Derek Sherrod and Pernell McPhee

by Bo Phillips
(Jackson, Miss.)

Mississippi State University is a largely overlooked team when it comes to rankings. However, they do have three picks on the 2nd Preseason All-SEC Team.

Derek Sherrod, #79 is a left tackle hailing from Columbus, MS. He is considered to be the anchor to the offensive line that led the way for Anthony Dixon’s breakout season of 2009. His overall size as well as his agility and footwork make him an excellent candidate for a professional football career, with Rivals.com ranking him as 5.9 on a scale of 6.1.

Pernell McPhee, #90 of Mississippi State has been a standout from the moment he put pads on. He initially attended Itawamba MS Community College before coming to MS State as a starter in the 2009 season. He had 32 solo tackles, 9 for a loss for a total of 45 yards, 24 assisted tackles with 6 for a loss, 4 solo sacks for a loss of 24 yards, 2 assisted sacks, 1 forced fumble and 8 quarterback hurries. His record speaks for itself.

Indeed, Rivals.com ranked him as 6.0, a top 300 prospect with professional football potential.

Sherrod and Pernell are part of the reason the MSU Bulldogs will surprise folks in 2010.