10 FB Players that must step up

[BruceWayne]

In order for MSU to reach the next level.

*DeRunnya Wilson - big target that stepped up big time last year. Surpassed Morrow as a true freshman last year. Must take bigger step and take on bigger role. Needs 40 plus recs 700 yds 8 tds.

*Fred Ross - highest recruited offensive player on team. Kid is big time and can ball when healthy. Need him to pass Rojo who is Chris smith 2.0.

*Jamal Clayborne - showed flashes last year and has good upside. Must replace an AA that started 52 straight games.

*Will Redmond - Kid can ball. I expect a 5 int season. Also could return punts and kicks.

*Chris Jones - from what I hear he is doing well in off season workouts. I think he'll play at around 280. This kid is blockbuster and I expect 10 plus sacks.

*Nick James - From all indications he's in the best shape ever and has got his act together. Must be the mauler in the middle. Have a seat Kaleb Eulls.

*Josh Robinson - At 5'9" 215 is the best all around rb on the roster. Must step up in pass protection and be more of a leader.

*Preston Smith - pretty good DE but has lived mostly off potential. We need a 10 sack season and he can do it.

*Brandon Holloway - game changing speed. If he can't catch then hand the damn ball off to him. Good move to rb.

*Jocquel Johnson - needs to win starting RT spot this spring bc if Robinson starts hello 6-6.

***Last but not least I think Mullen has found his perfect balance and is comfortable. We need him to keep being the crap talking, stubborn, crazy, family oriented, God-fearing, bear ass kicking SOB that re-emerged the last half of the season. If all this happens you're looking at a 10-2 program changing season. #HAILSTATE #GTHOM

[Coach34]

If Jones is 280-285 then he'll be at Strong DE and we'll have James and Eulls at the DT's...Smith at the WDE would make for awesome DL. But they wont get 20 sacks between them- that's a little unrealistic.

Speaking of James- I saw a pic on twitter of him and he looks like he has lost 100 lbs. Seriously. No wonder the staff is beaming about this guy right now. If he lives up to 80% of his potential- he would still be as good as Eulls or PJ.

Wilson and Ross will be better- as will all of our WR's. It's nice to have everyone of those ****ers back.

I am more hopeful Malone looks good at OT- that would give us SEC experience at all 5 starting spots. Johnson would make an excellent 6th man. Having depth on the OL is going to be nice for a change.

[preachermatt83]

I hear that James is something you wouldn't believe right now. Solid muscle.

[FISHDAWG]

all that could happen but to get to 10-2 it's gonna take some field goals .... just sayin

[engie]

The big one you missed IMO is Justin Cox at FS. That position hasn't been a strength for us since Nickoe's initial injury in mid 2011 -- and has been a major defensive liability overall.

Also, Beniquez Brown taking over as a full-time starting LB in Skinner's spot needs to step up. As does McKinney -- who was hit or miss at times last year.

[RossDawg82]

are you saying that in order for us to be successful, our 2 starting DE need 20 sacks combined. That's a bit much in my opinion.

[BruceWayne]

I think Chris will line up at both DE and DT like last season but more reps.

[BruceWayne]

Totally forgot about Cox. You're right on him.

[BruceWayne]

To get to 10 we'll need that effort.

[BruceWayne]

Could someone post a pic of James? Thanks in advance.

[Coach34]

Could someone post a pic of James? Thanks in advance.

I cant remember what twitter handle it was- but ho-leeee-shit. He didnt even look like the same person.

[War Machine Dawg]

The big one you missed IMO is Justin Cox at FS. That position hasn't been a strength for us since Nickoe's initial injury in mid 2011 -- and has been a major defensive liability overall.

Also, Beniquez Brown taking over as a full-time starting LB in Skinner's spot needs to step up. As does McKinney -- who was hit or miss at times last year.

