It’s been a rough month on the recruiting trails for the Mississippi State Bulldogs in recent weeks.

Dan Mullen’s program has seen multiple prospects decommit from the program. Another one ultimately happened on Wednesday — as JUCO prospect Emmit Gooden announced on Twitter that he will look elsewhere:

Gooden was a former 4-star prospect from the 2016 class. Hailing from Tennessee, the defensive lineman didn’t qualify academically after committing to Mississippi State last season. He then enrolled at Holmes Community College — before eventually ending up at Independence Community College in Kansas.

The 6-foot-4, 285-pound athlete is a tremendously gifted player — possessing the ability to function as both a defensive end and as a tackle.

With another year on the JUCO level, one can be sure he will be a hotly pursued prospect. The likes of Louisville and Missouri may be potential destinations.

Although it has not been said publicly, the departure of defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon to Louisville may have had an adverse impact in Gooden’s recruitment.