Alabama Lineman Chooses Bulldogs

Mississippi State immediately went after a couple of offensive lineman in the state of Alabama last week after losing longtime commitment Norman Price. Deion Calhoun out of Restoration Academy (Ala.) has been on the Bulldogs' short list since the summer and got the offer he long awaited for just last week. In the end, it was too much to overcome for anyone other than maroon and white.

"I got offered last week by coach Collins and that meant a lot to me because it was the first SEC offer," Calhoun said. "Coach Collins told me it was time to be a Bulldog. Since my high school team is the Bulldogs, I might as well stay one."

At the end of the day, the MSU coaches were the biggest influence for Calhoun in his decision. He said that the fact that they stayed honest with him throughout the process was key.

"I feel like I've known them for longer than I actually have," Calhoun said of the MSU staff. "Coach hevesy and coach Collins are the only coaches that never lied to me. They told me that they would offer but I just didn't know when. When they finally did, that was enough for me."

Calhoun became one of the more versatile linemen in the state of Alabama as he was able to move around all over the offensive line and on the defensive line. That versatility was something that the Bulldog coaches just couldn't pass up.

"I see myself as so much more than just an offensive lineman," Calhoun said. "I felt like I had a great season and my team did really well. Defensively was where I felt I shined the most this past year. The coaches want me to play guard but said that I have some options because of my versatility."

Calhoun now gets the chance to visit his future school officially in a couple of weeks as he takes a weekend visit to Starkville.

Calhoun is MSU's 18th member of the 2014 signing class and its third offensive lineman.