Bulldogs add athletic defender

Defense has been the focus for the MSU staff of recruiters over the last two recruiting classes, and they beefed up that side of the ball a little more yesterday when they added the No. 62 prospect in Georgia to the commitment list. Atlanta (Ga.) Booker T. Washington defender Andre Wicker cast his lot with State to become the 11th confirmed high school commitment of the class of 2006.

"Andre committed to Mississippi State," commented BTW assistant coach Kevin Weaver. "He is an exceptional athlete.

"Actually when he first came in as a ninth grader, he was a quarterback, and I was a quarterback coach, so I got a chance to work with him. He has played quarterback, receiver, tight end, middle linebacker, he was a free safety. The kid is really an exceptional kid and a great athlete.

"He was a star at JV, and we had one of the top JV teams in the state. He led that team to a 7-0 record as a quarterback."

Where will he play in college?

"I think it will probably be decided when he gets there, because with his frame he will be able to put on a lot more weight in college once he gets into the strength and conditioning program with coach Croom," Weaver said. "With his speed I would think outside linebacker, but then again, if he can put a hand down and come around the edge he is going to be a terror."

Wicker's athleticism makes it hard to classify him other than anything but, well, an athlete.

"It is really hard to compare Dre to anyone," Weaver commented. "If he had stayed at receiver he would have been one of the top wide receivers in the state this year or even tight end. That is how good of an athlete he is. I feel like if he was that receiver or if he was that free safety, he would still be one of the top players in Georgia." Click here to see him in action.

So who did Wicker choose State over?

"From what I have seen it was Mississippi State over Louisville, Arkansas, and [Georgia] Tech, but there were definitely a few others," Weaver stated.

Stay tuned for comments from Wicker on his decision.