Bulldogs reap big harvest in area
By By Danny P. Smith / special to The Star
Feb. 6, 2003
STARKVILLE Two consecutive 3-8 seasons did not keep Mississippi State's football program from getting a highly-ranked recruiting class in 2003, which included the Mississippi State Player of the Year from Mississippi.
Noxubee County quarterback Omarr Conner honored his commitment and signed with the Bulldogs Wednesday, while the entire class was ranked anywhere from fourth to 18th by recruiting websites across the country.
The class, which received its highest rating of No. 4 in the country by Rivals.com, also included two Parade All-Americans in Jackson Callaway offensive lineman Donovan Davis and Jackson Provine defensive back Quinton Culberson.
According to Starkville High School offensive lineman Lance Fremin, who signed with the Bulldogs in the Greensboro Center at 9:20 a.m., the recruits were all united and knew what they wanted to do.
Fremin was one of four players from the Golden Triangle area to ink with Mississippi State. Along with Conner, the Bulldogs also gained Noxubee County wide receiver Joey Sanders and Caledonia tight end Dezmond Sherrod.
Fremin's father Jerry was once an assistant coach with the Bulldogs and the family lived in Starkville for six years.
This was not the time to skip town for Fremin.
Fremin, who was recruited by Mississippi State as a center, had a blocking grade for the season of 86 percent, won the Most Dominating Blocker of the Year and won the Most Outstanding Offensive Linemen Award at Starkville.
Fremin was selected to the All-Region 1, Class 5A team and Mississippi Association of Coaches Class 5A first-team All-State.
At 6-1, 270 pounds, Sherrill would like to see Fremin reach the 280-290 range so he can play center.
After coaching players like Donald Lee of Maben and Reginald Kelly of Aberdeen at the tight end position, Sherrill believes Sherrod and Eric Butler can be similar players.
Mississippi State was able to sign 13 on offense with five offensive lineman, three wide receivers, two tight ends, two quarterbacks and one running back.
Of the 14 defensive players signed by the Bulldogs, there were seven defensive linemen, five defensive backs and two linebackers.
There are 11 new Bulldogs from out of state with 16 from within Mississippi.
One of those is expected to be Amory tight end Linzy Patterson, who did not sign on Wednesday.
Sherrill said 90 percent of the class have already qualified academically.
