Recruiting has gone national, which means the challenge of signing the best in-state talent is exponentially more difficult than, say, 30 years ago.

With that in mind, we’re building a six-man all-star in-state team of sorts for each program in the SEC, looking for more recent recruits with more options who chose to stay home.

Here are the best, by position, Mississippi kids who became Bulldogs.

Quarterback — Tyler Russell

Before Louisiana’s Dak Prescott took an eraser and Sharpie to the Mississippi State record book, Russell was regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in program history.

He was a four-star recruit from Meridian, the No. 10-ranked pro-style quarterback in the 2010 class.

Prescott actually spent two seasons watching Russell before replacing him in 2013.

Russell set several program records, including touchdown passes in a season (24) and career (42). Prescott, of course, broke those and many others.

Running back — Anthony Dixon

After what Dixon overcame to get from Terry to Starkville, SEC defenders were the least of his problems.

Dixon rose from a homeless shelter to the top of Mississippi State’s record book.

He ran for 3,994 career yards, a program record, and 42 touchdowns — one more than Prescott — and also a program record.

The Bills selected Dixon in the sixth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. Sixth-round picks are in no way a lock to make the league, but Dixon once again proved obstacles are for others.

He just completed his sixth year in the league.

Wide receiver — Chad Bumphis

Bumphis was a four-star recruit from Tupelo who was ranked the No. 17 receiver in the 2009 class.

He needed some development time but as a senior in 2012 he turned in one of the best receiving seasons in Bulldogs history, setting records with 12 touchdown catches, including 3 in one game.

He left as Mississippi State’s career leader in touchdown catches (24) and receiving yards (2,270).

Defensive lineman — Fletcher Cox

Cox was a four-star prospect and No. 11-ranked defensive tackle in the 2009 class.

The Yazoo City standout was the Bulldogs’ second-highest rated signee that year.

He left after his junior year and was taken 12th overall in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft, the Bulldogs’ highest pick since running back Michael Haddix went eighth overall in 1983.

Cox made his first Pro Bowl in 2015.

Linebacker — Johnie Cooks

Cooks predated the recruiting rankings, but the Leland product was a first-team All-American in 1981, when, as game MVP, he led the Bulldogs to a Hall of Fame Bowl shutout over Kansas.

He was a first-round draft pick in 1982, going No. 2 overall to the Baltimore Colts. Art Schlichter and Jim McMahon were the top quarterbacks in that draft, and Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Allen was selected at No. 10.

Defensive back — Johnthan Banks

Banks grew up near Starkville, following the Egg Bowl before helping Mississippi State win three of them.

A three-star recruit in the 2009 class, Banks developed into an All-American who won the 2012 Jim Thorpe Award.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Banks in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft.