2025 Transfer Portal Thread

[maroonmania]

Wasn't Williams visiting today?

[Todd4State]

I'm pretty sure it is Williams

[msu15]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F8uZGQQXAAAJ5iD?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

Not a fan of that low TE target %

[Pancho]

I agree that the TE can add much to this scheme

[Todd4State]

Eh. TE's are typically secondary targets in most progressions. Low TE volume probably either means that their first progressions were often open which is a good thing or their TE may not have been elite.

[Pancho]

Who is visiting today? looks like everyone north of a line from clarksdale to tupelo has 4-6" of snow up this way.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Who is visiting today? looks like everyone north of a line from clarksdale to tupelo has 4-6" of snow up this way.

I don't think we have anyone visiting today. I think we're probably done with visits for this cycle unless someone pops up. I know there's a lineman from Ohio St that Robertson has mentioned multiple times. If they were to lose tonight, we probably could get him on a visit next week.

[Cooterpoot]

Not a fan of that low TE target %

Could be like Penn State and have no catches at all by a WR in a semifinal playoff game. Every catch was a TE or RB

[StarkVegasSteve]

Could be like Penn State and have no catches at all by a WR in a semifinal playoff game. Every catch was a TE or RB

I honestly could not believe that when I saw the stat. That insane you can go an entire game, where your QB threw the ball 23 times and completed 15, and not throw one time to a WR

[RockyDog]

And whenever we lose out on a Qb or WR recruit we have a small segment of the fanbase that throws their hands up and says let’s go to the dadgum triple option!!

That would just be an amazing strategy to ignore half of offensive football in the toughest league there is.

[Todd4State]

I honestly could not believe that when I saw the stat. That insane you can go an entire game, where your QB threw the ball 23 times and completed 15, and not throw one time to a WR

Sounds like something you would hear from Croom to be honest with you.

[msu15]

Could be like Penn State and have no catches at all by a WR in a semifinal playoff game. Every catch was a TE or RB

Definitely would trade places with them right now.

[StarkVegasSteve]

As I was told yesterday and now confirmed by Robertson, Williams is not going to visit UNLV. From what I was told, he wanted to go just to visit Vegas but his parents shut it down. They want to get him moved to Starkville, settled, and be ready for the first team meeting on Jan 20th.


I would expect we hear something from him before the end of the day. A nice job by Bumphis on this one. Been working on this kid since October....ALLEDGEDLY.....because we would never tamper.

[Chuck3124]

BANG!!!!! Let?s goooooo Ayden williams makes it officially official!

[KB21]

One down. One more WR to go.

[Offshore Dawg]

Is this an old miss spy plant ??

[StarkVegasSteve]

Is this an old miss spy plant ??

Nah it's not an old miss or an ole miss spy plant.



In all seriousness though, he has a great relationship with Jeff and that was the reason we got him. When he entered, we knew where he was going.

[msu15]

Is this an old miss spy plant ??

Spy on what lol? Our cafeteria plan?

[Pancho]

Evans in the boat soon?

[MrCoachKlein]

Being run heavy is never ideal.

It's funny to hear you drone on about the RTGDFB people and still think Lebby runs this ML air raid offense. Most NFL offenses are heading back to running the ball lately in the Shanahan, McVey, McDaniels system. You know, the old Kubiak and older Shanahan one. If running doesn't matter then why does every single successful coach think first about running and stopping the run?

Lebby pass attempts vs runs per game
MSU 30.7 pass 34.9 run
OK 23 34.8 pass 40.1 run
OK 22 31.3 pass 44.7 run
OM 21 33 pass 45.2 run
OM 20 33.5 pass 46.2 run
Only other OC job: southeastern 25 pass 55.9 run

So, Jeffy Lebby himself, who said this is a run first offense (direct quote), disagrees with you. That's an average of 31.38 passes a game and 44.5 runs per game. 41% pass vs 59% run. Maybe you should drop the whole running the ball doesn't matter schtick if you're gonna have his pic on your profile.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Evans in the boat soon?

He's had a death in the family so probably pushes the announcement back a little. I do still fully expect he's in the class.

[BigDawg81]

John Lewis to UNLV. Mullen using Mississippi State ties

[msu15]

John Lewis to UNLV. Mullen using Mississippi State ties

Digging in the bottom of the barrel

[maroonmania]

Digging in the bottom of the barrel

Yep, hard to believe as bad as our defense was last year that Lewis got so little playing time.

[CaptainObvious]

Yep, hard to believe as bad as our defense was last year that Lewis got so little playing time.

More disheartening that our 4 star linebacker and defensive captain couldn't beat out the guy who took his job!

[Todd4State]

John Lewis to UNLV. Mullen using Mississippi State ties

Zach Arnett using Mississippi State ties

[ZedFedder]

Grace just got a crystal ball to Kentucky.

[Really Clark?]

Grace just got a crystal ball to Kentucky.

It's between them and Georgia for Grace

[KB21]

Robertson is hinting that James may still be a possibility even if/when Evans is added.

[Turfdawg67]

Also, Zy Crisler has not signed with Colorado just yet. It appears that Grace is down to us and Georgia. It may come down to being a starter for us vs a possible reserve for them.

So when did UK get into the picture?

[KB21]

They were probably always there with the proximity of Lexington to Cincinnati.

[Todd4State]

Robertson is hinting that James may still be a possibility even if/when Evans is added.

I hope we land him. That would make our WR group really solid and give us some depth there.

Grace would have been nice but we have still upgraded there.

[Bothrops]

Yep, hard to believe as bad as our defense was last year that Lewis got so little playing time.

He seems like a guy who started losing interest in football when he got here.

[Dawgface]

He seems like a guy who started losing interest in football when he got here.

That’s easy to understand.

[bigbub50]

We got him

[StarkVegasSteve]

We got him

Who are you hearing we got? I have not heard anything, then again I was focused on basketball yesterday so kind of checked out of transfer portal stuff.

[bigbub50]

Who are you hearing we got? I have not heard anything, then again I was focused on basketball yesterday so kind of checked out of transfer portal stuff.

Jeff Lebby! Set to return for year 2. Sorry felt right at the time, but I’m regretting making this joke now.

[BeardoMSU]

Jeff Lebby! Set to return for year 2. Sorry felt right at the time, but I’m regretting making this joke now.


https://youtu.be/WKTy7XEGWfc?si=xohIc0I4tSGf1MhU

[StarkVegasSteve]

Dazmin James to Cal.

[Cooterpoot]

He seems like a guy who started losing interest in football when he got here.

He was never as good as his rating

[CaptainObvious]

Dazmin James to Cal.

Apparently a Berkeley Vs Starkville thing. Why else would he choose Cal?

[Tater]

Apparently a Berkeley Vs Starkville thing. Why else would he choose Cal?

He wanted more games played on the Atlantic Coast.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Apparently a Berkeley Vs Starkville thing. Why else would he choose Cal?

Guaranteed PT vs having to battle for a spot.

[Todd4State]

Guaranteed PT vs having to battle for a spot.

