Mississippi

Mississippi State football 2024 summer position confidence rankings

Published

6 months ago

June 7, 2024

Mississippi State football 2024 summer position confidence rankings

Mississippi State football is going to look very different in 2024, both in terms of style of play and the contributors on the field. Nearly every player that’s likely to play a major role this fall will be one that Bulldog fans may not be overly familiar with.

The majority of starters on the offensive side of the ball will be transfers. There’s more experience back on defense, but still, several transfers and players who’ve seen limited playing time thus far at State will lead the way.

With so much new to MSU in 2024, how do I feel about each position group on the team as we enter the summer? Here’s my rank of the offensive and defensive positions on the roster, from most to least confident…

State took some big losses from the WR room, but Jeff Lebby and Chad Bumphis nailed the reload here with transfers Kelly Akharaiyi, Kevin Coleman, Trent Hudson set for big seasons and a trio of 4-star freshman who’ll contribute immediately. Veteran Jordan Mosely looks primed for a breakout year, and the young but talented Creed Whittemore should take a step forward.

This might be bold, but the fact is State has a proven power conference starter at QB, which they can’t say about many other positions. Blake Shapen was a good QB at Baylor, and he looked to be in full command of Lebby’s offense in the spring. Things are more iffy behind him, but Chris Parson is talented and at least got some SEC experience last year.

It’s crazy to still have LB this high after losing the incredible duo of Bookie Watson and Jett Johnson, but I still feel pretty good about this group. John Lewis should improve moving back to the inside, and Stone Blanton was a big addition to have alongside him. Donterry Russell will likely be the best pass rusher on the team, and Nic Mitchell and Branden Jennings looked good in the spring. There’s good depth to this unit as well.

This is another room that’s been almost totally overhauled, but give Cody Kennedy credit; he did an outstanding job. Transfers LT Makylan Pounders and C Ethan Miner will anchor this unit, and two other talented transfers, guards Jacoby Jackson and Marlon Martinez, will also compete for starting roles. Albert Reese IV brings some versatility, and Leon Bell flashed last season. There are some questions about depth after the top group, however.

There’s a good mix of solid veterans and promising young pieces along the DL. DE De’Monte Russell is the leader of the group, and fellow end Deonte Anderson will be a major factor too. UNC transfer DT Kedrick Bingley-Jones got praise in the spring, and young interior lineman Trevion Williams and Kalvin Dinkins now get their chance to showcase their high ceilings. The question is if State can actually get more of a pass rush up front this fall.

RB is a spot that I feel more confident in after the spring. Jeffery Pittman and JUCO-transfer Johnnie Daniels were both impressive in the spring game, and Keyvone Lee reportedly had a good spring as well. But the biggest boost is from Utah State transfer Davon Booth, an explosive rusher who thrived in this same offense last season for the Aggies. The lone question is whether or not a true bell cow exists in this room that MSU can lean on.

Is MSU finally going to get good production from a TE? Seydou Traore is finally eligible after sitting out last season, and he looks like the first major receiving threat at the position State has seen in ages. Vandy transfer Justin Ball impressed in the spring game, and his younger brother Cam was highly-rated transfer. Still, until we actually see a Bulldog TE make an impact in the fall, I can’t rank them too highly.

Here’s what I can say for the safety room: you’ve at got some experienced pieces there with Corey Ellington and Jordan Morant and at least one truly high ceiling guy in Issac Smith. The issue is you don’t have anyone that’s proven to be a high-level SEC player to this point. Can the veterans step up and Smith play to his recruiting profile? Can a new face like Tyler Woodard become a star? I think the options here are at least serviceable, but I’m not certain this unit will shine.

The recent add of transfer Montre Miller makes me slightly better, but I don’t have much confidence in the CB room as it stands currently. Traveon Wright looked solid in the spring game, but he was pretty much the only guy who did. Can Brice Pollock build off taking some lumps as a freshman? Hopefully. And perhaps Brylan Lanier’s experience gives State a good option at nickel. But there’s little proven with this group, and I’m not sure there are many high ceilings either.

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Mississippi

VIDEO: Jeff Lebby Pre-Ole Miss

Published

40 mins ago

November 25, 2024

Press Room

It’s Egg Bowl week! Regardless of how the rest of the season has gone, Mississippi State has the opportunity to go into the off-season with some momentum and a win over bitter rival Ole Miss. The Rebels are 8-3 this season, but are coming off a 24-17 loss Saturday at Florida.

Coach Jeff Lebby spoke with members of the media Monday, to talk about where Mississippi State is heading into the Egg Bowl on Black Friday.

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Mississippi

Burford Electric Service expanding in Lowndes County | Mighty Mississippi

Published

9 hours ago

November 25, 2024

Press Room

Burford Electric Service expanding in Lowndes County | Mighty Mississippi

Electromechanical repair company creating 14 jobs
Project represents corporate investment of over $3.5 million

Jackson, Miss. (November 25, 2024) – Burford Electric Service is expanding in Columbus. The project is a $3.55 million corporate investment and will create 14 jobs.

