Just a week after getting a commitment from 4-star point guard Tyson Carter, Mississippi State kept the momentum going by adding 4-star Schnider Herard to the mix. Herard, a 6’10” center from Plano, Texas, is rated as the #43 player in the 2016 class and chose the Bulldogs over Kansas.

The addition of Herard gives the Bulldogs their 1st front court player for this class. With Tyson Carter, Eli Wright, and Lamar Peters all guards, Mississippi State needed to bolster a thin front court. Herard adds obvious size but after watching his highlights, he is also very agile and athletic for a player of his size.

With the commitment, Mississippi State jumps up to #10 overall in the 2016 team rankings, according to 247 Sports. However, Mississippi State is far from done in the 2016 class. Mississippi State is still involved with 3 other players who you could see join the Maroon and White. Mario Kegler, a 6’7″ small forward rated as the #32 player in the class, is the most likely next commitment to the Dogs. The early signing period begins November 11th and I fully expect Kegler to be a Dog. A commitment from Kegler would put the Bulldogs with a top 5 class.

De’Ron Davis, the #38 player in the class and 6’10” power forward from Aurora, Colorado, has Mississippi State battling Indiana in his final two. Indiana is thought to have the current lead but Davis will be visiting Starkville next weekend and a good visit could swing things in the good guys’ favor.

Abdul Ado, a 6’11” 4-star center, is another interesting name to watch. Mississippi State is in the mix but I believe the Bulldogs will wait and see what happens with Davis before jumping for a commitment. However, he is a good enough player Mississippi State may want to bring him aboard in addition to Davis. As I said earlier, the Bulldogs have 3 guards already committed so unless something changes, there won’t be any more additions there.

Ben Howland is working wonders in Starkville, bringing top-notch talent to play for the Bulldogs. Schnider Herard is a dynamic big man who will tremendously help a young team next season. It’s exciting to see that Mississippi State can now go out and win players over “Blue Bloods” like Kansas and Kentucky. Herard could just be the tip of the iceberg in a potentially historic recruiting class.