11. Torrey Bell | New Orleans, LA (John Curtis Christian HS)
Size: 6’4 238
Primary Position: Weakside Defensive End
Secondary Position: Sam Linebacker
Consensus Rating: 2.75
2011 Stats: 72 Tkls. 21 TFL 16 Sks.
Strengths
+ Pass Rush Skills
+ Length
+ Athleticism
Weaknesses
- Run Support
- Play Upright
Player Breakdown: Torrey Bell is one of the true finds of the 2012 Bulldog signing class. He is the classic SEC rush end. Bell produced as a senior and led his team to the state title. Bell has the pass rush skills to be a force off the edge during his Bulldog career. He possesses great length and has superb athleticism for an athlete of his size. He does need to improve his leverage in the run game and learn how to play a little lower to the ground. Bell could play early if John Harris doesn’t develop, but I think he redshirts. He will compete for a back-up spot at the position in 2013, assuming Denico Autry doesn’t turn pro. The New Orleans native, long-term, is Mississippi State’s starting weakside end, with the ability to drop in coverage.
Immediate Role: Redshirt
Max Potential: All-SEC Defensive End
12. Nick James | Long Beach, MS (Long Beach HS)
Size: 6’5 330
Primary Position: Nose Guard
Secondary Position: None
Consensus Rating: 3.75
2011 Stats: 62 Tkls. 7 TFL 2 Sks. 2 FF
Strengths
+ Power
+ Explosion
+ Space Eater
Weaknesses
- Conditioning
- Agility
Player Breakdown: James is one of the big signings in the 2012 class. He does still need to qualify, but many expect it to happen. The powerful defensive tackle should be a force in the middle and clog up rushing lanes. He will suck up two and three blocks and keep off up Bulldog linebackers. James does have his weaknesses. He still needs to work on his conditioning and lateral quickness. James redshirts in 2012, in my opinion, but he will rotate with Quay Evans at the one-technique defensive tackle in 2013. I don’t know if he will ever beat out Evans, but the 330-pound defensive linemen will make an impact.
Immediate Role: Redshirt
Max Potential: All-SEC Defensive Tackle
13. Devon Bell | Vicksburg, MS (Warren Central HS)
Size: 6’2 180
Primary Position: Punter and Kickoffs
Secondary Position: Kicker
Consensus Rating: 2.50
2011 Stats: 29 TB 5-8 FG 17-18 XP 41.9 PA
Strengths
+ Powerful Leg
+ Work Ethic
+ Competitive
Weaknesses
-Kick Accuracy
Player Breakdown: This seems a little high for a specialist, but I think Bell brings that much to the table. Bell has one the strongest legs of any specialist that has signed with MSU in a while. He consistently kicked balls out of the back of the end zone in high school. The strong-legged specialist also possesses a great work ethic and competitive nature. He does need to become more accurate if he is asked to play kicker at some point in his Bulldog career. Bell will handle kickoffs from day one and make that unit viable again. He will compete with Baker Swedenberg for the punter job, but it is unlikely he unseats Swedenberg. He will be an All-SEC punter, I’m sure of it.
Immediate Role: Kickoff Specialist
Max Potential: All-SEC Punter
14. Fred Brown | Jackson, MS (Jim Hill HS)
Size: 6’1 185
Primary Position: Z Receiver
Secondary Position: H-Back
Consensus Rating: 3.0
2011 Stats: 23-419 Rec. Yds. 5 Rec. TD
Strengths
+ Can Go Get It
+ Strong Hands
+ Speed
Weaknesses
- Size
- Needs To Get Quicker
Player Breakdown: Brown is another one of those sleepers in the 2012 signing class. He should play the Z receiver for the Bulldogs. What I like most about Brown is the go-get-it attitude that he possesses. It’s a trait that most Bulldog receivers lack, right now. He has great hands and the speed to stretch the field. Brown does have some areas to work on, if he is to become a top-notch SEC receiver. He needs to add 15 or 20 pounds and needs to get a little quicker. The Jackson native could redshirt as a freshman, but he might play if Michael Carr can’t get it together. I think he gets into the rotation, for sure, in 2013 and competes for the starting job in 2014.
Immediate Role: Redshirt or Back Up Z Receiver
Max Potential: Three-Year Starter—Z Receiver
15. Beniquez Brown | Florence, AL(Florence HS)
Size: 6’2 205
Primary Position: Will Linebacker
Secondary Position: Running Back
Consensus Rating: 3.50
2011 Stats: 76 Tkls. 1, 246 Rush Yards 22 TDs
Strengths
+ Closing Speed
+ Play Recognition
+ Long Frame
Weaknesses
- Initial Explosion
- Tackling
Player Breakdown: Brown being rated this low speaks to the depth of this class. He is rated as a four-star prospect by most publications. Brown brings excellent physical tools to the Mississippi State Will Linebacker position. He does a terrific job of play recognition and the speed to rush around the edge. He needs to improve his initial explosion and become a sounder tackler. Brown could play as a freshman, but I feel he redshirts. He should back up Chris Hughes in 2013 and then start in 2014. His athleticism will give Chris Wilson some options.
Immediate Role: Redshirt
Max Potential: Three-Year Starter Will Linebacker
February 8, 2012
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