What the outlook is for next generation of Mississippi State football defense

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football defensive back Hunter Washington says he and his defensive teammates coined a phrase brought in by coaches in the offseason: Chew the elephant.

The statement is described as taking one bite at a time — in this case, on the field.

“Just taking it one day at a time,” he said. “Just focus on one part and build it as as we go.”

MSU and Washington are abiding by that expression as the Bulldogs approach their season opener at home Aug. 31 (5 p.m. CT, SEC Network+) against Eastern Kentucky.

Last season, MSU ranked sixth in total defense in the SEC, averaging 350.58 yards and 35 touchdowns allowed per game.

MSU defensive backs see solid secondary

Washington had a sense of realization after the Bulldogs finished the 2023 season 5-7 and missed a bowl game for the first time since 2009. He took a step back and understood his role in the secondary: focusing on the team more than himself.

“To help my team to a higher standard and pushing my teammates to the next level,” he said. “I’m here to help people out and also focus on me, but I put the team before me.”

Washington is entering his third season at MSU and has nine tackles in 14 games combined — he was injured the second half of last season — after transferring from Florida State in 2021.

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With transfers and newcomers, he has lauded the improvement in the secondary from the spring.

“I like to praise the young guys because it was hard when you first get to college and stuff like that,” he said. “But they really took a step forward, coming up to this fall camp. So I’m really proud of them.

“All (the defensive backs) been better. We’ve been coming in as one group, and our goal is to go to the best.”

Washington said that across the line, having a strong receivers core helps them during practice, and the defensive backs are taking advantage of that.

“It makes us better,” he said. “Going against speed receivers or tight ends, we got all types of threats. I like the offense as well.”

Linebacker core aims to replicate last season’s success

The duo of Nathaniel Watson and Jett Johnson was MSU’s main highlight last fall. Watson — who had a career 137 tackles and was named first-team All-SEC last season — was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in April in the sixth round. Jett Johnson, who had a career 130 tackles, was named second-team All-SEC and has worked out for the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent.

But linebackers Stone Blanton and John Lewis know they’re at the helm of the defense this fall.

“Our defense is young, but we have a lot of experience in there, with a lot of new guys coming in with a lot of talent,” said Blanton, who transferred from South Carolina and had 52 tackles. “The linebacker room is full of talent . . . We got ballers in there, so I’m just super excited to play this season.” 

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Lewis, who recorded 20 tackles last season, is expecting a defense that has a lot of energy from defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler, but no one is more enthusiastic than Blanton.

“He’d be loud every day,” Lewis said. “So if I need somebody to count on to pick me up, it’ll be Stone.”

The two are the presumed starters at linebacker. Coach Jeff Lebby also has brought in junior college transfer Branden Jennings.

Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among others, for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X, formerly Twitter @MikeSChavez.