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)
6. Will Redmond | Memphis, Tennessee (East HS)
Size: 6’0”, 180
Primary Position: Boundary Cornerback
Secondary Position: Free Safety, H-Back, Punt Returner
Consensus Rating: 3.5
2011 Stats: 1,355 Total Offensive Yards; 18 TDs Combined
Strengths
+ Quickness
+ Great Speed
+ Versatility
Weaknesses
- Aggression, Defensively
- Raw
Player Breakdown: Redmond is probably the first big out-of-state signee for Dan Mullen. It could be an important step toward the Bulldogs recruiting nationally. Redmond sticking with his commitment shows his character. He could have easily chosen to go to Notre Dame, Tennessee, or Georgia, but he didn’t. The versatile athlete possesses great speed and is quick as a cat. He is still more of an athlete that must develop his skill set and become more aggressive, defensively. Redmond, with that being said, could see the field in 2012 as a special-teamer. Long-term he fits the boundary corner position for the Bulldogs. He should compete for the starting spot there in 2013 with Taveze Calhoun and Jamerson Love. There has been talk of him playing Free Safety, but he may not have the tackling skills to play the position. Redmond has a bright future no matter what position he plays.
Immediate Role: Redshirt or Special-teamer
Max Potential: All-SEC Cornerback
7. Cedric Jiles | Clinton, MS (Clinton HS)
Size: 5’11”, 185
Primary Position: Field Cornerback
Secondary Position: None
Consensus Rating: 3.0 2011 Stats: 27 Tkls. 1 TFL 1 Int. 2 FF
Strengths
+ Elite Speed
+ Technique
+ Dogg Mentality
Weaknesses
- Size
- Ball Skills
Player Breakdown: I debated whether to rate Jiles higher than Redmond, but Redmond’s versatility gave him the nod. Jiles is a very talented cornerback that I feel has the coverage skills to play as a freshman. He possesses elite speed—being clocked running in the 4.2 area. The Clinton native also has terrific technique and the necessary mentality to be an All-SEC cornerback. He does need to add some weight to his thin frame and do a better job of going up for the ball. Jiles likely redshirts next season, but I think he competes at the field cornerback position in 2013. Although Justin Cox likely returns and starts there, Jiles will still rotate and make an impact, in my opinion.
Immediate Role: Redshirt or Special-Teamer
Max Potential: All-SEC CB
8. Dylan Holley | Perkinston , MS (Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College)
Size: 6’2”, 300
Primary Position: C
Secondary Position: None
Consensus Rating: 2.67
2011 Accolades: 2nd Team NJCAA All-American
Strengths
+ Aggression
+ Finishes
+ Gets to Second Level
Weaknesses
- Versatility
- Stiff
Player Breakdown: Holley was Dan Mullen’s key Junior College signing and should solidify the center position. He will enable the staff to move Dillon Day to right guard. The reason Holley will be able to come in and immediately start is because of his aggression and football smarts. He knows how to get to the second level and finish his blocks. Holley does have some negatives. He doesn’t have the versatility to play guard and can play a little stiff at times. Holley should start the next two years at center for the Bulldogs, unless Devon Desper beats him out.
Immediate Role: Starting Center
Max Potential: 2-Year Starting Center
9. Charles Siddoway | Oroville, CA (Butte College)
Size: 6’7”, 300
Primary Position: Right Tackle
Secondary Position: Left Tackle, Right Guard
Consensus Rating: 3.0
2011 Accolades: None
Strengths
+ Road-grader
+ Size
+ Mean Streak
Weaknesses
- Just Solid Athlete
- Hands Player
Breakdown: Siddoway, like Holley, should immediately start. He will like man the right tackle position. The massive tackle prospect is a true road-grader that dominates the man in front of him. He has the size and the mean streak to dominate at the SEC level. Siddoway is projected by some to play the left tackle position, but I don’t believe he has the necessary quickness and technique to play the position. Blaine Clausell likely starts at left tackle and Siddoway will flank him on the right side. He should be the starter there the next two years.
Immediate Role: Starting Right Tackle
Max Potential: 2-Year Starting Right Tackle
10. Ryan Brown | Marrero, LA (Archbishop Shaw HS)
Size: 6’5″ 250
Primary Position: Strongside End
Secondary Position: Three-Technique Defensive Tackle
Consensus Rating: 3.0
2011 Stats: 39 Tkls. 8.5 TFL 6.5 Sks.
Strengths
+ Technique
+ Play Recognition
+ Size
Weaknesses
- Pass Rush Skills
- Explosion Player
Breakdown: Brown is one of the sleeper signings of the Bulldogs’ 2012 class. He is probably the most ready of all the defensive linemen to play as a freshman. The rangy defensive end has some of the best technique of a high school lineman in a while. He also does a good job of recognizing where the play is flowing and attacking the ball carrier. He will have to develop his pass rush skills, though, and become more explosive. Brown could play as a freshman, but I don’t see a huge problem with redshirting him either. I think Brown competes with Preston Smith for the strongside end position, as Kaleb Eulls likely slides down to defensive tackle.
Immediate Role: Back Up Strongside End or Redshirt
Max Potential: Three-Year Starting Strongside End
Follow Jeremiah Short on Twitter: @JShort26
February 11, 2012
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