Any of you hotshot insiders have any practice tidbits to share.

[Offshore Dawg]

I keep hoping somebody could post something without betraying any coaches trust.

[Coach34]

Nick James is in shape and looking like the DT we expected

[Bothrops]

Nick James is in shape and looking like the DT we expected

I'm very glad to hear this!

[Offshore Dawg]

Nick James is in shape and looking like the DT we expected

Then Nick has put in the work, turned himself into a player, and proved a lot of skeptics wrong. good for him.

[Dallas_Dawg]

Nick James and Chris jones have the potential to wreck the SEC. Is Chris in shape and ready to go this year?

[Coach34]

Chris Jones and Nick James have the potential to be the best DT duo in the SEC. We literally could be the best In the SEC vs the Run- our front could be that good. Pass rush is still a concern. Nick and AJ aren't pass rushers

[Dawgcentral]

Read somewhere that Chris has been working hard this summer on film study, hand placement, and has lost some weight to gain speed.

Sounds good to me.

[BrunswickDawg]

Chris Jones and Nick James have the potential to be the best DT duo in the SEC. We literally could be the best In the SEC vs the Run- our front could be that good. Pass rush is still a concern. Nick and AJ aren't pass rushers

And that's where I think having Diaz back is going to pay off huge. Collins was all about "contain", and Manny D is all about "attack". Just line Nick and CJ up and say "**** up whoever has the ball"

[codeDawg]

All I know is that if Nick and CJ are in together, you had better just throw a bubble screen.

[cheewgumm]

If N James is truly in shape, etc....our 1st team DL is going to be nasty. It's a true "pick your poison" type of deal. I'm anxious to see what Jones can do with James on one side and Brown of Jefferson on the other.

[BHildreth3]

Someone help me. in 2009 or 10 when Diaz was here, who did we have as DE's? I think Diaz will be fine creating QB rush pressure, even without a great DE, but i know we had a great LB group, but did we get a lot of sacks from the DE position?

Diaz does a lot of what Southern Miss did back in the day with Thompson and Ole Miss' current DC. They played 1 or 2 guys up front, stood a few of them up and moved them around quickly before the snap of the ball - it was tough to figure out who to block - a lot of times a LB or DB would get a sack b/c they were playing a 1-5-5 at times, or a 2-4-5 with the 4 (LBs) and 5 (DBs) at the line of scrimmage.

[thf24]

Someone help me. in 2009 or 10 when Diaz was here, who did we have as DE's? I think Diaz will be fine creating QB rush pressure, even without a great DE, but i know we had a great LB group, but did we get a lot of sacks from the DE position?

Pernell McPhee and Sean Ferguson if I remember correctly.

[Leroy Jenkins]

DL was McPhee-Cox-Boyd-Furguson ..... I think.

[whosyourdawgy]

Yall see this tweet from Bonner

@MikeBBonner: Punt returners: Fred Ross, Will Redmond, Keith Mixon, Jamoral Graham and Donald Gray.

I like all of those names on there but Dan is still letting Jamoral work with the punt returners is a head scratcher to me. He is good with the ball in his hands but he showed way too many times last season that catching it is not his strong suit. Love the guy. He's all Dog, but I don't want him back on punt returns

[mstatefan91]

Yall see this tweet from Bonner

@MikeBBonner: Punt returners: Fred Ross, Will Redmond, Keith Mixon, Jamoral Graham and Donald Gray.

I like all of those names on there but Dan is still letting Jamoral work with the punt returners is a head scratcher to me. He is good with the ball in his hands but he showed way too many times last season that catching it is not his strong suit. Love the guy. He's all Dog, but I don't want him back on punt returns

He was also a freshman last year. He started dropping balls when the games got bigger... NERVES.

I remember his first few punt returns, and he just looked like he had ice in his veins when he was staring down the opposition. Something changed. Hope he can get that swagger back this season.

[Ifyouonlyknew]

I think it's safe to say we'll see the most freshmen play since Mullen 1st year.

Jamal Peters
Fletcher Adams
Leo Lewis
Justin Johnson
Maurice Smitherman
Mark McLaurin
Malik Dear

It wouldn't be surprised if all those guys played. Also Keith Mixon would play in any other year but the slot WR depth chart is pretty deep.

