Grindle makes No. 10
Xavier Grindle and his family were full of emotions on Friday evening at Mississippi State's Big Dawg Camp. But moments after committing to the Bulldogs in the Class of 2012, the East Marion (Miss.) running back was very relaxed.
"Man, it was great to say those words 'I am going to be a Bulldog," said Grindle. "My mom was crying but I was sitting back all relaxed. I told Coach (Dan) Mullen I wanted to be a Bulldog and he welcomed me to the family. Everyone was excited and just a good day to be a Bulldog."
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Grindle became MSU's 10th commitment for the Class of 2012 and was recently named to the Clarion Ledger's Dandy Dozen list earlier this week. He chose MSU over other offers from Ole Miss, LSU, Southern Miss, Vanderbilt and Memphis.
Grindle rushed for 1,458 yards and 18 touchdowns last year at East Marion High School and the 5-foot-11 and 195-pound Grindle has rushed for 4,368 career yards entering his senior campaign.
At the next level, Grindle said he could play a variety of positions.
"I will play wherever I can best help the team," said Grindle. "The coaches have mentioned running back, cornerback and on special teams. I just want to help the team wherever."
And helping the Bulldogs continue their upward spiral was one of the reasons he committed on Friday.
"It is close to home and they are building a great program," said Grindle. "They are going to get a lot of the best athletes in the state and I want the best to come with me to Mississippi State. We can win championships by staying at home."
And with his decision in the past now, Grindle joked that he doesn't have to answer any more questions.
"No more questions and that is a great thing," said Grindle with a laugh. "People always ask me where I am going and now they know. It is a big relief to get it over with and now I can just focus on school and my senior season."