I don't think B-Mac was hit or miss. I think it had more to do with the change in our defensive scheme. He still led the team in tackles, but we had more guys with a significant amount of tackles as a whole. B-Mac and LB are the least of my worries with the 2014 team.

Safety is going to be interesting. Cox has the talent and needs to step up. I'd give Jiles a look back there, too. Not worried at all about Market. Kid's a player. Hughes is a big question mark trying to return from an Achilles' tear. That's one of those injuries that seems to never completely heal. But if he beats the odds and is as good as he was before, we'll have some good depth and athleticism back there.

[Coach34]

I'm not worried about Bennie Brown. He took the damn job from Skinner and started the last 3-4 games. He is a player.

[Goat Holder]

*Fred Ross - highest recruited offensive player on team. Kid is big time and can ball when healthy. Need him to pass Rojo who is Chris smith 2.0.
Why does everybody think this guy is the next coming of Eric Moulds? Because he had 4 stars? From what I saw of him last year, he's not quite in RoJo's league. If he was so great, where were all the Texas schools? Don't get me wrong, I'm sure he's a good player, but trying to unseat Johnson is a tall task.

I am not surprised though. This is Mississippi State, we eat our own. Ask Alex Detz, Tyler Russell or Ladarius Perkins.

[RossDawg82]

Why does everybody think this guy is the next coming of Eric Moulds? Because he had 4 stars? From what I saw of him last year, he's not quite in RoJo's league. If he was so great, where were all the Texas schools? Don't get me wrong, I'm sure he's a good player, but trying to unseat Johnson is a tall task.

I am not surprised though. This is Mississippi State, we eat our own. Ask Alex Detz, Tyler Russell or Ladarius Perkins.

Serious, We are so quick to say we suck.

[Coach34]

Why does everybody think this guy is the next coming of Eric Moulds? Because he had 4 stars? From what I saw of him last year, he's not quite in RoJo's league. If he was so great, where were all the Texas schools? Don't get me wrong, I'm sure he's a good player, but trying to unseat Johnson is a tall task.

I am not surprised though. This is Mississippi State, we eat our own. Ask Alex Detz, Tyler Russell or Ladarius Perkins.

well, in all honesty, 2 of those 3 had someone better behind them- and it may be 3 for 3 on Detz

[War Machine Dawg]

well, in all honesty, 2 of those 3 had someone better behind them- and it may be 3 for 3 on Detz

Exactly. But the Bi-Polar Man couldn't see that if he tried. I'll agree with him about it being hard to unseat RoJo, though. He needed more touches. You gotta have a tough, physical possession WR, and RoJo can be that for us. He's like a RB once the ball is in his hands and runs over DBs.

[Goat Holder]

We'll be saying the same shit about Prescott, Robinson and probably Humphreys/Collins/Whoever in 2 years.

[Goat Holder]

But the Bi-Polar Man couldn't see that if he tried
You forgot the "I just CANNOT believe he HASN'T been BANNED yEt!!!!!LulLZZZ".....in your best female voice.

Bitch, don't be mad just because I make owning you look as easy as Rick Ray signing a 2 star recruit.

[Coach34]

We'll be saying the same shit about Prescott, Robinson and probably Humphreys/Collins/Whoever in 2 years.

I hope so. It means we will really be ****ing good

[tcdog70]

Jeremy Chapelle was the best wr last spring. What happened to Him? Also a recovered Hughes will give Us some really good safeties.

[Todd4State]

Jeremy Chapelle was the best wr last spring. What happened to Him? Also a recovered Hughes will give Us some really good safeties.

Chapelle is probably a good practice guy I guess. Based on the injury that Hughes had, I wouldn't expect him to be 100% by midseason at the earliest. Now he will play- but I wouldn't expect him to take over at safety or anything like that.

[preachermatt83]

Chapelle is probably a good practice guy I guess. Based on the injury that Hughes had, I wouldn't expect him to be 100% by midseason at the earliest. Now he will play- but I wouldn't expect him to take over at safety or anything like that.

