MISSISSIPPI STATE

MSU Extras: Questions answered during spring practice

Michael Bonner
The Clarion-Ledger
  • Battle to replace Gabe Jackson still wide open.
  • Picture clearing as to who MSU’s playmakers are going to be.
  • Dandy Dozen Jamoral Graham emerging as freshman who could see playing time in fall.

Questions Answered

1. Who is the starting running back?

• Josh Robinson emerged as the first-team running back. Dan Mullen backed Robinson’s promotion early in the spring, and the junior said he is ready to become the bell cow. The coaches added depth and speed to the spot by moving wide receiver Brandon Holloway to running back.

2. Who is calling the plays?

• Nothing changed here from last year. Yes, Mississippi State added passing game coordinator to Billy Gonzales’ title and rushing game coordinator to John Hevey’s. But at the end of the day, it’s still Mullen’s offense. He held the call sheet during the 11-on-11 scrimmages. He’s the one whispering the play to the quarterback.

3. How does MSU replace S Whitley?

• The Bulldogs had depth at safety this spring. Justin Cox moved from cornerback to safety. Sophomore Kivon Coman also emerged as an option in addition to Kendrick Market and Jay Hughes, who should be healthy come August.

Lingering Questions

1. Who replaces Jackson?

• This won’t be answered until the end of August. Hevesy, also the offensive line coach, said he won’t choose a starter at the vacant guard position until gameday of the home-opener against Southern Miss. He has candidates in Justin Malone, Jamaal Clayborn and Ben Beckwith. Two of the three will play next season. Both Clayborn and Beckwith played last year with Malone sidelined with a broken foot.

2. Who are Mississippi State’s playmakers??

• The coaching staff vowed to get the ball in the speedy Holloway’s hands. A move to running back should make that easier. But the offense still doesn’t have a bonafide playmaker. De’Runnya Wilson developed chemistry with Dak Prescott. But what that means won’t be known until the fall. Jameon Lewis, MSU’s most productive player, primarily works from the slot.

3. Can anyone make a field goal?

• The real question may be: Will Mississippi State be forced into four-down territory anywhere outside the 25-yard line? The Bulldogs’ kickers remained inconsistent the entire spring. It’s Evan Sobiesk’s job, and there isn’t anyone else according to Mullen.

Most Improved

Gabe Myles, wide receiver

• Geoff Collins calls him “Gabey Football.” A scout-team phenom last year, the Starkville native transitioned to wide receiver from cornerback in the spring.

Justin Cox, safety

• In his first season after transferring from East Mississippi Community College, the SEC wasn’t friendly to Cox at corner. A move to safety helped Cox’s confidence, and it showed this spring.

Needed Newcomers

Darion Hutcherson, tight end

• Tight end is not a glaring weakness, but the 6-foot-7 pass catcher will certainly be welcomed at the position. The junior college transfer will give Prescott a big target few quarterbacks around the SEC have.

Jamoral Graham, athlete

• Graham is probably the playmaker of the incoming freshmen. If he continues to progress, he could see some action this season. There is no clear backup to Jameon Lewis at wide receiver, despite Myles’ strong spring.

— Michael Bonner, MSU writer