We rotate receivers fairly regularly. So I don't really get that.

[Cooterpoot]

Guaranteed PT vs having to battle for a spot.

We didn't push hard for him

[StarkVegasSteve]

We didn't push hard for him

Also correct. He thinks the Arkansas coaches were just holding him back. We didn't see it that way.

[StarkVegasSteve]

After I updated Lewis commitment to UNLV and found out Marcus Ross transferred to ULM, we have 4 players still uncommited that transferred.

Raydar-Probably needs to go to JSU with Rodgers

Chris Keys-Could probably play at a G5 program. Would not be shocked to see him go to UNLV or UCONN and reunite with Arnett or Brock

Keyvonne Lee-Needs to go G5 or low level P4.

Amari Smith-No clue on this kid. I am not trying to throw shade at the kid, but legit had no clue he was on the team til he entered the portal.

[msu15]

After I updated Lewis commitment to UNLV and found out Marcus Ross transferred to ULM, we have 4 players still uncommited that transferred.

Raydar-Probably needs to go to JSU with Rodgers

Chris Keys-Could probably play at a G5 program. Would not be shocked to see him go to UNLV or UCONN and reunite with Arnett or Brock

Keyvonne Lee-Needs to go G5 or low level P4.

Amari Smith-No clue on this kid. I am not trying to throw shade at the kid, but legit had no clue he was on the team til he entered the portal.

Can Raydar prove that he was hurt and couldn't play either one of the last two years? That's the only way he still has a year of eligibility left.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Can Raydar prove that he was hurt and couldn't play either one of the last two years? That's the only way he still has a year of eligibility left.

I think he gets a COVID year from 2021. Could be wrong on that though.

[KB21]

Dallas fires McCarthy. They denied him permission to interview with Chicago last week. There is a lot of talk that Jerry may try to bring Deion to the NFL. I'll be interested in seeing the fallout at Colorado if that happens. We had a few guys on our board that signed with them. I will anticipate a mass exodus if Deion leaves.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Dallas fires McCarthy. They denied him permission to interview with Chicago last week. There is a lot of talk that Jerry may try to bring Deion to the NFL. I'll be interested in seeing the fallout at Colorado if that happens. We had a few guys on our board that signed with them. I will anticipate a mass exodus if Deion leaves.

I would love to see that happen because it would 1. Guarantee the Cowboys will suck to Jones passes, 2. Would get Dak out of Dallas(maybe NOLA???) and 3. We'd immediately get a couple of extremely good pieces on the OL as well as a good shot at some other guys.

My guess is that they'll hire either Brian Flores, Ben Johnson, Kellen Moore, Ron Rivera, or Wes Phillips

[RockyDog]

Wouldn't surprise me if Jerr did something stupid like that. But Deion brings nothing to Dallas. They are already "America's Team" and his entourage doesn't move the needle.

Deion just had his first team meeting and said this will be the first time he can just be coach and don't have to be dad. We will see if that holds true and if it actually continues in Colorado. Maybe he will stick it out for another year til he gets bored and just wants to go watch Shadure play every week.

[BorneDawg]

I would love to see that happen because it would 1. Guarantee the Cowboys will suck to Jones passes, 2. Would get Dak out of Dallas(maybe NOLA???) and 3. We'd immediately get a couple of extremely good pieces on the OL as well as a good shot at some other guys.

My guess is that they'll hire either Brian Flores, Ben Johnson, Kellen Moore, Ron Rivera, or Wes Phillips

I wish Dak could get away from Jones..... Had he been with a competent Owner and good coach He'd already won a SB or 2

[BigDawg81]

Rosebowl feels like State is going to strike out on Evans

[StarkVegasSteve]

Rosebowl feels like State is going to strike out on Evans

There is still some hope on our side, but we were always concerned that he did not commit when he was here. If this goes through and we miss on him, I would be very surprised if Bumphis keeps his job after next season. He failed to get Cunningham, he lost Craver and Coleman, he lost out on numerous portal targets, and looks like he will miss out on the top in state receivers for next year. Unless his group looks like world beaters this fall, I would expect we move in a different direction at that position.

[ZedFedder]

Is it a money issue or a program/coach issue ?

[StarkVegasSteve]

Is it a money issue or a program/coach issue ?

It is not a money issue. We were the best offer as of like 4:30 PM today. It is not a Lebby issue because every kid loves him. So that leaves one person…….

[KB21]

So Jerry has already talked to Deion, and there is mutual interest.

Come on down, Carde Smith.

[Brobi-wan]

There is still some hope on our side, but we were always concerned that he did not commit when he was here. If this goes through and we miss on him, I would be very surprised if Bumphis keeps his job after next season. He failed to get Cunningham, he lost Craver and Coleman, he lost out on numerous portal targets, and looks like he will miss out on the top in state receivers for next year. Unless his group looks like world beaters this fall, I would expect we move in a different direction at that position.

I’m not saying you’re wrong. But God in Heaven, how do fire Bumphis next year and keep Turner this year?

[StarkVegasSteve]

I’m not saying you’re wrong. But God in Heaven, how do fire Bumphis next year and keep Turner this year?

Because Turner is being “kept”. David Turner will not have a headset on gameday and will not be on the field out of all likelihood. Think of Turner as an analyst.

[BigDawg81]

There is still some hope on our side, but we were always concerned that he did not commit when he was here. If this goes through and we miss on him, I would be very surprised if Bumphis keeps his job after next season. He failed to get Cunningham, he lost Craver and Coleman, he lost out on numerous portal targets, and looks like he will miss out on the top in state receivers for next year. Unless his group looks like world beaters this fall, I would expect we move in a different direction at that position. Now, Rosebowl has quickly changed his tune to that he doesn?t know . It?s between SMU and State and announcement tomorrow.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Now, Rosebowl has quickly changed his tune to that he doesn?t know . It?s between SMU and State and announcement tomorrow.

Robertson knows what the agents feed him. My honest guess, Evans had someone come to him that upped the offer and now we have risen our offer. I also think Evans has a really good agent.

[BigDawg81]

Robertson knows what the agents feed him. My honest guess, Evans had someone come to him that upped the offer and now we have ris our offer. I also think Evans has a really good agent.
That?s what I gather too. Evans was drifting away but we sent the cavalry to get some momentum back.

[maroonmania]

There is still some hope on our side, but we were always concerned that he did not commit when he was here. If this goes through and we miss on him, I would be very surprised if Bumphis keeps his job after next season. He failed to get Cunningham, he lost Craver and Coleman, he lost out on numerous portal targets, and looks like he will miss out on the top in state receivers for next year. Unless his group looks like world beaters this fall, I would expect we move in a different direction at that position.

Man, what a difference 12 months makes. This time last year Bumphis was considered the top recruiter on the entire staff and now he is on thin ice? How does a guy go from killing in HS recruiting and portal recruiting one year to continually striking out the next? Especially when you turn around a previous non-producer like Coleman and mold him into a first team all-SEC type guy.