Betcha he's starting at Safety in game 1. He is at 85 percent right now. Trainers say he is less than 6 weeks from 100 percent.

[mic]

Hughes back is huge leadership wise.. very smart kid.. like having a defensive QB in our secondary.. and yes just makes us deeper at the position..

[War Machine Dawg]

You forgot the "I just CANNOT believe he HASN'T been BANNED yEt!!!!!LulLZZZ".....in your best female voice.

Bitch, don't be mad just because I make owning you look as easy as Rick Ray signing a 2 star recruit.

Owning me? ROFLMAO I see you have jokes today. Now leave the sports discussion to people who know what the hell they're talking about.

[Goat Holder]

Hush, sweetie

[bulldawg28]

I'm skeptical with Cox at safety. He blew entirely too many coverages at corner last year. More responsibilities at safety could become critical.

[TexasDawg]

Fred Ross will be a big time player. He had some personal issues, such as debating if he really wanted to be here or not but he is bought in 100% now and ready to go. I expect huge things from him.

[Coach34]

I'm skeptical with Cox at safety. He blew entirely too many coverages at corner last year. More responsibilities at safety could become critical.

I think that was the half season juco adjustment they all seem to go thru under Mullen...he was much better down the stretch

[ShotgunDawg]

uhh, you guys think we could work in a KICKER having to step up?

I don't care if it's Bell, Sobieske, or a shitzu dressed as a smurf, I just want a kicker that is reliable from 40 yards and in.

[smootness]

Jeremy Chapelle was the best wr last spring. What happened to Him?

I'm not sure he was our best WR. He had a big spring game, but check out the defense he was playing against; same with Holloway to some degree. I think Chappelle is being overlooked going into next year and that he will play well for us, but I don't remember him outperforming everyone all spring, and obviously he wasn't started Game 1 so I don't think he fell off or anything.

[thf24]

I might have imagined this, but didn't we hear after the Egg Bowl that Chappelle had been playing hurt the whole season?

[RougeDawg]

all that could happen but to get to 10-2 it's gonna take some field goals .... just sayin

And we have a winner. Kicker should be #1 with the #2 not even close. No way we can make a run with a kicking gane at the same level we had last year.

[Goat Holder]

No way we can make a run with a kicking gane at the same level we had last year.
Do you honestly think the kicking game will not get better? "No way" it stays at the same level of last year. Players grow up, mature, etc.

Your ignorance is mind-boggling, if you don't mind me saying so.

[War Machine Dawg]

Do you honestly think the kicking game will not get better? "No way" it stays at the same level of last year. Players grow up, mature, etc.

Your ignorance is mind-boggling, if you don't mind me saying so.

Considering it got worse from 2012 to 2013, even with Bell having a year of experience and "maturing," it's damn easy to see that it could not improve this year. So who's really the ignorant one?

[Goat Holder]

Can't see the forest for the trees can you? Did he really get worse? 14-21 to 6-14, yes, the stats say he got worse but did he really? Still a bad percentage no matter what. Plus he'll be a junior. BUT WAIT....we have another scholarship kicker don't we? Stands to reason that either Bell will get better, or Sobiesk will get better and take his spot. And Bell is a damn good kickoff guy, he can routinely put it in the end zone.

So no, I'm actually right. I'll fairly certain our kickers improve from 2013 to 2014.

[War Machine Dawg]

Can't see the forest for the trees can you? Did he really get worse? 14-21 to 6-14, yes, the stats say he got worse but did he really? Still a bad percentage no matter what. Plus he'll be a junior. BUT WAIT....we have another scholarship kicker don't we? Stands to reason that either Bell will get better, or Sobiesk will get better and take his spot. And Bell is a damn good kickoff guy, he can routinely put it in the end zone.

So no, I'm actually right. I'll fairly certain our kickers improve from 2013 to 2014.

