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Recruiting can be frustrating to follow with high school prospects often waffling on commitments and taking visits to other schools. But recently, Mississippi State showed us why committed prospects have to do what's in their own best interest during their recruitment process.
Chason Virgil is a 3-star (according to 247.com) dual threat QB out of West Mesquite High School who had offers from schools including Auburn and Clemson. He committed to Mississippi State in May with the intent to graduate early and join the Bulldogs in January of 2015. According to the Clarion-Ledger, Mullen pulled Virgil's scholarship 16 days (!!) before he was set to graduate and asked him to grey shirt for his first semester on campus. This means Virgil would be responsible for all college expenses during his first semester at MSU.
Virgil's coach Jeff Neill voiced his anger via Twitter:
Miss St. pulls scholarship from our QB Chason Virgil w/16 days til graduation. Classless move by "coach" Dan Mullen
— Jeff Neill (@neill_jeff) November 21, 2014
Chason Virgil -35 tds/6int passing -8td rushing. One of the best young people I've ever coached -only flaw was trusting "coach" Mullen.
— Jeff Neill (@neill_jeff) November 21, 2014
Essentially Virgil is now left with very few options given that he's probably completed all of his high school coursework. He either has to pay for his first semester at MSU or hope that another school offers him early enrollment.
Sidebar: I'd love to see Texas A&M offer Virgil. The Aggies could use another QB/ATH in this class.
This move illustrates the uncertainty involved with schools and recruits relying on a handshake agreement until all documents are signed. It will be interesting to see if there is any negative impact on Mullen's ability to recruit Texas in the future.