[bulldawg28]

It is not a money issue. We were the best offer as of like 4:30 PM today. It is not a Lebby issue because every kid loves him. So that leaves one person??.

WRONG....Lebby is that person. Let's we forget Lebby couldn't even get his former Qb to follow him. I don't care to hear the excuses about money. The Qb is going to a school that EVERYONE knows may be fired next year.
The WR's were the ONLY consistent and bright spot on offense. It's also the only group that has consistently landed top talent. Players want to get paid and WIN. We were 2-10 last year.

You're asking a player to come from a national powerhouse to a current doormat program and think it's the position coach? You and any source your stand on are wrong on this. It's between State and a playoff contender team from last year. He can have money AND the playoffs....yeah..... easy pick imo.

The only reason he's looking at state is because of what the WR'S have done. Coleman was an average WR until Bumphis. Craver was an All SEC WR because of Bumphis. Bumphis isn't the problem.

[confucius say]

Bumphis is not on thin ice

[StateDawg44]

WRONG....Lebby is that person. Let's we forget Lebby couldn't even get his former Qb to follow him. I don't care to hear the excuses about money. The Qb is going to a school that EVERYONE knows may be fired next year.
The WR's were the ONLY consistent and bright spot on offense. It's also the only group that has consistently landed top talent. Players want to get paid and WIN. We were 2-10 last year.

You're asking a player to come from a national powerhouse to a current doormat program and think it's the position coach? You and any source your stand on are wrong on this. It's between State and a playoff contender team from last year. He can have money AND the playoffs....yeah..... easy pick imo.

The only reason he's looking at state is because of what the WR'S have done. Coleman was an average WR until Bumphis. Craver was an All SEC WR because of Bumphis. Bumphis isn't the problem.

I tend to believe this more than Bumphis just simply not closing. When the product you're selling just shat the bed for everyone to see, it's going to be a tough sell no matter who you are.

Hell, if he weren't an alum I could see him leaving on his own will next year if the overall product doesn't improve.

[Todd4State]

Fair or not he was hyped up to be an ace recruiter and while I can't say he has been bad he failed to land Cunningham and we aren't in on Keyes and McKenzie for the next cycle.

It's tough because he has to deal with Espy and Hodge steering every WR worth a darn away from MSU. Also his connections with some MSU personalities probably doesn't help his cause fair or not.

[bulldawg28]

Fair or not he was hyped up to be an ace recruiter and while I can't say he has been bad he failed to land Cunningham and we aren't in on Keyes and McKenzie for the next cycle.

It's tough because he has to deal with Espy and Hodge steering every WR worth a darn away from MSU. Also his connections with some MSU personalities probably doesn't help his cause fair or not.

Wrong, boosters run the programs.

[Todd4State]

Wrong

No it's not. Cunningham isn't on the roster first of all. And we aren't in on the other two at all. It is what it is.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Fair or not he was hyped up to be an ace recruiter and while I can't say he has been bad he failed to land Cunningham and we aren't in on Keyes and McKenzie for the next cycle.

It's tough because he has to deal with Espy and Hodge steering every WR worth a darn away from MSU. Also his connections with some MSU personalities probably doesn't help his cause fair or not.

That definitely hurt him with the last staff because he was the leak with the Briles stuff. I don't know how much it hurt him with this staff. I just think he's an outsider to how they do things. If he wasn't an alum he wouldn't be on staff. He is going to have to start making connections with Hodge and Espy and playing nice with them. They like Lebby. They don't like Bumphis.

[Interpolation_Dawg_EX]

Lol we upgraded over Arnold, who has flaws with his throwing motion, and Lebby has proven over many years to have productive WR's in the offense.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Lol we upgraded over Arnold, who has flaws with his throwing motion, and Lebby has proven over many years to have productive WR's in the offense.

The reason we wanted Arnold was familiarity in the system. We knew he could do it for one to two years and teach Kamario. We never thought he was this can't miss prospect. Kromehoek is the much better prospect. When you put Arnold in a good system and a system he knows, he's an above average P4 QB. He is not in that system at Auburn. He'll win the job and be their starter because they're paying him far too much money, but he's not taking them to 9 wins. And 9 wins is probably what Hugh needs to save his job. Or to beat Bama, which could happen. I think the loser of Iron Bowl is fired.

[Really Clark?]

No it's not. Cunningham isn't on the roster first of all. And we aren't in on the other two at all. It is what it is.

It wouldn't have mattered who the WR coach is, Cunningham stated he would not sign with us because we are a rebuild with a losing record. It's that simple.

[StarkVegasSteve]

It wouldn't have mattered who the WR coach is, Cunningham stated he would not sign with us because we are a rebuild with a losing record. It's that simple.

And I think that would've been ok if we hadn't been hearing for two years how great of a recruiter Bumphis was and how great of relationship he had with Cunningham. I think if the fan boy media had just said from day 1, "it's going to be really difficult to get this kid because he's going to be one of the top receivers in the country" then people would've tempered their expectations. I mean at the end of the day, the frustration with Bumphis is due to Hadad and Faulk telling everyone how amazing he is and he craps gold. Like, he's a position coach who just happened to play here. If he didn't play here and hadn't had a podcast on Brian Hadad's old network, no one would care about Chad Bumphis. Because I don't really hear them clamoring for us to bring back Pernell McPhee, who should be our DL coach right now. Or why were they not foaming at the mouth to bring back Chaney? Those two set Bumphis up for failure.

[KB21]

And I think that would've been ok if we hadn't been hearing for two years how great of a recruiter Bumphis was and how great of relationship he had with Cunningham. I think if the fan boy media had just said from day 1, "it's going to be really difficult to get this kid because he's going to be one of the top receivers in the country" then people would've tempered their expectations. I mean at the end of the day, the frustration with Bumphis is due to Hadad and Faulk telling everyone how amazing he is and he craps gold. Like, he's a position coach who just happened to play here. If he didn't play here and hadn't had a podcast on Brian Hadad's old network, no one would care about Chad Bumphis. Because I don't really hear them clamoring for us to bring back Pernell McPhee, who should be our DL coach right now. Or why were they not foaming at the mouth to bring back Chaney? Those two set Bumphis up for failure.

I said this when he was hired. Chad Bumphis will max out as a position coach. There isn't much upward movement potential with him. I don't think he will ever be in position to be an offensive coordinator. I think someone like L'Damian Washingon has more of an upward trajectory in his career because of his history in the Briles system as a coach.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I said this when he was hired. Chad Bumphis will max out as a position coach. There isn't much upward movement potential with him. I don't think he will ever be in position to be an offensive coordinator. I think someone like L'Damian Washingon has more of an upward trajectory in his career because of his history in the Briles system as a coach.

I think he could be if he would've stayed in that Mullen system, spread power system. Because he was at Utah as a GA with Whittingham, who runs that, and then went to Austin Peay with Hud, who runs that, and went back to Utah with Whittingham. But he now has tried to be an air raid position coach, and was a whatever the hell we were running last year position coach and a veer and shoot position coach. Most coaches don't jump systems like that and upwardly progress.