You are what the stats say you are two years into a career. Also, Bell's touchback percentage was actually subpar. I don't know where this idea he's such a good kickoff guy has come from, but the numbers don't back it up. So actually, you're still wrong.

[thf24]

Can't see the forest for the trees can you? Did he really get worse? 14-21 to 6-14, yes, the stats say he got worse but did he really? Still a bad percentage no matter what. Plus he'll be a junior. BUT WAIT....we have another scholarship kicker don't we? Stands to reason that either Bell will get better, or Sobiesk will get better and take his spot. And Bell is a damn good kickoff guy, he can routinely put it in the end zone.

So no, I'm actually right. I'll fairly certain our kickers improve from 2013 to 2014.

As a freshman, Bell actually did improve over the course of the season. Last year, after the freshman-sophomore off season in which players typically show the most improvement during their careers, he started back at square one and didn't get any better. I'm not saying he won't, but there is absolutely nothing there that should inspire any confidence that he's going to get significantly better at kicking field goals. No question Bell will be our kickoff specialist and punter going forward, where he'll be great, but I doubt he'll ever be an effective field goal kicker. As for Sobiesk (who, unless it was awarded some time between the bowl game and now, is not on scholarship), he looked about like Bell, just with about half the range. He was just a freshman though, so he should improve at least somewhat. Verdict is still completely out there. We also have Logan Cooke who apparently will be tried at field goal kicking, but I'm not extremely optimistic there since his credentials sound similar to Bell's coming in.

In short, you're right that we shouldn't panic before spring practice even starts, but without a known field goal kicking commodity coming in, it's not a foregone conclusion that we'll tremendously improve either.

edit: Just realized Sobiesk is a redshirt freshman. Not as hopeful there as I was an hour ago.

[smootness]

Can't see the forest for the trees can you? Did he really get worse? 14-21 to 6-14, yes, the stats say he got worse but did he really?

What? Haha, yes, he did.

[thf24]

Follow up to my last post: In 2012, Bell had four games in which he kicked and didn't miss a field goal. In 2013, he had one. 2012, six games in which he made over 50% of his attempts; 2013, two. Yes, he definitely got worse. There's no legitimate argument there, absolutely none.

[Coach34]

Goat's on a roll here lately

[RiverCityDawg]

Bell's touchback percentage was actually subpar. I don't know where this idea he's such a good kickoff guy has come from, but the numbers don't back it up.

That's because Mullen prefers to kick it high and short of the endzone so we can stop them short of the 25, which worked a lot. When Bell wants to kick it into the endzone he almost always does.

[Coach34]

That's because Mullen prefers to kick it high and short of the endzone so we can stop them short of the 25, which worked a lot. When Bell wants to kick it into the endzone he almost always does.

this is true...Mullen doesnt want it kicked in the end zone

[Goat Holder]

Bullshit.

This was my original post:


Do you honestly think the kicking game will not get better? "No way" it stays at the same level of last year. Players grow up, mature, etc.

Your ignorance is mind-boggling, if you don't mind me saying so.

Are you telling me that between Bell and Sobiesk getting a year older, our FG kicking won't improve? IT WILL. Watch.

[Goat Holder]

War Machine Dawg is too stupid to draw his own conclusions. He, like some other posters, base EVERYTHING on numbers. Which is ignorance at its very definition.

[Goat Holder]

Damn right, I'm working you fools like Denzel on frat boys.

You and the entourage need to come up with some new ideas.

[CadaverDawg]

I think Artimas has a monster year. As much as play action will be a part of our offense, we should be able to feast on a big blocking TE that can run good routes and has great hands.

[thf24]

Are you telling me that between Bell and Sobiesk getting a year older, our FG kicking won't improve? IT WILL. Watch.

What's different from Bell getting a year older last year, after which he undeniably got worse?

[FISHDAWG]

Bullshit.

