Bulldogs welcome four

STARKVILLE, Miss. - The 2011 Mississippi State football team officially welcomed its four newest members as classes began on Wednesday. Head football coach Dan Mullen announced the arrival of three high school players - John Harris, Dak Prescott and Nick Redmond - and one junior college transfer - Joey Trapp.

"We're happy to welcome these young men into our family," Mullen said. "It's great to have them here for the offseason program and spring practices, and it will help their development and their chances to contribute this fall. This is a great start to what we anticipate being an outstanding signing class in 2011."

Mississippi State began spring classes on Wednesday and the football team will focus on academics and recovery before beginning offseason workouts on Tuesday, January 18. The Maroon-White Spring Game is set for Saturday, April 9 and the Bulldogs kick off the 2011 season at Memphis on September 3.

Johnathan Harris, DL, 6-6, 230, Boynton Beach, Fla. (Boynton Beach Community HS)

HIGH SCHOOL: Starred for head coach Rick Swain at Bounton Beach Community High School … Recorded 65 total tackles along with six sacks during the 2010 season … Also credited with 14 tackles for loss on the year … Rated a three-star prospect by recruiting services Rivals.com and Scout.com … Ranked the 13th best prospect in the state of Florida by The Palm Beach Post … Widely recruited during his prep career, was offered by more than 20 schools nationwide … Chose Mississippi State in November 2010 over Boston College, UCF, West Virginia, Wisconsin and a host of others … Graduated from high school in December and enrolled during the spring of 2011.

PERSONAL: Son of Sam Harris and Shevone Harris … Born Johnathan Lamar Harris on December 30, 1992.

Dak Prescott, QB, 6-3, 225, Haughton, La. (Haughton HS)

HIGH SCHOOL: Highly recruited quarterback from the Louisiana prep ranks … Led the Haughton High Buccaneers to an undefeated regular season and a berth in the 4A state quarterfinals … Named first-team all-state by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association … Completed 159 of 258 passes (62 percent) for 2,860 yards and 39 touchdowns during his senior season at Haughton … Rated as one of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation … Rushed for 951 yards and 17 touchdowns on 90 attempts during his senior year (10.6 yards per carry) … During his junior season, completed 144 of 252 passes for 2,172 yards and 27 touchdowns … Rated a three-star prospect by both Rivals.com and Scout.com … Committed to Mississippi State in July of 2010 and enrolled in school during the spring of 2011 … Chose State over LSU, TCU and a host of others.

PERSONAL: Son of Nathaniel and Peggy Prescott … Full name is Dakota … Born 7/29/93 in Sulpher, La. … Two older brothers, Tad and Jace … Jace will be a senior offensive lineman at Northwestern (La.) State in 2011.

Nick Redmond, OL, 6-5, 305, Gulfport, Miss. (Harrison Central)

HIGH SCHOOL: Promising offensive tackle prospect from the Mississippi Gulf Coast … Rated a three-star prospect by both Rivals.com and Scout.com … Ranked the No. 23 prospect in the state regardless of position by SuperPrep Magazine … Committed to Mississippi State over other in-state programs … Chose the Bulldogs in September of 2009 … Graduated from high school in December of 2010 and enrolled in January of 2011.

PERSONAL: Born Nicholas Ashton Redmond on 11/03/1992 … Son of Lisa Redmond.

Joey Trapp, OL, 6-5, 285, Rolling Hills, Calif. (Los Angeles Harbor CC / Palos Verdes Peninsula HS)

JUNIOR COLLEGE: First-team All-Central West Conference during his sophomore season at Los Angeles Harbor … Helped lead the Seahawks to an 8-3 record and the Central West Conference championship in 2010 … Rated a three-star prospect by Rivals.com … Helped the Seahawks to a 9-2 record during his freshman season as he started 10 of 11 contests along the offensive front … Chose Mississippi State in December of 2010 over offers from a host of other schools … Enrolled at State in January of 2011 and will participate in spring practices.

PERSONAL: Born Joseph Kramer Trapp on 11/13/1989 … Son of Sonia and Steve Cuitanovich.