Edinburgh gets his offer

It didn't take long for New Orleans, La., native Derek Edinburgh to grab the attention of Mississippi State coaches last week at one of the Bulldogs' camp sessions. And not much time went by either for the Edna Karr Magnet School offensive tackle to collect a Bulldog offer.

"When I got back home from their camp Mississippi State offered me," said the 6-foot-8 and 320-pound Edinburgh. "I was very excited when I got that offer. I really liked their campus and it had a very homey feel to it. Their coaches spend a lot of time with you and their players. We got a lot of good practice reps in at their camp, too. I also like the fact their coaches talk to you about academics and just life in general and not just football. They are very focused on their graduation rates and I like that.

"And their campus is big, too, and not all compacted together. You see a lot of trees and a little bit of the country on their campus and I liked seeing that. They have a great offices for their coaches and a big weight room. It is also good to see they are building a new football facility, too."

Edinburgh said he also noticed some similarities with MSU's offensive approach and his own team's offensive strategies.

"They run some similiar things that my team runs," said Edinburgh. "So if I went there, I would have a head start in my class because I am familiar with those offensive sets."

Edinburgh's latest offer was just one of many on his list, which includes the likes of LSU, Arkansas, Vanderbilt, California, Utah, Pittsburgh, Nebraska and Illinois among others.

And most consider LSU the front runner for Edinburgh, and he noted the Tigers are "up there" on his favorites list. He also added his college decision was likely to be known before he starts his senior year.

"LSU is up there but I am giving everyone a fair shot," said Edinburgh. "I am not just focusing on LSU because I want to see all these schools. I have been to camps at LSU, Florida and now Mississippi State and I am going to Alabama's camp this week.

"After that Alabama camp, I will sit down with my parents and look at everything. And then I will probably make my commitment before the start of the season."