4-Star OLB Willie Gay Compares Michigan, Mississippi State: ‘Only Thing Different Was The Weather’


Four-star outside linebacker Willie Gay opened up on his top four schools and compared his time at Michigan to Mississippi State. 


As he prepares to compete in the 2017 U.S. Army All-American Bowl, 4-star recruit Willie Gay is still thinking about which school will win him over.

Gay, the No. 6 outside linebacker and No. 89 overall player in the country, is down to four teams: LSU, Michigan, Mississippi State and Ole Miss.

Being that Gay is from Starkville, one would think Dan Mullen’s Bulldogs would hold the upper hand. However, Gay didn’t seem to notice much of a difference between his hometown and Ann Arbor.

“When I went to Michigan, I felt like I was still in Starkville, Miss.,” Gay told Rivals. “The only thing different was the weather, and even that wasn’t that bad to me. I fell in love with Michigan when I went up there.”

While Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines may be attractive for Gay, they have been a popular choice for a couple of linebackers in this 2017 recruiting class. In December, Michigan picked up commitments from 4-star prospect Drew Singleton, the No. 4 outside linebacker, and Jordan Anthony, the No. 13 outside linebacker.

Meanwhile, Mississippi State has only 3-star inside linebacker Tyler Dunning committed. Ole Miss is operating with 4-star outside linebacker Breon Dixon and 3-star outside linebacker Josh Clarke. And LSU recently watched 4-star inside linebacker Monty Rice flip to Georgia, leaving the Tigers with only 4-star prospect Patrick Queen.

In other words, there are more openings at the three schools on his list not named Michigan.

However, it doesn’t appear Gay is paying attention to other linebackers being recruited to his top four choices. He only wants to make sure he feels comfortable.

“I’m going to get developed at all of them. All the teams fit me well, but I’m just looking for the team that feels at home the most,” Gay said.

If he wants to feel at home, one would believe Gay would simply stay put and play for the Bulldogs. Then again, Ann Arbor did feel like Starkville-North to him, so perhaps that’s a sign.

Note: Scout rankings and ratings used in this article.

MORE: 5-Star OG Tedarrell Slaton Names A Leader In Recruitment