in 2012. He will battle Jordan Washington for a rotation spot. I thinkAdams might prove me wrong and play earlier than I project. He definitely can start after P.J. Jones graduates.

Immediate Role: Redshirt

Max Potential: Two-Year Starter Defensive Tackle

24. Nick Schuessler | Loganville, GA (Grayson HS)

Size: 6’4″ 190

Primary Position: Quarterback

Secondary Position: None

Consensus Rating: 2.25

2011 Stats: 1, 753 pass. Yards 19 TDs 4 Int.

Strengths

+ Solid Arm Strength

+ Ball Placement

Weaknesses

- Size

- Athleticism

- Delivery

Player Breakdown: Schuessler was a great late signing for Dan Mullen. He eases some of the stress losing Dylan Favre caused. He has a good arm and puts footballs in the right places. Schuessler does need to shorten his delivery and put on 35 to 40 pounds. He also isn’t the best scheme fir for Mississippi State. Schuessler will likely redshirt in 2012. I think he backs up Dak Prescott the three years after coming off the redshirt. He starts in 2016 if he sticks around—unlessMississippi recruits someone better.

Immediate Role: Redshirt

Max Potential: One-Year Starter

25. Gus Walley | Leakesville, MS (Greene County HS)

Size: 6’3″ 215

Primary Position: Tight End

Secondary Position: None

Consensus Rating: 2.50

2011 Stats: 44 catches, 577 yards, 3 receiving TDs

Strengths

+ Hands

+ Good Speed

Weaknesses

- Explosion

- Blocking

Player Breakdown: Gus Walley will play tight end for the Bulldogs after playing receiver in high school. Walley has good speed and soft hands. It will take him a year or two to adjust to the college level. He will likely redshirt in 2012, but I think he gets in rotation in 2013. I don’t know if he ever starts, but he will be in the rotation most of his career.

Immediate Role: Redshirt

Max Potential: Two Year Starter

26. Artimas Samuel | Columbus, GA (Carver HS)

Size: 6′ 2″ 205

‘Primary Position: X-Receiver

Secondary Position: None

Consensus Rating: 3.0

2011 Stats: 35-515 Rec. Yards 5 TD

Strengths

+ Size

+ Strong Hands

Weaknesses

- Speed

- Agility

Player Breakdown: Samuel is the classic possession receiver. He will probably line up at the X receiver for Mississippi State. Samuel has great size and has strong hands. He lacks top end speed and needs to get a little quicker. Samuel will probably never start for Mississippi State, but he will catch several first downs during his career.

Immediate Role: Redshirt

Max Potential: Possession Receiver

27. Cole Carter | Caledonia, Ms (Caledonia HS)

Size: 6’6″ 270

Primary Position: Offensive Guard

Secondary Position: Offensive Tackle

Consensus Rating: 2.75

2011 Accolades: Mississippi-Alabama All-Star Game

Strengths

+ Size

+ Solid Athlete

+ Solid Finisher

Weaknesses

- Strength

- Raw Aggression

Player Breakdown: Carter played tight end his final year in high school, but he is projected to play guard at the college level. Carter has great size and is a solid athlete. He does a good job of finishes off his man. The Caledonia native does need to gain more raw strength and get more aggressive. Carter likely redshirts in 2012. I think he will be a career reserve, but he could prove me wrong.

Immediate Role: Redshirt

Max Potential: Two-Year Starter Guard

28. Justin Senior | Chatham, Virginia ( Hargrave Military Academy)

Size: 6’6″ 280

Primary Position: Offensive Tackle

Secondary Position: Offensive Guard

Consensus Rating: 2.67

2011 Accolades: None

Strengths

+ Age

+ Size

+ Solid Athlete

Weaknesses

- Inexperienced

Player Breakdown: I don’t know a whole lot about Senior. He does have the prototypical size for a left tackle and solid athleticism. He is project and I don’t expect much for two years. I rated him last because I’m uncertain about how good he will be as a Bulldog. I may have a different viewpoint after evaluating spring practice.

Immediate Role: Redshirt

Max Potential: Two-Year Starter Offensive Tackle

Follow Jeremiah Short on Twitter: @JeremiahSort26