Mississippi State lost one of its best recruits Wednesday in running back Kailo Moore. Moore, a consensus four-star back out of Rosedale (Ms.) West Bolivar High School, had been committed to the Bulldogs since June, had previously committed to Ole Miss in July of 2011. Moore has excellent speed and has drawn comparisons to former Mississippi prep star Jerious Norwood
Moore also holds an offer from Vanderbilt, and is widely considered one of the best 30 or so runners nationally. Mississippi State now has 20 commitments in its 2013 class, and none from a running back.
Mississippi State's loss appears to be Ole Miss' gain, as Moore has named the Rebels as his new leader.
A primary reason for the change? Auburn's hiring of Mississippi State secondary coach Melvin Smith.
...a major reason for the change of heart may have been the departure of MSU cornerbacks coach Melvin Smith.
"Melvin going to Auburn was a big piece of the puzzle," West Bolivar coach Henry Johnson said. "Melvin had a big influence on him. Melvin recruited him.
"They had established a really good relationship. Even though Melvin wasn’t going to coach Kailo directly at Mississippi State, Kailo felt comfortable going down there to be with him."
As @just1broarguing notes, Melvin was a big cog in MSU's recruiting wheel. Main recruiter for RB Kailo Moore. Could get interesting now
— mstatesports (@mstatesports) December 25, 2012
Like Mississippi State, Ole Miss also has 20 commitments in its 2013 class. Unlike the Bulldogs, however, the Rebels already have two running backs committed.
Moore could decide fairly soon, it appears.
If Kailo Moore participates in the Marine All-Star game on January 3rd you will most likely see him put on a hat for his final destination.
— Yancy Porter (@YancyPorter) December 27, 2012