Former Collins High School football standout Mark McLaurin signed with the New York Giants as a free agent following the NFL Draft over the weekend. He was one of several Mississippi State players going pro following a banner draft for the Bulldogs. The safety was a 2019 NFL Combine Participant, a member of the 2017 Associated Press All-Bowl Team, and the 2017 TaxSlayer Bowl MVP. He was also included in the 2016 SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll. According to Mississippi State athletics, his college career was highlighted as an instinctive safety who was one of the best in the SEC at his position during his last two seasons. He had a breakout junior campaign in which he led the SEC in interceptions and was the TaxSlayer Bowl MVP. He owns the MSU single-season record for interceptions and was a preseason All-America candidate by several publications as a senior. He played in 51 games with 30 starts an finished as MSU’s active career leader in interceptions with eight. McLaurin totaled 224 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks and defended 26 passes, forced a pair of fumbles and recovered three. He racked up 10 or more tackles in seven different games. At Collins, also according to MSU information, he was a solid defensive back awarded four starts by 247Sports. He played wide receiver and safety and was the eighth ranked player in Mississippi by 247Sports. He was also ranked Number 14 in the state by Scout.com and Number 26 by ESPN.com who also had him as a three-star recruit. McLaurin helped Collins to be crowned the 2014 Class 3A State Champions with a 14-2 record during his senior season. In 16 games played during his senior season, he recorded 35 receptions for 665 yards and eight touchdowns as a receiver. As a safety in 2014, he recorded 38 total tackles with five for loss. He also picked off seven passes, deflected four passes, recovered three fumbles and caused one. McLaurin also played baseball and basketball in high school. He is the son of Tijuana and Mark McLaurin.
(Photo courtesy www.hailstate.com)
