Cowbell Corner

Georgia linebacker 'blessed' by offer from Mississippi State

Mississippi State coaches jump in race for blossoming 2026 linebacker with high upside

Jacob Davis

Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images / Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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STARKVILLE, Miss. — Mississippi State defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler continues to look under every rock imaginable for football talent and might have found a diamond in the rough.

Unranked linebacker Terrence Penick received an offer from Bulldogs earlier this month and is expected to take an official visit this coming weekend.

"The offer from Mississippi state truly feels like a blessing," Penick said. "The SEC is a huge deal and it’s always been a dream of mine to compete in."

The 6-foot-3, 200 pound athlete can play multiple positions on the gridiron, splitting time at linebacker and wide receiver as a junior.

While he averaged 11 yards per reception in 2024, he has been more of an asset to South Gwinnett High School in Snellville, Georgia due to his defense.

Penick has recorded 78 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble returned for a touchdown.

While he doesn't have much of a relationship with the staff as a whole, he has built a bond with his recruiters which matters most.

"I don’t have much of a relationship yet with the Bulldogs' staff, but I do have good contact with Coach Hutzler, Coach [Chris] Williams and recruiting director [Hayley] Goldin," Penick said. "But I truly believe I’ll grow more over the weekend."

He tells Mississippi State on SI that the Bulldogs, South Florida, Coastal Carolina, Rice and East Carolina are in contact with him most and plays to visit each program over the summer.

Penick's total offer list consists of SMU, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Pitt, Georgia State and Appalachian State.

The Bulldogs eight man recruiting class is currently ranked No. 37 nationally, according to 247sports.

Second-year coach Jeff Lebby's class is headlined by in-state 4-star defensive lineman Emanuel Tucker and 3-star athlete Jaiden Taylor.

Mississippi State is expected to have a rather large group of visitors coming to town this weekend with 4-star defensive lineman Dylan Berymon, 3-star cornerback Jordan Crutchfield and in-state 3-star defensive lineman Donel Robinson expected to be in attendance.

Bulldogs May 29 Visitor List

3-star DL Kamron Wilson


3-star CB Jordan Crutchfield


3-star CB Chris Carbin


3-star CB TJ Umenyiora


3-star DL Kaleb Morris


LB Terrence Penick


S Antavius Watts


3-star S Javen Holmes

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Jacob Davis
JACOB DAVIS

Jacob Davis is a reporter for Arkansas Razorbacks on SI, with a decade of experience covering high school and transfer portal recruiting. He has previously worked at Rivals, Saturday Down South, SB Nation and hosted podcasts with Bleav Podcast Network where his show was a finalist for podcast of the year. Native of El Dorado, he currently resides in Central Arkansas with his wife and daughter. Follow on X: @ jacobscottdavis

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