While consensus All-American Fred Smoot basked in the limelight last season in the Mississippi State secondary, his good friend and partner in smack -- Pig Prather -- was graciously awaiting his turn.

Now that Smoot has moved on to the NFL, Prather's time is now.

But while Smoot enjoyed talking more than should be legally allowed, Prather isn't quite as quick to gab.

"I love to talk on the field but off of it, I'd just as soon keep to myself," said Prather, a 6-1, 195-pound second-team All-American and first-team All-SEC pick at safety as a junior. "I just like to keep to myself. You know, mind my own things."

Prather's been minding his own business pretty well for a Bulldog defense that has produced more quality defenders than the Marine Corps the past five years.

"Pig's a warrior," State defensive backs coach Melvin Smith said.

"And if there's a better DB than him in the country, I want to see him. I haven't seen him yet. Pig's the complete package. In coverage, in run support, rushing the passer. He can do it all."

During his junior season, he finished third on the team with 78 tackles, including a team-leading 11 sacks from his DOG safety spot. And that was in 10 games. Prather's season was cut short when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee against Arkansas.

Luckily, Prather's injury wasn't as severe as it could have been. He was moving around without crutches by January, running by February and by the time the Bulldogs started spring practice in March, Prather was in shoulder pads and shorts every day and even took part in some running drills.

"I'll take care of my business," said Prather, also an explosive kick returner. "That much I will say."

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