Bulldogs have slight lead for Ducksworth

Three-star outside linebacker Lelland Ducksworth of Hattiesburg (Miss.) North Forest insists he is giving every program recruiting him a good look.

That said, he admits two of them are standing out.

"I like Mississippi State and Ole Miss," Ducksworth said. "I'd say I'm leaning more toward them, but nobody is out of the race. I like both of those schools. Right now, I would put them as my top two. And I'm leaning slightly toward Mississippi State."

To date, Ducksworth, who claims nine total offers, has visited the Bulldogs seven times. Meantime, he said he has been to Oxford twice. Due to his numerous trips to Starkville, Ducksworth apparently has formed a solid bond with the staff there.

"I like the coaches, the environment, the academic program, the way they're producing smart and intelligent football players," Ducksworth said. "I get there and it's, 'Hey Lelland, how's it going?' They come to me and they want to start a conversation. I get a chance to talk to them and everyone knows me. That's a good feeling."

The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Ducksworth also speaks highly of the Rebels.

"I like their academic programs, and their coaches are great people," Ducksworth said. "I haven't been there a lot. I really don't know how the environment is. But it's a pretty place. I can say that."

Ducksworth would like to make a decision by the end of the month. In the meantime, he plans to attend camps at Southern Miss on Saturday and Alabama next week. It's possible he also might camp at Mississippi State on July 22.