Haywood star commits to Mississippi State over LSU and Alabama

BROWNSVILLE, Tenn. – Haywood’s fall sports banquet demanded a lot of unusual attention.

With 40 offers from some of the top college football programs, senior Emmit Gooden chose the annual function to commit to a college.

The highly recruited defensive end chose Mississippi State over LSU and Alabama in a packed cafeteria on Thursday.

“I feel like it’s home to me,” Gooden said. “Coach Dan Mullen, David Turner and all of them treated me like family.”

The warm reception by the Bulldogs’ coaching staff was reciprocated by the team.

“The players treated me like their little brothers,” Gooden said. “Even, Dak Prescott. He’s a big game athlete and possibly a first round draft pick. For him to treat me like a little brother, I just feel special.”

Gooden’s first football game in Starkville, MS was last year in November. His experience was a mix of pleasure and pain.

“My first game going there, I caught a headache,” Gooden said about the cowbells at the stadium. “But I loved it. I’ll get used to it.”