Moncrief committed but open

HOOVER, Ala. -- Three-star safety Derrick Moncrief of Prattville (Ala.), who committed to Southern Miss way back in February, sent mixed messages Thursday.

In one breath, the 6-foot-3, 200-pounder said he remains firm to the Golden Eagles. In the next he didn't seem quite so sure.

"I'm still committed, still solid," Moncrief said at the National Select 7 on 7 Championships. "But it's not over. I'm still open somewhat."

The biggest threats to Southern Miss for the player rated as the 28th-best prospect in Alabama's senior class appear to be Kentucky and Mississippi State, both of whom have offered.

The reason?

"I'm just interested in the SEC," Moncrief said.

Moncrief doesn't seem to be in much of a rush to make a final decision. He said he isn't sure when he'll completely end the recruiting process. Thus far, of the three schools firmly in the mix he has visited only Southern Miss.

As of Thursday, Moncrief's plan was to make officials to all three.

"I like it there a lot," Moncrief said of Southern Miss. "It's a family environment. They've got good academics and great coaches. Mississippi State has a family environment, too. They work hard there. They've got a good work ethic -- a drive to be the best. They tell me they want me to start for them at free safety [as a freshman]. Kentucky really likes me a lot. They like my size and the way I'm a ball hawk."