[confucius say]

As list of worries go, bump is way down the list. His group was the best position on the team last year.

Also, Espy has been better since he got on staff at MRA. Hopefully that continues.

[StarkVegasSteve]

As list of worries go, bump is way down the list. His group was the best position on the team last year.

Also, Espy has been better since he got on staff at MRA. Hopefully that continues.

Mike has been a little better. Mostly because he saw that he had to start distancing himself from Shay because of how hardline Shay was. I do know that Mike and Shay are both pissed at Kiffin and Co. right now over the Ayden Williams stuff. He was going to transfer last year, and they told both Ayden and Mike and Shay that he'd be a starter this past year.

[StateDawg44]

And I think that would've been ok if we hadn't been hearing for two years how great of a recruiter Bumphis was and how great of relationship he had with Cunningham. I think if the fan boy media had just said from day 1, "it's going to be really difficult to get this kid because he's going to be one of the top receivers in the country" then people would've tempered their expectations. I mean at the end of the day, the frustration with Bumphis is due to Hadad and Faulk telling everyone how amazing he is and he craps gold. Like, he's a position coach who just happened to play here. If he didn't play here and hadn't had a podcast on Brian Hadad's old network, no one would care about Chad Bumphis. Because I don't really hear them clamoring for us to bring back Pernell McPhee, who should be our DL coach right now. Or why were they not foaming at the mouth to bring back Chaney? Those two set Bumphis up for failure.

Or it could just be that he doesn't want to be part of a rebuild and wants to see a clearer path to actually contending for something. Plain and simple.

We also knew Cunningham was going to wait and see how we turned out this year. Well, hate to break it to everyone, but we failed miserably. MSU never had a chance with Cunningham after Toledo. And who would blame him?

I'd imagine most MSU fans haven't even listened to a second of Hadad and Faulk. I can still be frustrated with the recruiting and not totally blame one single person for the problem.

[Dawgology]

So we are going to finish with a transfer portal class outside of the Top 10 and possibly even further than that after the dust clears? 2 4 star transfers after being told we have big things planned in the transfer portal and we have a competitive NIL war chest to lure top talent?

[Really Clark?]

So we are going to finish with a transfer portal class outside of the Top 10 and possibly even further than that after the dust clears? 2 4 star transfers after being told we have big things planned in the transfer portal and we have a competitive NIL war chest to lure top talent?

We don't get this many transfers at this talent level without having a competitive NIL war chest. We are 11th nationally with 22 transfers, last year we were 45th with 20 transfers. That is spending a lot more than we were able to last year.

[Dawgology]

We don't get this many transfers at this talent level without having a competitive NIL war chest. We are 11th nationally with 22 transfers, last year we were 45th with 20 transfers. That is spending a lot more than we were able to last year.

After spring signing, we won't be in the top 20, probably, because the price to play the game has gone up. We will sign a similar transfer class as last year. Maybe 5-10 spots better.

[BigDawg81]

Still waiting on UGA WR to commit to either State or SMU or somebody else. Who knows when though

[Really Clark?]

After spring signing, we won't be in the top 20, probably, because the price to play the game has gone up. We will sign a similar transfer class as last year. Maybe 5-10 spots better.

Dude, you are off on your thinking. How much you wanna go that we finish better than 35th nationally after the spring portal as well?

[CaptainObvious]

How many SEC teams would that put ahead of STATE?

[Pancho]

portal class only?

[Dawgology]

Dude, you are off on your thinking. How much you wanna go that we finish better than 35th nationally after the spring portal as well?

Sorry misread that thought we finished 35th last season. No I figure we might finish 25-30 range. Still terrible though. That will be 9th-10th ranked transfer class in the SEC…smh

[confucius say]

Sorry misread that thought we finished 35th last season. No I figure we might finish 25-30 range. Still terrible though. That will be 9th-10th ranked transfer class in the SEC…smh

Book and mark.

[Dawgology]

Book and mark.

Go for it. I’d love to be wrong.

[HoopsDawg]

As list of worries go, bump is way down the list. His group was the best position on the team last year.

Also, Espy has been better since he got on staff at MRA. Hopefully that continues.

Agree. Bump has done a better job than Mullen did at WR in his entire tenure save 1 year.

[DEDawg]

Agree. Bump has done a better job than Mullen did at WR in his entire tenure save 1 year.

That was all Brewster too

[Homedawg]

So we are going to finish with a transfer portal class outside of the Top 10 and possibly even further than that after the dust clears? 2 4 star transfers after being told we have big things planned in the transfer portal and we have a competitive NIL war chest to lure top talent?

If you thought we were going to bring in top guys, then you are either naive or have maroon colored glasses. Our class is actually better than I thought we would do.

[Pancho]

we have done better than most assumed we would be able to. just gotta hope the guys can play SEC level ball for 8 games

[bigbub50]

Any coach coming to our program will know he has to do more with less. I think Lebby can do that with the wr position. Add that to the fact he probably learned so much as a first year head coach. Half our starters will have experience in the current system. Last year Lebby and hultz and their players had zero experience. We could still win 6 and surprise some folks.

[Goldendawg]

I saw Cunningham not only at Toledo, but a couple of other games. No doubt he didn't like what he saw. Who did at 2-10 & 0-8 in SEC. Many players have no desire to play for a big time losing program (at this point) and be part of a total rebuild. NIL $ will be really big and comparable at best for us and most want to play for championships and national exposure in a winning program. We have a "longn row to hoe" in this NIL/Portal crazy world, l;ike it or not.

[Dawgology]

If you thought we were going to bring in top guys, then you are either naive or have maroon colored glasses. Our class is actually better than I thought we would do.

I never thought we would but there are some mouthpieces on here that did…big time. Think the propaganda people have been exposed.

[StarkVegasSteve]

The mystery with Evans is nearing its end. SMU folks expect he signs with us today.

[Todd4State]

The mystery with Evans is nearing its end. SMU folks expect he signs with us today.

Awesome news!

[bulldawg28]

Regardless, we now have an SEC team. We have an identity on offense (running the ball) and we now have talent on defense. I believe we head into bowling season with 7 wins.

[KB21]

....and Evans is a Dawg!

[ZedFedder]

5 wins and I?m happy.

[bigbub50]

....and Evans is a Dawg!

We are so back

[Todd4State]

....and Evans is a Dawg!


BOOM!!

I really think he is going to be a great slot receiver for us.

[bulldawg28]

Great job Bumphis ��.

[confucius say]

Not the portal, but stone Blanton declared for the draft

[KB21]

Not the portal, but stone Blanton declared for the draft

WTH is he thinking? He's not likely to get drafted unless he runs a whole lot faster than I think he can.

[maroonmania]

Not the portal, but stone Blanton declared for the draft

Well crap! One step forward two steps back.

[confucius say]

Well he's married or about to be, so I guess he's ready to move on with life.
Although I think he would make more with us than he will trying to play in the nfl.

