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Behind solid recruiting and great coaching, Mississippi State has built a solid program since coach Dan Mullen took over the reigns.
But the Bulldogs have also missed on several big-time recruits. Two years in a row the top recruit for Mississippi State turned into a bust.
Starting in 2010, four-star Damien Robinson did not live up to his billing. Despite being the 13th-highest rated offensive tackle in his class, Robinson never made a start. He was projected to be the starting right tackle in 2014, but tore his ACL before the season.
Robinson returned to special teams in 2015, blocking at tackle on field-goal and extra-point attempts.
Injuries also kept four-star safety Dee Arrington from fulfilling his full potential. The top Bulldogs commit in 2011, Arrington injured his hamstring in the third game of 2013 and didn’t play the rest of the season. The injury lingered into the following summer, and he missed all of 2014.
Arrington finished his career with 36 total tackles, no interceptions and no sacks in 25 games.
A third bust was four-star DT Quay Evans, the top-rated player from the 2012 recruiting class.
Evans showed promise during his freshman season, but was suspended for violating team rules during his sophomore year. Days later, police arrested Evans on suspicion of driving without a license. After the 2013 season, he left and signed with West Georgia.
Dave covers SEC football for Saturday Down South.
