“Our first meeting, we said our first goal out of spring practice was to be a better team. I think without a doubt, we’ve gotten that done.” That was Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby in his press conference following Saturday’s Maroon and White game. For the previous four weeks, a drastically different Bulldog team, and coaching staff, undertook Lebby’s direction for what a team might look like in the fall. After the game, most will agree that it was showtime at State’s spring game and they did not disappoint the fans. It pitted the offense against the defense with a unique format for scoring. In the end, the offense won the contest 67-53, although it was touch and go in the beginning.
Lebby built a new roster, a combination of transfer portal players, and a significantly, better-than-usual recruiting class. Add to that a whole new coaching staff, and there were bound to be question marks going in. But, it was an impressive start considering most of the players only met each other for the first time on the field on March 19th.
“Shapen” a New Season with New Receivers
The offensive highlight of the game was the play of quarterback Blake Shapen. He put on quite a show with a stable of new wide receivers. The Baylor transfer went 18 for 22, 312 yards, and three touchdowns, only playing in the first half.
After a slow start, Shapen finally showed why he could lead Lebby’s offense. UTEP transfer Kelly Akharaiyi, grabbed a 40-yard bomb from Shapen for the first touchdown of the game, and Louisville transfer Kevin Coleman Jr. was another target on a huge 60-yard touchdown catch.
Lebby had great praise for his new quarterback. “Proud of Blake’s demeanor, his toughness, his edge, how he’s worked,” Lebby said. “Love the fact that he took care of the football today. He’s got a ton of work to do. I think he’s got a chance to be, not a good player, but a great player.”
Backup Quarterbacks and Tight Ends Too!
The success of Lebby’s Veer-and-Shoot offense is contingent on successful play from the quarterback. Developing a solid backup for Shapen is clearly in Lebby’s sights. Sophomore and returning Bulldog Chris Parson filled the bill in this spring game, leading the second-string offense and showing that the backup can be effective as well. He and Shapen shared quarterback duties throughout the first half, and Parson played the entire second half. Four-star recruit Michael Van Buren and others ran a few series, but Parson was the key. He ended up going seven of 13 for 124 yards and a couple of touchdowns.
Parson engineered an impressive drive in the first moments of the second half, hitting freshman wideout Mario Craver for a 65-yard score to cap that drive.
Tight ends are back, this time for real. Vandy-transfer Justin Ball was on the other end of a 15-yard scoring pass, following an efficient Parson-led drive. He joins his brother, Buffalo transfer Cameron Ball and Seydou Traore in the tight end room. Traore sat out last season with the Dawgs, after transferring from Colorado via Arkansas State. “We obviously didn’t get to show our whole playbook, but it was good for the fans to finally see what we’ve been producing and what Coach Lebby has planned for us,” Traore said at the postgame presser. “I just want to get the ball in my hands and make plays in this offense.”
The Guys Up Front That Some Forget
Lebby’s offense includes a brand-new offensive line, mostly made up of transfers with one incumbent Bulldog, Albert Reese IV. Earlier in spring training, he had great praise for his new teammates. “They have been settling really well, and coaches have done a good job making sure everyone is on the same page,” Reese said.
Offensive line coach Cody Kennedy brought in a group of heavyweights who lived up to their advanced press. Namely, Memphis transfer Makylan Pounders, Ethan Miner from North Texas, LSU’s Marlan Martinez, and Jacoby Jackson from Texas Tech.
Following this Spring game, Pounders spoke highly of his head coach. “I feel like Coach Lebby did a great job in the transfer portal finding not only great football players but just leaders,” Pounders said.
Overall, the line performed well in protection and opening up holes for the backs.
A Well-Balanced Attack
The ground game showed more depth in personnel than has been seen in Bulldog offenses, perhaps for the last seven seasons. Incumbent running back Jeffery Pittman looked very impressive with several tough runs, nice bursts, and a touchdown. Keyvone Lee, returned, this time as first-team running back, also scoring a touchdown.
Junior college transfer Johnnie Daniels had back-to-back first-down runs and led the offense in rushing with 66 yards on six carries. He showed he can be a nice complement in the backfield, alongside 1000-yard runner, Miami (Ohio)-transfer Rashad Amos, who will be joining the team later this year.
The Secondary is Still a Concern
For the last four years, State has been running a 3-3-5 defensive scheme, but defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler is switching to a more traditional 3-4 look for the front seven. The new front gave the offense a run for their money early on.
The edge-rushing of returning brothers, De’Monte and Donterry Russell was a highlight of the defense. The pair combined for a sack on Parson in the second half, while linebackers Branden Jennings, from UCF, Nic Mitchell, and South Carolina transfer Stone Blanton all made impressive stops.
However, the secondary is still an area that needs help. It was a point of concern last year and continues into this season. They had two pass interference calls in this game, that led to touchdowns by the offense. But, the spring portal is still open, so expect Lebby to be looking to fill those holes in the secondary, plus another running back, an offensive lineman, and an edge rusher. “We’re looking at a couple of different things,” Lebby said. “We’re looking to fill some needs and do a great job of creating a ton of depth throughout the next 12 to 15 days. I think we’re going to be able to pull that off.”
The Intangibles May Mean More
Yet, as thrilling as it all was, perhaps the most exciting thing to come out of spring training is a shift in the culture. There seems to be an unmistakable positive vibe that permeates throughout the team. Some of the players articulate it the best.
“I think what I’m about to say speaks for itself,” senior defensive lineman De’Monte Russell said. “This is probably one of the best springs I’ve ever had since I’ve been here. I’ve been here with four head coaches. The energy is different. It’s just a different environment.”
Wide receiver Coleman said it’s more about his teammates. “Here, it’s about winning, but it’s not only winning with the Ws,” Coleman said. “It’s winning with the brotherhood we’re building. It’s about the camaraderie. It’s about the relationships.”
“I’m proud of that,” Lebby said. “Our guys have been intentional with how they come into the building every single day. We’ve got to continue to build on that, but I like the foundation that’s been laid.”
Photo courtesy: Sports Illustrated
