4-star cornerback PJ Woodland of Hattiesburg commits to Mississippi State football

Mississippi Clarion Ledger STARKVILLE — When considering Mississippi State football in his recruiting process, cornerback PJ Woodland acknowledged that seeing Emmanuel Forbes selected 16th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft caught his attention. In case Woodland forgot during the action of Big Dawg Clinic on June 1, MSU coach Zach Arnett made sure to mention Forbes’ success when huddling with the camp members. It was a testament to Mississippi State’s staff pulling the right strings in the recruitment of the four-star prospect from Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg. The Bulldogs were rewarded with his commitment on Tuesday. “Mississippi State brings the energy,” Woodland told the Clarion Ledger at MSU's camp. Woodland is the No. 13 recruit in the state, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He also had offers from schools such as Florida State, Tennessee, Texas and Texas A&M. He has been a priority for MSU, especially cornerbacks coach Darcel McBath. The former NFL safety has been at MSU since he was hired onto Mike Leach’s staff in 2020. Since then, McBath has developed Martin Emerson – who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns last year – and Forbes. That track record quickly appealed to Woodland. “He’ll develop me to be the best player I can be,” Woodland said. Woodland has also built a relationship with Arnett through the recruiting process serving as defensive coordinator before Leach’s death in December. Arnett’s promotion provided stability in an unprecedented moment for Mississippi State. It helped hold together MSU’s 2023 class when the early signing period opened, and it continues to help in the upcoming class. FIRST IMPRESSION:What new Mississippi State football coach Zach Arnett said that was so funny in Jackson “He knows how everything rolls, how everything is going,” Woodland said. “He’s going to keep continuing to be a great coach.” Woodland is the 11th commit in MSU's 2024 class and the third four-star prospect.