2025 juco defensive lineman Mason Clinton breaks down Mississippi State decision
On Thursday morning, East Mississippi Community College’s Mason Clinton collected the offer he was waiting for from Mississippi State. Just a couple of hours after getting that offer, the 2025 defensive lineman and On3 three-star prospect committed to the Bulldogs.
The former Petal High School product began his college career at Louisiana where he redshirted, which leaves Clinton three years left to play at the next level. Clinton is rated as the nation’s No. 12 juco defensive lineman by On3 rankings.
“I talked to my dad as soon as I got the offer,” Clinton added. “Everyone was excited about the offer and I like that it’s not too far from home. I love the coaching staff and I love the atmosphere there. Being on a game-day visit and hearing the cowbells ringing, you just got to be there to know what it’s about. So I went ahead and made my decision.”
Earlier on Thursday, Mississippi State defensive line coach David Turner visited with Clinton at East Mississippi. And when Turner delivered the news of the offer, it made for a special day for Clinton.
“Coach Turner came by the school on Thursday and just offered me,” Clinton recalled. “It was amazing and a dream come true. It was a blessing at the same time. As a kid growing up, you’re always trying to get to the SEC and get to the top of the top.”
In his lone season with the Lions, Clinton totaled 27 tackles with four tackles for loss, two sacks and one fumble forced. He played various positions this season and expects to be at defensive end for the Bulldogs.
“Coach Turner likes me at defensive end or the four-tech,” Clinton mentioned. “I can fit in their defense great at that position. Plus, I have three years left and not many juco guys have that many years left.”
Clinton also held offers from Arkansas State, North Texas, New Mexico and Western Kentucky among others along with interest from Florida State, UCF and South Carolina. Now that he has his SEC opportunity, he wants to make the most of it.
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“Coach Turner said I have an opportunity that a lot of people don’t get,” explained the 6-foot-5 and 285-pound Clinton. “He said if I come in there and do what I have to do, then I will be in the rotation. That’s all I can ask for is an opportunity.”
Clinton also has faith in head coach Jeff Lebby for the future of the program. The Bulldogs have struggled in Lebby’s first season on campus but Clinton expects things to improve quickly.
“It’s going to be a good thing,” noted Clinton. “I feel like we’re going to have something great next year. We can turn it around quickly and our class can get things done.”
Clinton is set to sign officially with the Bulldogs in December and then enroll in January. And once he hits campus, he has a point to prove.
“Like I said, it is surreal and a dream come true,” remarked Clinton. “It’s a dream you have as a kid and you want to be in the SEC. It’s hard to explain because I have a lot of emotions going through my body right now. But I will be there in January and I will show everyone why they offered me and why they recruited me.”