I guess I could argue that his production in 2025 will not be what it was in 2024, so his stock may be as high now as it will ever be.

[KB21]

Well he's married or about to be, so I guess he's ready to move on with life.
Although I think he would make more with us than he will trying to play in the nfl.

I guess I could argue that his production in 2025 will not be what it was in 2024, so his stock may be as high now as it will ever be.

Honestly, with the additions of Smith, Gullette, and Lockhart along with Tillman, I'm not sure Stone was guaranteed to start this year.

[maroonmania]

Well he's married or about to be, so I guess he's ready to move on with life.
Although I think he would make more with us than he will trying to play in the nfl.

I guess I could argue that his production in 2025 will not be what it was in 2024, so his stock may be as high now as it will ever be.

He seems to be another Jett Johnson type player that is a really good college player that probably doesn't have the speed to do much in the NFL. I'm not even sure he could make a team so yes, college NIL would seem to likely be his best option money wise.

[DEDawg]

Not the portal, but stone Blanton declared for the draft

What in the hell is he thinking?

[Brobi-wan]

I don’t think Stone was going to be playing as much and read the writing on the wall. Hope he does well.

[Pancho]

he ain't good as or smart as Jett at the position. good luck to him

[Thick]

Honestly, with the additions of Smith, Gullette, and Lockhart along with Tillman, I'm not sure Stone was guaranteed to start this year.

I agree. Stone?s not a good tackler, he likes to hit runners to the ground instead of wrapping up and driving runners to the ground. Let me back that up by saying that his defensive line did not help him out. No one needed double teaming EVER!

[Turfdawg67]

I saw Cunningham not only at Toledo, but a couple of other games. No doubt he didn't like what he saw. Who did at 2-10 & 0-8 in SEC. Many players have no desire to play for a big time losing program (at this point) and be part of a total rebuild. NIL $ will be really big and comparable at best for us and most want to play for championships and national exposure in a winning program. We have a "longn row to hoe" in this NIL/Portal crazy world, l;ike it or not.

The good news is we can still get him in a year or two if we start winning

[Tater]

The good news is we can still get him in a year or two if we start winning

You ideally want guys on year 3,4,5. Who gives af if you have them Year 1/2.

[bigbub50]

I agree. Stone?s not a good tackler, he likes to hit runners to the ground instead of wrapping up and driving runners to the ground. Let me back that up by saying that his defensive line did not help him out. No one needed double teaming EVER!

He literally led the sec in tackles. I don’t agree with the take he wasn’t a good tackler.

[KOdawg1]

Well crap! One step forward two steps back.

More like 2 steps forward, 1 step back.

Stone was productive, but we can upgrade from an athletic ability standpoint. Smith and Tillman give you a higher upside.

[CaptainObvious]

He literally led the sec in tackles. I don’t agree with the take he wasn’t a good tackler.

That is not always a good positive Stat. Like when it's a LB on a 2-10 team and his tackles are 6 to 8 yards downfield! 😳😳

[Todd4State]

More like 2 steps forward, 1 step back.

Stone was productive, but we can upgrade from an athletic ability standpoint. Smith and Tillman give you a higher upside.

I could see Branden Jennings playing middle linebacker and if that is the case that is an upgrade IMO. Way more athletic and physical player IMO.

[maroonmania]

More like 2 steps forward, 1 step back.

Stone was productive, but we can upgrade from an athletic ability standpoint. Smith and Tillman give you a higher upside.

Stone was one of our best players on a bad defense though. Having to keep replacing known productive players with guys that MIGHT be productive is a very risky proposition. I really have no idea what to expect from MSU football next year when we are basically turning over most of the roster again. Keep saying it can't get worse, and it probably can't, but no guarantee its any better either.

[Todd4State]

Stone was one of our best players on a bad defense though. Having to keep replacing known productive players with guys that MIGHT be productive is a very risky proposition. I really have no idea what to expect from MSU football next year when we are basically turning over most of the roster again. Keep saying it can't get worse, and it probably can't, but no guarantee it's any better either.

If Stone wants to come back I'm fine with it. But if he doesn't we'll be OK.

[Todd4State]

Are we going to add Mayberry from Stanford and another guy late in the process?

[Pancho]

has he for sure been offered?

[Todd4State]

has he for sure been offered?

Not sure on that 100% but he is supposed to visit this weekend which makes me assume he has one.

[KOdawg1]

Stone was one of our best players on a bad defense though. Having to keep replacing known productive players with guys that MIGHT be productive is a very risky proposition. I really have no idea what to expect from MSU football next year when we are basically turning over most of the roster again. Keep saying it can't get worse, and it probably can't, but no guarantee its any better either.
He was solid, but he was pretty average PFF wise.

He put up stats because he was the middle linebacker on a bad defense that never got off the field. Any average LB puts up similar numbers.

[KB21]

Mayberry is apparently leaning towards us because of Phil Loadholt's connections with the NFL.

[StarkVegasSteve]

He's been offered and I would expect he commits pretty quickly. Rumor is that he already verbally committed to Loadholt when he got the offer.

[Todd4State]

It sounds like based on Lebby's interview with Rosebowl that we are going to finish up this week with Mayberry and another o-lineman (Ohio State guy?) and then go after a CB in the spring portal.

When I did my depth chart post a couple of days ago that makes a lot of sense to me. It also makes sense knowing we fired Cody Kennedy too as far as the timing on how this is playing out.

Sounds like they are going to see how Lewis, Brumfield and Jefferson look at CB in the spring and then adjust if needed.

[Todd4State]

DeCarlos Nicholson in the portal. I heard we are interested in bringing him back from somewhat reliable sources.

[RockyDog]

DeCarlos Nicholson in the portal. I heard we are interested in bringing him back from somewhat reliable sources.

Why waste our time on this? He couldn’t start for a bad team before

[StarkVegasSteve]

DeCarlos Nicholson in the portal. I heard we are interested in bringing him back from somewhat reliable sources.

Texas Tech. He also may head to South Al with JWash

[Cooterpoot]

Texas Tech. He also may head to South Al with JWash

This^^

[Really Clark?]

New commit coming

[Pancho]

mayberry, I hope.

[Tripp McNeely]

Is he a sure fire starter at one of the interior spots?

[KOdawg1]

Is he a sure fire starter at one of the interior spots?

Sure fire? No.

Possible? Yes.

He, Jacoby Jackson, and Ramil if he doesn't win a tackle spot will probably battle it out at LG.


Albert Reese, Luke Work, the Juco guys, and then maybe Mayberry if he doesn't win LG will factor in at RG.

[msu15]

"We'll be looking at about 15 players to bring in from the portal." Currently at 25 guys and counting lol. #MSU15WasRight

[Cowbell]

Is he a sure fire starter at one of the interior spots?

Yes. He's started 28 games

[Cowbell]

"We'll be looking at about 15 players to bring in from the portal." Currently at 25 guys and counting lol. #MSU15WasRight

Congrats - you could be a weatherman

[Todd4State]

We got better today! Just need one more o-lineman and a CB.

