Mississippi DE Russell has a 'dream' school

Florida and Tennessee recently offered 2019 defensive end De'Monte Russell and he plans to give the Gators and Vols a look, but they will have to leap over the in-state schools.

The 6-foot-6, 208 pound junior out of Jackson (Miss.) Provine grew up a big fan of Mississippi State and even with the coaching change, the Bulldogs are still on top of his list.

"As a kid in Mississippi, I grew up dreaming of playing for Mississippi State," said Russell. "Even though they have a new head coach (Joe Moorhead), I still have them on top.

"I have visited there the most, I like the environment and I know some of the players, so nothing has really changed for me."

Charles Huff left Penn State to join Moorhead in Starkville and he recently reached out to Russell for the first time. The two will likely be talking a lot more in the future.

"Coach Huff messaged me on Twitter and he told me that he wants me to visit and that he wants me to be a Bulldog. He just took the job at Mississippi State, so we will be talking more soon."

Mississippi State has some momentum in 2018, but Ole Miss is off to a great start in 2019. The Rebels have four commitments for the 2019 class, all are in-state talents and Russell has taken notice of that.

"I know a lot of recruits in my class and some are already committed to Ole Miss, so that is cool. This 2019 class in Mississippi is close, so I will be watching to see where they go to school.

"I will be over at Ole Miss for a visit January 13. I have not visited Ole Miss as much as I have Mississippi State, but I like the coaches there, the environment is nice and I have them as my No. 2 school."

Even though some of his friends are committing early, Russell does not see himself following their lead. He wants to take his time.

"I am going to take visits, see other schools and wait things out," said Russell. "I do not plan to commit until my senior year.

"I like Mississippi State the most right now, then Ole Miss, but I have thought some about wanting to leave the state too, so we will see."