FERRIDAY — For Ferriday High School’s DeVante Scott, his college choice was a matter of repaying loyalty with loyalty.

The Trojans’ rising senior committed to play football at Mississippi State Feb. 19 after Bulldogs coach Dan Mullen gave Scott his first scholarship offer.

“I got the call last week from Coach Mullen, and he said they were going to offer him,” Ferriday head football coach Freddie Harrison said.

“Mississippi State was the first school to show any interest, and I think he just went on loyalty, to the school that first showed interest.”

For Scott, a comfort level existed with the Bulldogs program that made the decision easy, he said.

“Their program is like our program, and their coaches are similar to mine,” Scott said.

“Coach Mullen is a down-to-earth kind of guy, and he seems similar to (Harrison), from the way he talks.”

Harrison said the Mississippi State coaches were able to get a good impression of what Scott is capable of based upon his film highlights.

“We went down to their Junior Day the Saturday before he committed, and brought some film highlights with us. They liked what they saw on his film. We listed him as an athlete, and I think he’s a great pick for any university that gets him.”

And that athlete listing was made because he’s a force for the Trojans in many different roles, Harrison added.

“We use him at wide receiver and quarterback, and we like to run him out of the Wild Cat formation,” Harrison said. “We also use him at defensive back and kick returns. You can put him in any position, and his competitive nature and athletic ability will take over.”

Scott said he’s not sure yet what position he will play at the next level.

“They haven’t talked to me about it,” Scott said. “They’ll worry about it when I get to school.”

Harrison said Scott has been a three-year starter for his program, and that he’s fortunate to have someone of his ability on the team.

“He was the only freshman that started on our 10-0 team (in 2007),” Harrison said. “He and Bobby Madison make a great one-two punch. It’s great to have a superior athlete, and I was just lucky and privileged enough to be there when he came in.

“It’s exciting as a coach when you have that type of athlete and weapon to use, and that’s what he is — a weapon. Pound for pound, he’s one of the best.”

With his college decision out of the way, Scott said he’s set several goals for his senior season this coming fall.

“I’m just glad to have what I’ve got,” Scott said. “I really want for us to win the district championship, and go to the Super Dome to play in the state championship game.”