Autry adding offers

Later this week, rising sophomore Denico Autry will have the opportunity to return home to his native state of North Carolina. But the highly-touted defensive end prospect won't have much of a break before returning back to East Mississippi Community College to prep for his second season at the juco level.

"We get out of school Wednesday or Thursday this week," said the 6-foot-6 and 250-pound Autry. "But then I will still be working out and then I will be back in a couple of weeks to start summer school. I plan to go to both summer terms so I can make sure I graduate in December with no problems."

Autry recently concluded spring drills at EMCC and said he saw improvements in his overall game. Last year as a EMCC freshman, Autry had 60 tackles with six sacks, 11 tackles for loss and five forced fumbles.

"Spring went pretty good," said Autry. "I got faster and stronger this offseason. I really worked on my pass rush and getting off blocks better. Last year was good and all but I want to help us achieve even more this year and I want to be the best I can on the field. I have come a long way since high school and it does feel good to make a name for myself."

And he's obviously made a name for himself on the recruiting scene. Autry recently added two more BCS offers and both hailed from the Big 12.

"I picked up a Texas A&M offer and a Texas offer a couple of weeks ago," noted Autry. "I also have offers from Florida, Mississippi State, Alabama, Ole Miss, Oregon, Tennessee and some others."

Having unofficially visited MSU and Ole Miss this spring, Autry said he plans to take visits to see MSU again this summer as well as stops at Tennessee and Alabama.

And among his offers, Autry noted a trio of schools are standing atop his list of leaders. He also added his timeframe for his college decision is up in the air for now and it could be "before or after this season".

"I would say Texas, Mississippi State and Alabama are my favorites and it's between those three schools," said Autry. "Coach (Manny) Diaz of Texas offered me two weeks ago and they already knew of me when he was at Mississippi State. And Coach Bo Davis is at Texas and he is a good guy, too.

"With Mississippi State, I really like how their depth chart shapes up and they are losing a couple of guys this year. So there is a good opportunity there. And with Alabama, I like their program and their tradition. I really haven't gotten to know much about them yet and that's why I want to visit them soon."