[Cooterpoot]

Yes. He's started 28 games

I wouldn't say he's a sure starter, but with a new OL coach he's got a better shot

[bigbub50]

Offensive tackles must be hard to come by. I’m guessing we have work, Lewis, and Reese that can play there. Someone commented that Reese graded better at guard last year. Guard seems to be stocked. A few transfers are in that can play center. Concerned with tackle.

[Todd4State]

Offensive tackles must be hard to come by. I’m guessing we have work, Lewis, and Reese that can play there. Someone commented that Reese graded better at guard last year. Guard seems to be stocked. A few transfers are in that can play center. Concerned with tackle.

We're supposed to get a visit this weekend from an OT that played for Ohio State.

[StarkVegasSteve]

We're supposed to get a visit this weekend from an OT that played for Ohio State.

It will be quicker than this weekend. I would expect it is within the next 24-48 hrs. He will probably be moving in this weekend.

[bigbub50]

Is his name top secret?

[StarkVegasSteve]

Is his name top secret?

George Fitzpatrick. Been reported multiple places.

[KOdawg1]

I'd make a strong run at Cal Edge David Reese. Brother of former Bulldog Stewart Reese. Has played college ball since 2018. Was on Florida for like 5 years and then Cal for the last 2 where he put up good pass rush numbers.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I'd make a strong run at Cal Edge David Reese. Brother of former Bulldog Stewart Reese. Has played college ball since 2018. Was on Florida for like 5 years and then Cal for the last 2 where he put up good pass rush numbers.

I can almost guarantee he will end up at UNLV. Big Stew had a good relationship with Dan and transferred to Florida after he graduated here. And David committed to Dan out of HS.

[Homedawg]

George Fitzpatrick. Been reported multiple places.

He ain't coming

[Pancho]

oops

[StarkVegasSteve]

He ain't coming

Wanted to start. Loadholt didn't think he could start so he went to KSU

[DEDawg]

Wanted to start. Loadholt didn't think he could start so he went to KSU

We done until spring? Really would like another WR/OT/CB

[BigDawg81]

Wanted to start. Loadholt didn't think he could start so he went to KSU
Yes. He wasn?t guaranteed to start at State.
I?m glad that we are honest with these players and should never guarantee a player to start ( I understand that it doesn?t always work like that). They should earn a starting spot.

[BigDawg81]

I think we are done until spring. I think we are completely done at WR unless a good one falls in our lap. OT/CB will be in the spring.

[Bdawg]

Wanted to start. Loadholt didn't think he could start so he went to KSU

What’s the freaking deal with kids demanding starting spots? Lazy ass chumps! Get out there and earn it man!! I just don’t get this thinking!! You tell him he’s going to start and I bet he doesn’t work as hard!!

[CaptainObvious]

Unless, it hasn't been updated, looks like Raydar Jones and Chris Keys haven't found a landing spot. Any chance they come back and work hard to get some playing time?

[Pancho]

weird how that happens

[msu15]

Unless, it hasn't been updated, looks like Raydar Jones and Chris Keys haven't found a landing spot. Any chance they come back and work hard to get some playing time?

Raydar doesn't have any eligibility left unless he can prove that he had an injury in either of the last 2 seasons that prevented him from playing in more than 4 games.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Unless, it hasn't been updated, looks like Raydar Jones and Chris Keys haven't found a landing spot. Any chance they come back and work hard to get some playing time?

Outside of 4 or 5 guys, the ones who left were asked to leave.

[Chuck3124]

Anybody else find it odd/strange that Norrel White is on campus right now?

[StarkVegasSteve]

Anybody else find it odd/strange that Norrel White is on campus right now?

Nothing that kid does can surprise anymore.

[vv83]

Is he a take for us?

[StarkVegasSteve]

Is he a take for us?

No

[StateDawg44]

No

That makes zero sense. Then what?s the point of him being on campus?

Not saying otherwise. But why would the coaches even waste the time?

[StarkVegasSteve]

That makes zero sense. Then what?s the point of him being on campus?

Not saying otherwise. But why would the coaches even waste the time?

I don't think he's on campus visiting with our coaches. I think he's just there. We didn't ask him to come. The drop/add date has already passed. Even if we wanted him, which we don't, he'd have til summer.

This is going to shock some people, but State and Ole Miss students do visit the other's towns quite frequently. It's not some foreign thing for kids from State to go to Oxford for the weekend to see friends or kids from Ole Miss to do the same.

[StateDawg44]

I don't think he's on campus visiting with our coaches. I think he's just there. We didn't ask him to come. The drop/add date has already passed. Even if we wanted him, which we don't, he'd have til summer.

This is going to shock some people, but State and Ole Miss students do visit the other's towns quite frequently. It's not some foreign thing for kids from State to go to Oxford for the weekend to see friends or kids from Ole Miss to do the same.

That?s totally different.

Not directed at you but why even mention it in this thread then?

[StarkVegasSteve]

That?s totally different.

Not directed at you but why even mention it in this thread then?

Great question. You would have to ask the person who brought it in the thread.

[Todd4State]

That makes zero sense. Then what?s the point of him being on campus?

Not saying otherwise. But why would the coaches even waste the time?

Probably took a wrong turn in Meridian when he was trying to go to Hattiesburg and ended up in Starkville.

[BigDawg81]

I thought he was going to UNLV

[Bothrops]

Just think of players from all over that would have developed and had longer term careers in this sport who will now end up out on their asses because the portal/NIL changing the trajectories of their lives. That remains an untold story to this ridiculous business.

[Brobi-wan]

Just think of players from all over that would have developed and had longer term careers in this sport who will now end up out on their asses because the portal/NIL changing the trajectories of their lives. That remains an untold story to this ridiculous business.

That’s why having a good group of adults around you is a positive thing. An adult telling you to chase a bag so they can get a piece of it are no better than kids.

[Todd4State]

That’s why having a good group of adults around you is a positive thing. An adult telling you to chase a bag so they can get a piece of it are no better than kids.

In general and maybe this is a Mississippi thing- but it does seem like you have more high school players worried about getting money in college than what they could make in the NFL. And it was that way before NIL and the portal.

[BigDawg81]

I guess I will open this back up. Hearing that State could get a commitment from a North Alabama OL this weekend. What are the names to look out for this spring portal?

[Goldendawg]

I guess I will open this back up. Hearing that State could get a commitment from a North Alabama OL this weekend. What are the names to look out for this spring portal?

That we are still bringing in OL is worrisome. Doesn't say much positive about our recruiting or portal the last few cycles.

[bulldawg28]

That we are still bringing in OL is worrisome. Doesn't say much positive about our recruiting or portal the last few cycles.

Not necessarily. The dude could be a stud that fits the program.

[KOdawg1]

Not necessarily. The dude could be a stud that fits the program.

He might be a stud, I honestly don't know, but we're bringing in more OL because the ones we have ain't cutting it.

That much is clear. This dude won't be the last one we bring in either.