Founded in 1959, Burford Electric Service is a third-generation family-owned Mississippi business that specializes in electromechanical repair and replacement solutions, including electric motor repair and pump repair, for customers in the Southeast. For the expansion, the company is constructing 15,000 square feet of additional manufacturing space with larger crane capacity to meet an increase in customer demand for large industrial needs.

Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. Lowndes County and the city of Columbus also are assisting with the project.

Burford Electric Service expects to fill the 14 new jobs over the next five years.

QUOTES

“It is always exciting to see long-standing Mississippi companies grow right here at home. Burford Electric Service’s expansion is another example of how Mississippi’s business climate and pro-business policies encourage companies not only to remain in Mississippi, but also to invest in our state and in our people. I wish the Burford Electric team another 65 years of success in Lowndes County.” – Gov. Tate Reeves

“In Mississippi, we are committed to maintaining a favorable and supportive business environment that empowers our homegrown businesses to grow. Burford Electric’s expansion exemplifies that commitment. Mississippi has had a tremendous year for economic development, with billions of dollars invested and thousands of jobs created in our communities. Burford Electric’s growth in Columbus continues that trend while letting other companies know Mississippi is a top place for business.” – Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork

“We’re honored to expand our footprint in Columbus and build on the foundation my grandparents Tolbert and Margaret Burford established in 1959. As a third-generation family-owned business, this $3.55 million investment reflects both our commitment to serving the Southeast and our dedication to carrying forward the values that have sustained us for over 60 years. The additional 15,000 square feet of manufacturing space and increased crane capacity will allow us to meet the growing needs of our industrial customers while creating 14 new jobs in the community. We’re grateful for the support from the Mississippi Development Authority, Golden Triangle Development LINK and the city of Columbus, which has made this expansion possible. This is an exciting step forward for Burford Electric, our family and the communities we’re proud to serve.” – Burford Electric Service President/Owner Jonathan Robinson

“It’s great to see a family-owned, local business like Burford Electric Service expanding right here in Lowndes County. Their growth is a direct response to the increase in industrial activity in our area, and it shows how our local companies are rising to meet new demand. Burford’s investment in Columbus is a testament to the strength of our community and workforce. We’re excited to see the impact this expansion will have.” – Joe Max Higgins, CEO, Golden Triangle Development LINK

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Mississippi

Special season comes to an end for Mississippi State soccer team in Sweet 16

Published

17 hours ago

November 25, 2024

Press Room

Special season comes to an end for Mississippi State soccer team in Sweet 16

For a second-straight season, Mississippi State’s soccer team found itself in position to make more history with a trip to the Elite 8 in the NCAA Tournament.

Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, the season ended right there again.

Notre Dame’s offensive attack overwhelmed one of the country’s best defenses on Sunday night with two goals in the first 30 minutes of action on the way to a 2-0 win. It ended what was the best season in Bulldog history.

“Every single player was just so skilled on the ball. Their movement was sophisticated and they’re a physical team as well,” coach James Armstrong said. “I was thoroughly impressed with them (Sunday). We knew they were a special team but seeing them live is different. They’re a special team and I think they’ll go a long way throughout the tournament.”

From early on, the Irish were the aggressors. State was on its heels in the early going and began to see things go heavily into Notre Dame’s favor at the 24^th minute. Izzy Engle got a breakaway and sent it through the left side of the goal past Maddy Anderson for a 1-0 lead.

Just a couple of possessions later, Grace Restovich scored off the top right of the goal from the left foot to quickly put State in a hole. Both goals were scored by freshmen and continued what’s been an amazing year for coach Nate Norman’s squad. A large portion of the contributors were freshmen with 13 on the roster.

After being dominated 11-1 with shots on the offensive end, State had to find some aggression on the offensive side in the second half. The Bulldogs still couldn’t find the openings with seven shots in the final 45 minutes and Notre Dame would hold that lead.

The loss was a disappointing cap on the year, but Armstrong’s team left with heads held high. State finished 19-3 as the team set the school record for wins and had a perfect 10-0 SEC record. The squad won the first SEC Championship in program history and were 12-1 in games at the MSU Soccer Stadium.

State fans came out in droves to support this team as the Bulldogs had eight of the top 10 crowds in school history. The last two set the school record, including Friday night’s largest attended game at over 4,000. It was a season to remember but those inside the program believe it’s just the beginning.

“It’s amazing to have been a part of,” Hodge said. “From the first year to now, the sisterhood to now and I truly think that it translates. I think it’s special having that belief and love translate to the community and become a part of that inner circle. It’s been as rewarding as being on the field has been.

“I think we’ve set the standard and every year it’s gone higher and higher. The younger girls know what’s expected and I’m sure they’re going to keep it trending in the right direction.”

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