Northern makes impression

Back in February, Mississippi State inked a Rosa Fort (Miss.) product in Benardrick McKinney. Looking at the 2012 class and Rosa Fort again has another Division I prospect with receiver/defensive back James Northern.

The 6-foot-1 and 185 Northern has already attended a few camps this summer and has more camp dates scheduled down the road.

"I have been to camps at Ole Miss and Mississippi State," said Northern. "Then I am going to a camp in Columbus, Ohio, that my cousin is hosting and he used to play in the NFL. I am going to a Southern Miss camp and then I was invited back to camps in July at Mississippi State and Ole Miss."

During his first stops at MSU and Ole Miss, Northern said he felt good about his showing.

"I liked both camps and it was good meeting new people and competing against different folks," said Northern. "It was also good competing against other good players from Mississippi and that helps your talent stand out. I practiced at receiver at both camps and that went good, too, and I caught a lot of touchdowns."

And Northern added he enjoyed both in-state SEC campuses.

"I like the campuses at Mississippi State and Ole Miss," said Northern. "The Mississippi State coaches told me to keep up the good work and said they hoped I would be a Bulldog one day. Their coaches said they liked how I moved with my speed and I ran a 4.5 at their camp."

On the recruiting scene, Northern noted he was drawing interest from several schools and said he likes the in-state programs. Last year as a junior, Northern led his team with 21 catches for 550 yards and five touchdowns. On defense he totaled 60 tackles, two sacks and one interception.

"I am getting interest from Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Memphis, Kentucky, Southern Miss, Arkansas State and Louisiana-Lafayette," said Northern. "Most schools are recruiting me as a receiver but Mississippi State is recruiting me as a cornerback or safety. I like playing offense and defense but I probably like receiver a little more. But I will play defensive back, too, cause I like to hit.

"Of those schools, I like Mississippi State and Ole Miss and also a little bit of Tennessee."