[BigDawg81]

That we are still bringing in OL is worrisome. Doesn't say much positive about our recruiting or portal the last few cycles. I?m not too big on any guy coming from the FCS but it?s slim pickings in the spring portal.He will be depth piece at most.

[Todd4State]

That we are still bringing in OL is worrisome. Doesn't say much positive about our recruiting or portal the last few cycles.

May say more about Kennedy.

I think Loadholt will be a big improvement. Our o-line was pretty bad.

[BankerDog]

Be aware for spring portal we are expecting roughly 20 kids to be ?cut?. We will be eyeing OL, TE, and WR as well as more DL. Kennedys Portal Haul and recruiting has been described as ?laughable?.

I say all this to say, lot of comments out of camp of how much more organized and athletic we look on the defensive side of the ball compared to last year. Actually being able to rotate guys in, practice longer, etc. Just shows you how much of a hole we were in last year on that side.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Jesse Ramil, OL who transferred from James Madison in December, is transferring out. I would imagine that this is he was processed situation.

Jacorey Whitted, TE, and Donterry Russell, DE, also transferring out.

[BolognaSandwich]

I thought this thread would have some action right now. Only four days left, right?

[StarkVegasSteve]

I thought this thread would have some action right now. Only four days left, right?

I mean the thread is 160 pages long. Most of the action is in the first portal window.

If you want an update here it is:

We'll probably have 5 or 6 more transfer out in the next couple of days, I don't expect any of them to be impact guys. Mostly walk ons or guys who can read the writing on the wall.

We have already gotten Jaekwon Bouldin in the boat and are trying to wrap up Blake Steen from Virginia. We have TJ Ferguson from FSU coming in for a visit this week as well. We also will make a run at Cash Cleveland from Colorado and will probably get a visit.

We'll try to get one more DB and with Lebby I would never count out a WR.

[HoopsDawg]

I mean the thread is 160 pages long. Most of the action is in the first portal window.

If you want an update here it is:

We'll probably have 5 or 6 more transfer out in the next couple of days, I don't expect any of them to be impact guys. Mostly walk ons or guys who can read the writing on the wall.

We have already gotten Jaekwon Bouldin in the boat and are trying to wrap up Blake Steen from Virginia. We have TJ Ferguson from FSU coming in for a visit this week as well. We also will make a run at Cash Cleveland from Colorado and will probably get a visit.

We'll try to get one more DB and with Lebby I would never count out a WR.

We need to overpay for that corner, Wilson. Major need.

[BigDawg81]

I mean the thread is 160 pages long. Most of the action is in the first portal window.

If you want an update here it is:

We'll probably have 5 or 6 more transfer out in the next couple of days, I don't expect any of them to be impact guys. Mostly walk ons or guys who can read the writing on the wall.

We have already gotten Jaekwon Bouldin in the boat and are trying to wrap up Blake Steen from Virginia. We have TJ Ferguson from FSU coming in for a visit this week as well. We also will make a run at Cash Cleveland from Colorado and will probably get a visit.

We'll try to get one more DB and with Lebby I would never count out a WR.

Houston CB Jeremiah Wilson is set to visit. I don?t expect it but that would be a huge get

[Todd4State]

Houston CB Jeremiah Wilson is set to visit. I don?t expect it but that would be a huge get

If he's visiting us that's encouraging.

[Pancho]

nabbing 3 or 4 in the next week is huge

[StarkVegasSteve]

Blake Steen is wrapped up. Big commitment along the OL. He will push for a starting spot. Loadholt doing work.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Sam West, Indiana TE transfer, also in the boat. Will have some nice depth at TE. Gone are the days of Ryland Goede starting.

[BankerDog]

Blake Steen is wrapped up. Big commitment along the OL. He will push for a starting spot. Loadholt doing work.

Good start. He is on a couple of the guys from Colorado and a guard from Florida State. Really wants to improve the whole room

[StarkVegasSteve]

Good start. He is on a couple of the guys from Colorado and a guard from Florida State. Really wants to improve the whole room

As we need to do. If we could land the Colorado C it would be a huge get.

[Pancho]

all good pieces who improve the team immediately

[Todd4State]

Blake Steen is wrapped up. Big commitment along the OL. He will push for a starting spot. Loadholt doing work.

So I guess Steen and Bouldin are the likely tackles? Maybe Jimothy Lewis?

Then we have Mayberry and Reese at guard. And Lee at center if we don't get Cleveland?

[StarkVegasSteve]

So I guess Steen and Bouldin are the likely tackles? Maybe Jimothy Lewis?

Then we have Mayberry and Reese at guard. And Lee at center if we don't get Cleveland?

I don't know that Bouldin will be a starter next year. I think Jimothy Lewis or even Luke Work might beat him out. Lee could also shift to Guard if Cleveland committed.

If I had to guess right now, it would be

LT: Lewis/Bouldin/Work
LG: Mayberry/Lee
C: Lee, but Cleveland if he transfers
RG: Reese/Lee
RT:Steen/Work

[Todd4State]

I don't know that Bouldin will be a starter next year. I think Jimothy Lewis or even Luke Work might beat him out. Lee could also shift to Guard if Cleveland committed.

If I had to guess right now, it would be

LT: Lewis/Bouldin/Work
LG: Mayberry/Lee
C: Lee, but Cleveland if he transfers
RG: Reese/Lee
RT:Steen/Work

Nice! Much better group there than before. And we have Jocoby Jackson still around for depth.

[bigbub50]

I’m high on steen. He is a day one starter if he can pick up the playbook. Guard or tackle.

[HoopsDawg]

I don't know that Bouldin will be a starter next year. I think Jimothy Lewis or even Luke Work might beat him out. Lee could also shift to Guard if Cleveland committed.

If I had to guess right now, it would be

LT: Lewis/Bouldin/Work
LG: Mayberry/Lee
C: Lee, but Cleveland if he transfers
RG: Reese/Lee
RT:Steen/Work

I'm so checked out on football news, who is Mayberry?

[Pancho]

the Stanford transfer

[HoopsDawg]

Houston CB Jeremiah Wilson is set to visit. I don?t expect it but that would be a huge get

When is he visiting

[Todd4State]

When is he visiting

Supposed to be this upcoming weekend. It seems like he is trending towards Florida State though as he is on a visit there now. So we'll see if he shows up or not.

[HoopsDawg]

Supposed to be this upcoming weekend. It seems like he is trending towards Florida State though as he is on a visit there now. So we'll see if he shows up or not.

Need to go The Firm on him. Find out their offer and add 20%.

[Cooterpoot]

I like what Lebby is doing in the portal. With our resources, he's pretty well maximizing our investments. We'll have to see how that translates on the field, but on paper, it's pretty good. I get the feeling Lebby is starting to turn this thing in the right direction, might be gas.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I like what Lebby is doing in the portal. With our resources, he's pretty well maximizing our investments. We'll have to see how that translates on the field, but on paper, it's pretty good. I get the feeling Lebby is starting to turn this thing in the right direction, might be gas.