This was my original post:



Are you telling me that between Bell and Sobiesk getting a year older, our FG kicking won't improve? IT WILL. Watch.

if we are relying on them to get better then we are already behind ....we should have signed a kicker instead of waiting and hoping that what we have turns out OK .... one that gave us very little confidence in him / them improving

[FISHDAWG]

that's one big guy that I'm excited about ... I expect him to get quite a bit of PT next season and I also think he will give us more production than what we have had from there in the past ...( please don't hurl rotten tomatoes after having said that )

[Goat Holder]

Chances are that he gets better as he gets older. And if he doesn't, you have Sobiesk getting a year older. I like the chances of one of them being serviceable.

[War Machine Dawg]

War Machine Dawg is too stupid to draw his own conclusions. He, like some other posters, base EVERYTHING on numbers. Which is ignorance at its very definition.

So it's ignorance to back up your observations with stats? Last time I checked, stats and scores are what count. And I didn't need a stat to tell me Joe Morrow sucked. I knew it when he couldn't play ahead of 5 midget WRs even in redzone situations 2 years ago. I knew it when I saw him refuse to muster any effort for a very slightly overthrown ball in last year's spring game. But please tell me how he's going to be the next great MSU WR next year, when he probably won't even be a starter.


Chances are that he gets better as he gets older. And if he doesn't, you have Sobiesk getting a year older. I like the chances of one of them being serviceable.

Once aGAIN, Bell got WORSE with a year of experience under his belt. The same year that is typically when young players make the MOST improvement during their careers. Sobiesk *may* be better, but based on what we've actually seen, that's a crapshoot at best. Not to mention he apparently doesn't have the leg strength of Bell. If neither Bell or Sobiesk improve, we're looking at Logan Cooke, who was almost exclusively a kicker in HS. That's the same situation we had with Bell. Is it really that hard for your feeble brain to put all that together and see why a whole lot of us are legitimately concerned about our kicking situation?

[Goat Holder]

Last time I checked, stats and scores are what count

Name me the last time stats accounted for anything.

[engie]

I think we've got every right to be concerned about our kicking game given that it's only been above average for one year under Mullen(his first)...

That said, I think Bell is going to be money for us at some point. Last year just sucked for him and he needed a break and a do-over mentally IMO. Just needs to hit his first couple and it'll be contagious. He starts hitting them with his leg at 50+, we become a team that can literally beat anyone...

[Coach34]

WMD- you're arguing with Goat's mongoloid personality. You're gonna have to wait for one of his other ones to take back over.

[Schultzy]

I think Artimas has a monster year. As much as play action will be a part of our offense, we should be able to feast on a big blocking TE that can run good routes and has great hands.

Big Artimas fan. Love big, mobile run blocking tight ends who can catch and they're hard to find. Much like Kendall Watkins who was great for us and the Cowboys.

ETA: Don't forget how big that game tying kick Sobiesk made in the 4th qtr was on Thanksgiving. We lose if he misses that. And the won to win the game was hit well but barely missed. So he will be serviceable at least next year.

[War Machine Dawg]

Name me the last time stats accounted for anything.

Weak sauce.


WMD- you're arguing with Goat's mongoloid personality. You're gonna have to wait for one of his other ones to take back over.

Pretty much.

[BogeyGolfer]

1. Benny Brown is the least of my concerns ..he will play on Sundays, book it.
1. Dak needs to step up and be more consistent. He must improve his passing and not bail out too soon causing unneeded sacks.
3. Our entire O-Line must improve at run blocking.

[HoopsDawg]

1. Benny Brown is the least of my concerns ..he will play on Sundays, book it.
1. Dak needs to step up and be more consistent. He must improve his passing and not bail out too soon causing unneeded sacks.
3. Our entire O-Line must improve at run blocking.

Yep, pretty simple, it's all about the O-line this year. Even guys that people feel good about like Clausell and Day have to improve their run blocking.

[Quaoarsking]

Wait, 43% isn't worse than 67%?