MSU's Croom signs first batch of Dogs

By By Tony Krausz / assistant sports editor
Feb. 5, 2004
STARKVILLE A quartet of late decisions helped boost the look of Sylvester Croom's first recruiting class at Mississippi State University.
Vicksburg linebacker Rory Johnson, who missed much of his senior season with a knee injury, said he didn't decide to sign with Mississippi State until Monday. Before he was injured, Johnson was considered one of the state's best players.
Defensive end Gabe O'Neal from Columbus High School and defensive back Corey Spells of Atlanta signed letters of intent to play for MSU on Wednesday, the first day of the national signing period. Neither O'Neal nor Spells had verbally committed to the Bulldogs program, but the two surprise players ended up being two of the Bulldogs' highest rated recruits.
Vicksburg linebacker Rory Johnson, who missed much of his senior season with a knee injury, said he didn't decide to sign with Mississippi State until Monday. Before he was injured, Johnson was considered one of the state's best players.
MSU's 2004 signing class was also boosted by a late defection from the University of Southern Mississippi. Natchez defensive lineman Anthony Strauder, who had committed to the Golden Eagles, changed his mind and joined MSU. The Bulldogs closed the day with 21 signees.
Croom, who was hired to replace Jackie Sherrill last December, had to juggle his new coaching duties with his position as running back coach for the Green Bay Packers, until the team was eliminated from the NFL playoffs on Jan. 11.
With the head coach's duties split, coordinator of football operations Rockey Felker pitched in to help the program's recruiting process.
MSU's recruiting efforts was also hampered by the teams recent struggles.
The Bulldogs ended the 2003 season with a 2-10 record, marking the program's third straight losing season. MSU has only won TWO conference games during that span.
While the Bulldogs missed out on most of the state's top football prospects, Croom said he felt the staff was able to address some issues of concern with its signees.
A pair of signees from Alabama will look to help the Bulldogs' offense in the near future.
Mike Henig, a quarterback from Montgomery, Ala., signed with MSU as expected. The 6-foot, 175-pound signal caller threw for 1,339 yards and14 touchdowns in his senior year at Jefferson Davis High School.
Brandon Thornton, a running back from Birmingham, Ala., also signed with the Bulldogs. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound was ranked among the top 30 players in Alabama and rushed for 1,455 yards and 27 touchdowns.
The Bulldogs also added another running back to the squad. Demarcus Johnson of College Park, Ga., signed with MSU. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound back rushed for over 1,000 yards in his senior season.
MSU also bolstered hits defense by signing five linebackers and four defensive backs, including defensive back Mario Bobo from state champion South Panola High School.
MSU's class was ranked 69th nationally, tied with East Carolina, by Rivals.com.