Almost like he knew how talent deficient we were last year and has went out and turned over every stone to find players to bring talent back into the program.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Carson Lee to the portal. Kind of sucks but sounds like Keenum must've won the Center job and we're bringing in better transfers at the other spot. Be interesting to see if we go after another center.

[Cooterpoot]

Carson Lee to the portal. Kind of sucks but sounds like Keenum must've won the Center job and we're bringing in better transfers at the other spot. Be interesting to see if we go after another center.

I like this because you bring these guys in and if they don't work out, you replace them. I think we can admit Kennedy was a terrible recruiter by the way.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Max Reese-EMU TE-has committed.

Another solid depth piece at that position. Like I said yesterday, no more Ryland Goede's!!!!

[Todd4State]

Max Reese-EMU TE-has committed.

Another solid depth piece at that position. Like I said yesterday, no more Ryland Goede's!!!!

Gives us a good H-Back. Nice pick up.

[Todd4State]

Carson Lee to the portal. Kind of sucks but sounds like Keenum must've won the Center job and we're bringing in better transfers at the other spot. Be interesting to see if we go after another center.

That is a little surprising to me. I saw where Cash Cleveland was projected to Texas Tech too.

[maroonmania]

I like what Lebby is doing in the portal. With our resources, he's pretty well maximizing our investments. We'll have to see how that translates on the field, but on paper, it's pretty good. I get the feeling Lebby is starting to turn this thing in the right direction, might be gas.

I like what he is doing on the player side of things much moreso than the coaching side of things. I still don't know what Hutzler ever did to earn an SEC DC job or to keep one after last years pathetic performance but hearing Lebby talk with Hadad after the Spring game it sounds like he just didn't want to make staff changes simply because we have had so many changes. My initial thought though is that you can't keep an underperforming coach in the SEC just for the sake of continuity. Maybe this year we can actually get defensive players to line up right and get out of 5 men in the box when teams continually run it down our throat.

[Todd4State]

I like what he is doing on the player side of things much moreso than the coaching side of things. I still don't know what Hutzler ever did to earn an SEC DC job or to keep one after last years pathetic performance but hearing Lebby talk with Hadad after the Spring game it sounds like he just didn't want to make staff changes simply because we have had so many changes. My initial thought though is that you can't keep an underperforming coach in the SEC just for the sake of continuity. Maybe this year we can actually get defensive players to line up right and get out of 5 men in the box when teams continually run it down our throat.

My take is maybe he felt like he couldn't really evaluate how good or bad Hutzler is because our talent was nonexistent.

If he looks bad this year we can fire or demote Hutzler and make McIntyre the DC.

[Cooterpoot]

I like what he is doing on the player side of things much moreso than the coaching side of things. I still don't know what Hutzler ever did to earn an SEC DC job or to keep one after last years pathetic performance but hearing Lebby talk with Hadad after the Spring game it sounds like he just didn't want to make staff changes simply because we have had so many changes. My initial thought though is that you can't keep an underperforming coach in the SEC just for the sake of continuity. Maybe this year we can actually get defensive players to line up right and get out of 5 men in the box when teams continually run it down our throat.

I'm not a Hutzler fan but Lebby got him a couple guys to help him and this is the real year one for the staff. We have Hutzler too much contract but had to to get people to come here.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I like what he is doing on the player side of things much moreso than the coaching side of things. I still don't know what Hutzler ever did to earn an SEC DC job or to keep one after last years pathetic performance but hearing Lebby talk with Hadad after the Spring game it sounds like he just didn't want to make staff changes simply because we have had so many changes. My initial thought though is that you can't keep an underperforming coach in the SEC just for the sake of continuity. Maybe this year we can actually get defensive players to line up right and get out of 5 men in the box when teams continually run it down our throat.

It also helps when you have defensive players that should be playing at this level.....or even the D1 level for that matter.

I still don't think people can grasp how truly bad our defensive talent was last year.

[Thick]

I TOTALLY understand how bad our talent was last year. The worst I have ever seen at MSU!

[StarkVegasSteve]

I TOTALLY understand how bad our talent was last year. The worst I have ever seen at MSU!

I always see people try to compare it to the 16 defense. Apparently they forget that 16 defense had:

Jeffrey Simmons
Marquiss Spencer
JT Gray
Gerri Green
Mark McClaurin
Jamal Peters
Braxton Hoyett
Richie Brown
Corey Thomas
Leo Lewis
Fletcher Adams
Nelson Adams
Nick James
AJ Jefferson


Were all those guys NFL guys? No. But they were all SEC guys. Look at last years D and tell me how many guys could be even rotation players at another SEC program. You might be able to find 6.

[civildawg]

Go listen to today's thunder and lightning show at the end where they go through the past 3 classes and point out how many kids actually contributed to the team. It's flat out embarrassing.

[StarkVegasSteve]

UTEP C Brennan Smith has committed. So looks like we have replaced Lee.

[Todd4State]

UTEP C Brennan Smith has committed. So looks like we have replaced Lee.

Upgrade for sure. I was hoping that would happen after we offered him a couple of days ago.

[Todd4State]

Go listen to today's thunder and lightning show at the end where they go through the past 3 classes and point out how many kids actually contributed to the team. It's flat out embarrassing.

With the portal that may become more of the norm. We're literally bringing in 30 new guys just from the portal alone if you count Burroughs.

Depending on how things shake out we're only going to be starting a few guy that we recruited. Reese, maybe SanFrisco, Isaac Smith, Zakari Tillman, and Kelly Jones.

[Brobi-wan]

With the portal that may become more of the norm. We're literally bringing in 30 new guys just from the portal alone if you count Burroughs.

Depending on how things shake out we're only going to be starting a few guy that we recruited. Reese, maybe SanFrisco, Isaac Smith, Zakari Tillman, and Kelly Jones.

I think Frisco may be the real deal

[Todd4State]

I think Frisco may be the real deal

I like him a lot. He's going to be the best out of the Stonka/Harrell class of WR's. Although Stonka will play a lot at safety.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I like him a lot. He's going to be the best out of the Stonka/Harrell class of WR's. Although Stonka will play a lot at safety.

The best WR in that class, outside of Craver, is going to be Rickey Johnson. No one talks about him because he was a last minute commitment to Lebby so everyone kind of forgot about him.

[Pancho]

OL competition is heating up with the addition of Jayvin James and zechariah Owens

[Cooterpoot]

Got to love what we're doing

[KB21]

Got to love what we're doing

For real! There wasn't much Jeff Lebby could do in year one to improve upon the talent he inherited, but it's very obvious that the talent level he inherited was unacceptable and kept us from being competitive. Hell, the fact that we actually were semi competitive for short periods of time against Georgia and Texas is a testament to his coaching ability.

[Jarius]

We are going to jump up and get someone this year in football. Lebby has significantly increased the talent level on this team. We aren’t going to compete for anything relevant, but we will be in contention to make a bowl game, which is a going to be a big step forward. Lebby has done as well as you can ask this offseason upgrading the roster.