[mstatefan91]

Hope we get a lot of reps for those guys in the second half against USM

[Saltydog]

guys there that are legit.........Problem is going to be getting all them touches.....

[Dallas_Dawg]

Surprised to see you include McLaurin and especially Justin Johnson on your list. Are they both showing out?
I'm glad to see Mullen play those guys that can help us. Seems like Bucky plays most of his freshmen every year and it doesn't seem to hurt them.

[msstate7]

I think it's safe to say we'll see the most freshmen play since Mullen 1st year.

Jamal Peters
Fletcher Adams
Leo Lewis
Justin Johnson
Maurice Smitherman
Mark McLaurin
Malik Dear

It wouldn't be surprised if all those guys played. Also Keith Mixon would play in any other year but the slot WR depth chart is pretty deep.

Is Justin Johnson better than Jesse Jackson? Seems there will only be room for one of those two to play

[mic]

Is Justin Johnson better than Jesse Jackson? Seems there will only be room for one of those two to play

Johnson TE

[mic]

I think it's safe to say we'll see the most freshmen play since Mullen 1st year.

Jamal Peters
Fletcher Adams
Leo Lewis
Justin Johnson
Maurice Smitherman
Mark McLaurin
Malik Dear

It wouldn't be surprised if all those guys played. Also Keith Mixon would play in any other year but the slot WR depth chart is pretty deep.

I think Anferne Mullins may get a shot... Esp if he can get after the QB

[Really Clark?]

Surprised to see you include McLaurin and especially Justin Johnson on your list. Are they both showing out?
I'm glad to see Mullen play those guys that can help us. Seems like Bucky plays most of his freshmen every year and it doesn't seem to hurt them.

He hasn't had much choice his first couple of years and they had to play Freshman because of the lack of depth. And why would we go away from what has worked very well for us? Redshirt and development is our program. We have played freshman when they could help (Wilson and Ross the year before) and others. And don't forget how many Mullen had to play his first year and start because of the lack of talent. Let's keep doing what we are doing and don't worry about Bucky. Their turnover rates are not good and that is also an issue.

[maroonmania]

Is Justin Johnson better than Jesse Jackson? Seems there will only be room for one of those two to play

Apparently Justin Johnson getting a look at TE.

[smootness]

Chris Jones and Nick James have the potential to be the best DT duo in the SEC. We literally could be the best In the SEC vs the Run- our front could be that good. Pass rush is still a concern. Nick and AJ aren't pass rushers

Where does this come from? Jefferson has played fewer snaps than Ryan Brown by a good bit, yet has more TFL and a similar number of sacks and QB hurries. And my eyes tell me he's the better pass-rusher.

I see Jefferson as the PR specialist, Brown as the all-around DE.

[smootness]

Yall see this tweet from Bonner

@MikeBBonner: Punt returners: Fred Ross, Will Redmond, Keith Mixon, Jamoral Graham and Donald Gray.

I like all of those names on there but Dan is still letting Jamoral work with the punt returners is a head scratcher to me. He is good with the ball in his hands but he showed way too many times last season that catching it is not his strong suit. Love the guy. He's all Dog, but I don't want him back on punt returns

But he is great with the ball in his hands, as you said. So might as well keep giving him work and see if his hands can improve because if they can, he's your best option at PR.

[whosyourdawgy]

But he is great with the ball in his hands, as you said. So might as well keep giving him work and see if his hands can improve because if they can, he's your best option at PR.

I beg to differ on that. Watch the film on Gray. I want to see him there I also don't want to see Redmond or Ross back there. I think those 2 are too important at their starting spots than what they bring to punt returner for us.

[Ifyouonlyknew]

I beg to differ on that. Watch the film on Gray. I want to see him there I also don't want to see Redmond or Ross back there. I think those 2 are too important at their starting spots than what they bring to punt returner for us.

If you don't want Smokey returning punts you don't want Gray either. Gray muffed a few last year as well. Nobody talks about that part bc he also took a couple to the house. He's the most electric but 1st rule is to catch it. I fully expect Ross to be our punt returner this season.

[preachermatt83]

Where does this come from? Jefferson has played fewer snaps than Ryan Brown by a good bit, yet has more TFL and a similar number of sacks and QB hurries. And my eyes tell me he's the better pass-rusher.

I see Jefferson as the PR specialist, Brown as the all-around DE.

