Mississippi State Bulldogs take the lead for Georgia DB

ATLANTA — Tyrese Ross is an impressive defensive back. The junior out of Atlanta (Ga.) Westlake has played safety and cornerback and he loves to mix up and play physical in the secondary. The 6-foot-1, 185 pound aggressive three star has offers from Mississippi State, Nevada and Western Michigan.

It should be a big spring for Ross. Michigan State is a school he is already in contact with and the Spartans have their eye on him. Plenty of other schools will have coaches at Westlake during the spring evaluation period to check on all the talent there under Kareem Reid, so expect Ross' offer list to grow in the coming months.

Ross plans to have a decision before the summer ends and all are chasing Mississippi State as we head into the spring.

IN HIS OWN WORDS: "I went out to Mississippi State for Junior Day and I really had a good time," said Ross. "I met coach [Maurice] Linguist (safeties) and I really like him a lot. He showed me a lot. He talked to me a lot and he really wants me down there, so I liked that.

"I left feeling good about the program and they made a good first impression on me. Mississippi State is a good program and the atmosphere was nice. They have good coaches, they have good fans and that visit put them on top for me.

"I am still considering all schools, but I can say that Mississippi State does have a lead. I have been there, I know I like the school and it is a place I will get back to."

RIVALS REACTION: Ross is playing it slow right now and he is not going to rush into a decision, but Mississippi State offering him early, getting him on campus and making him feel important while he was in Starkville has put the Bulldogs in a good spot. He will add offers this spring. He is a defensive back who loves to hit and compete, so with his size and ability, he will attract a lot of attention. Ross could be ready to pull the trigger early in the summer, but he is planning to do it right before his senior year.