2026 four-star running back Damarius Yates breaks down Mississippi State decision

It wasn’t all bad news for Mississippi State football this weekend. On Saturday, the Bulldogs also got a boost for their future when 2026 running back and On3 four-star prospect Damarius Yates committed to the staff before going public with his decision on Sunday.

Yates is rated as the nation’s No. 3 running back and the state’s top prospect by On3 rankings. Also on On3, he is listed as the nation’s No. 31 overall prospect regardless of position.

“I told the coaches on Saturday while I was at the game,” recalled Yates. “I told Coach Lebby, Coach (Anthony) Tucker and Coach (Cody) Kennedy. It is just about the environment there and the way they treat me and how they make me feel. It was also about the opportunity that I have at Mississippi State.”

And feeling comfortable on campus also played a role in Yates’ early decision.

“Mostly, it was knowing so many people at the school and that made me confident to do it early,” added Yates. “I feel very comfortable at their school and that’s always a good thing.”

Yates also noted of his connection with Lebby and the staff. That included the amount of attention he received from State’s coaches over the past several months.

“It’s always been good with Mississippi State’s staff,” Yates noted. “The connection with the coaches is good and they always send me mail and check up on me. Coach Lebby brings a lot of energy and he keeps the energy there. He’s a great coach and he keeps it real with you. Their coaches have a lot to do with my decision.”

Yates also holds offers from Alabama, Ohio State, Penn State, Florida State, Tennessee and Auburn among others. Along with his relationships with Mississippi State’s staff, he also has another connection with the Bulldogs. His teammate – On3 composite four-star offensive lineman Mario Nash – is a 2025 Bulldog commitment, as well.

“Coach Lebby has been saying he wants me there and he makes me feel welcomed there,” added Yates. “It also helps that my teammate (Nash) is going there, too. That’s a big factor for me and my decision, too. Mario has told me a lot about Mississippi State. He said it’s a great community there and that they produce a lot of great players. He said they make you feel at home and that’s how it’s been for me, too.”

This summer saw Yates keep an active schedule with several college camps across the country. And despite the early success in recruiting and all of his Power 4 offers, Yates noted the key is to remain humble and to keep working.

“This summer I went to a few camps,” recalled the 5-foot-9.5 and 180-pound Yates, who posted a 10.9 time in the 100 meters as a sophomore. “I went to Tennessee, Alabama, Ohio State and Florida State for camps. It was a good experience and I’ve picked up a lot of good offers so far. The experience has been good and it can be a lot but you can’t let the offers go to your head. You still have to produce but it was something I was looking forward to.

“Florida State was another top favorite for me. Both are good schools but I just felt more comfortable with Mississippi State.”

Yates was electric during his sophomore season in all three phases of the game and helped lead Kemper County to a 9-3 record and second-round playoff berth. Offensively, Yates had 1,129 rushing yards with 19 touchdowns (averaged 11 yards a carry) along with 13 catches for 365 yards and five more scores.

Yates also had a pair of interceptions on defense and had two touchdowns on special teams’ returns. He noted of his offseason focus and he’s trying to be even more “explosive” in his junior season and so far this season that offseason work is paying off. In Kemper County’s first three games, Yates has rushed for 281 yards and three touchdowns, and also has seven catches for 183 yards and two more scores.

“I’ve been working on my speed, my cuts and footwork the most,” Yates explained. “I’m also trying to be more explosive, too. I’m playing offense and defense again but I like offense better. I feel more comfortable on offense and that’s where Mississippi State is recruiting me to play.”

With his decision, Yates becomes the fourth State commitment in the Class of 2026 and the third commitment from the Magnolia State. He joins defensive back Iverson McCoy and running back Jaeden Hill of Tupelo High School, and receiver Kenny Darby of Airline (La.) High School.