Bulldogs Grab Their Man in Malik Dear

Mississippi State's week of big news got even bigger on Saturday night when Rivals 250 four-star athlete Malik Dear committed to the Bulldogs. Dear's commitment marked the fifth 2015 prospect to join the Bulldogs in the last three days.

"I called coach Mullen and I couldn't even get it out of my mouth," Dear said. "He asked me if I was ready to be a Bulldog and I said, 'yes sir'."

"I went to a camp yesterday and was already leaning towards them pretty hard," Dear said. "When I went there yesterday it put the icing on the cake. I made my decision yesterday but it's official tonight. I'm a Bulldog."

The Bulldogs have been hot on Dear's trail since his sophomore year and he's had a strong liking for MSU for some time finally ending his recruitment on Saturday. After multiple trips to Starkville over the last year, Dear has felt most comfortable on MSU's campus and has a great relationship with the staff.

"The way they made me feel when I got there every time was just great," Dear said. "Even when I didn't come up there they constantly let me know that I'm family. I have a great relationship with coach Mullen, coach Knox and coach Gonzales. They always made sure that I knew that I was priority."

Dear is a high-octane player that's able to play multiple positions on the next level and can excel at either running back or slot receiver. As a do-it-all athlete at Murrah, Dear has quarterbacked, caught and ran the ball in the offense totaling over 2,000 yards of offense in 2013 with 32 touchdowns.

"They're telling me that I'm going to be the next Percy Harvin and that's what they've been preaching to me since 10th grade," Dear said. "They're going to use me the same way they use Jameon but use me a little more."

Dear is arguably the top player in the state of Mississippi for 2015 and immediately adds something to the Bulldog offense. He chose the Bulldogs over offers from Alabama, Florida, Ole Miss, Southern Miss, Texas, Texas A&M and others.

The four-star prospect is the second of the class joining JUCO receiver Donald Gray. He's the nation's eighth best athlete, 129th best player and the number four player in the state according to Rivals. He is MSU's 16th commitment of the class of 2015.

"I think MSU should have the best recruiting class in the country," Dear said. "It's great for MSU to get all of these players putting the team on the come up. I haven't started recruiting just yet, but I know that it will be coming."