ReRank Breakdown: 2009 Mississippi State Recruiting Class

Hits & Misses

Hit: Darius Slay (CB) — Originally ranked 1263. Outcome: NFL Pro Bowl. Slay significantly exceeded expectations, becoming one of the top players at his position. Hit: Fletcher Cox (DL) — Originally ranked 182. Outcome: NFL Pro Bowl. Cox developed into a standout performer, fulfilling and surpassing high expectations. Miss: Montrell Conner (RB) — Originally ranked 175. Outcome: Bust. Conner did not meet the expectations set by his ranking, resulting in a low outcome. Miss: Mardrecas Hood (ATH) — Originally ranked 721. Outcome: Bust. Hood's performance fell short of expectations, leading to a disappointing outcome.

Development Story

The 2009 recruiting class for Mississippi State demonstrated a mix of outcomes that reflect both strong development and missed opportunities. With a total of 28 recruits, the class saw a notable shift in the S2S rerank, moving from 24th to 9th. This significant improvement indicates a successful identification of talent that translated into performance. Among the recruits, a few stood out significantly. Darius Slay and Fletcher Cox emerged as "NFL Pro Bowl" players, showcasing that even lower-ranked recruits can exceed expectations when developed effectively. Their performance illustrates the importance of player development within the program and how effective coaching can elevate recruits who may have been overlooked. However, the class also featured a couple of recruits who failed to fulfill their potential based on their original rankings. Montrell Conner and Mardrecas Hood were both ranked among the top players in their respective positions but ultimately did not achieve success at the collegiate level. These outcomes highlight the unpredictability of recruiting, where high initial rankings do not always guarantee performance success.

Outcome Summary

Overall, the 2009 recruiting class for Mississippi State exceeded expectations, particularly in the development of lower-ranked players into standout performers. The S2S rerank increased significantly, reflecting the effective coaching and player development strategies employed by the program. The emergence of multiple players as NFL Pro Bowl selections further underscores the class's overall success, despite a few notable misses. This class serves as a strong reminder of the potential for lower-ranked recruits to succeed when nurtured properly.