Yes!! AJs stregnth is his ability to get in the backfield. How anyone could say otherwise is just odd.

[preachermatt83]

I beg to differ on that. Watch the film on Gray. I want to see him there I also don't want to see Redmond or Ross back there. I think those 2 are too important at their starting spots than what they bring to punt returner for us.

I want Gray returning punts. He is special.

[msstate7]

Apparently Justin Johnson getting a look at TE.

I've been concerned about te. Should I not be?

[Coach34]

Where does this come from? .

Every coach we have and NFL scout that have watched us practice

[War Machine Dawg]

He was also a freshman last year. He started dropping balls when the games got bigger... NERVES.

I remember his first few punt returns, and he just looked like he had ice in his veins when he was staring down the opposition. Something changed. Hope he can get that swagger back this season.

This. Graham deserves a chance. Punt return may look easy, but it's hard as hell. Smokey could be a difference maker on STs.

[MSUDawg4Life]

Yes!! AJs stregnth is his ability to get in the backfield. How anyone could say otherwise is just odd.

I have to agree with you all. I think AJ is going to be our best pass rusher hands down.

[sandwolf]

I also don't want to see Redmond or Ross back there. I think those 2 are too important at their starting spots than what they bring to punt returner for us.

Are you worried about them getting injured or something? Because returning punts definitely isn't something that would play into fatigue.

[DeltaDawg]

I heard Mixon has been showing out. Not sure how credible the source is though. I hope it's true. Kid is dangerous with the ball in his hands.

[whosyourdawgy]

Are you worried about them getting injured or something? Because returning punts definitely isn't something that would play into fatigue.

Yea I guess a little. I want Fred healthy as can be in the slot and we have to have Redmond at corner. Plus I just think that both Gray or Mixon are just too dang good with the ball in their hands in the open field If Ross is gonna be back there just to catch fair catches like he did last year, then ok. But I would love to have a guy back there other teams had to worry about a little and I think Gray/Mixon gives us that

[PMDawg]

Chris Jones and Nick James have the potential to be the best DT duo in the SEC. We literally could be the best In the SEC vs the Run- our front could be that good. Pass rush is still a concern. Nick and AJ aren't pass rushers

The thing with Chris is he only seems to have one move. Bull Rush. It works a lot, but if he had another couple of good moves he would be almost unstoppable.

[Johnson85]

He was also a freshman last year. He started dropping balls when the games got bigger... NERVES.

I remember his first few punt returns, and he just looked like he had ice in his veins when he was staring down the opposition. Something changed. Hope he can get that swagger back this season.

Graham was a natural at everything except for handling his nerves. I think that probably had to do with being a true freshman on a much bigger stage than anything else he had experienced, but it still could be tough for him to forget last year.

[thf24]

Hard to argue against AJ's production in the opportunities he's had in terms of pass rushing.

[RiverCityDawg]

I have to agree with you all. I think AJ is going to be our best pass rusher hands down.

Add me to this camp. I would put all my Vcash on the fact that AJ will have more sacks and QB hurries and Brown.

[Covercorner2]

If Jamoral's issue is nerves and not natural ability (which I believe is the case), then why not give him kickoff return duties? That way he still gets the ball in his hands, yet he doesn't have someone in his grill while he is trying to catch the ball. A lot more can go wrong on a punt return than a kick off return. Put a trustworthy guy at punt return (Fred Ross), and put the gamebreakers at kick return (Gray, Dear, Graham, Mixon). Someone tell me why this isn't a good idea....

[BankerDog]

I think Anferne Mullins may get a shot... Esp if he can get after the QB

Not if he keeps getting manhandled like he did yesterday against Elgton Jenkins. Its a lot harder, physically, to come in and play on the OL or DL.

[BankerDog]

AJ is a very good pass rusher, Coach. Need to rewatch the Auburn highlights from two years ago when he got to Nick Marshall two or three times in that game. Calvin will also provide a great pass rush, he showed out during the spring doing it.

[Ifyouonlyknew]

Not if he keeps getting manhandled like he did yesterday against Elgton Jenkins. Its a lot harder, physically, to come in and play on the OL or DL.

I don't think Anfernee plays this year but Elgton is a future All Conference OT.

[maroonmania]

Add me to this camp. I would put all my Vcash on the fact that AJ will have more sacks and QB hurries and Brown.

I would agree. