Ducksworth enjoys MSU visit

Three-star outside linebacker Lelland Ducksworth of Hattiesburg (Miss.) North Forest had visited Mississippi State several times prior to last Friday's stop at the school. That

trip, however, was different from the previous ones.

Ducksworth wasn't there for a tour; he was there for the Big Dawg camp.

"They took us through a normal Mississippi State practice," Ducksworth said. "We did everything they do. I learned a lot about the coaches and the intensity they have. Their strength and conditioning coach is extremely intense. It's something new I'd never seen before. They made us lift weights. And they had us run around a little bit. The linebackers coach [Geoff Collins] was pretty intense, too. He's a non-stop type of guy."

How did Ducksworth perform?

"I think I did pretty good," Ducksworth said. "I have an offer from them. They just wanted me to work out a little."

Ducksworth said he doesn't have any leaders, but if he did Mississippi State would possess a spot in his top five.

"They're doing pretty good," Ducksworth said. "All the coaches know me. That's very beneficial. My recruiting coach [Tony Hughes] keeps me informed with all the events going on. I don't think I'll go there for an official. I've been there so many times. I think I'm going to keep going to some games. Also, my mom and I might go up there for an unofficial to look around. I feel close with Mississippi State."

Ducksworth thought about following Friday's camp with the one at Ole Miss on Saturday, but couldn't make it.

"I considered it," he said. "I wanted to go but there were money issues and things like that. I just can't make it to every one of them."

Ducksworth is high on the Rebels, too, he said.

"I like Ole Miss," Ducksworth said. "But I've got to get to know each of the coaches. I've got to check out the school and see what they have to offer. I've only been there two times."

According to Ducksworth, he is giving every school, no matter how big or small, a fair look. Besides Mississippi State and Ole Miss, one program in particular figures to be a factor -- Southern Miss, which is only 10 minutes from where he lives.

For Ducksworth, a decision might not be far off.

"I'm thinking of committing early in the season," Ducksworth said.

Keith Niebuhr can be reached at kneebs01@aol.com. You can follow him on Twitter @KeithRIVALS.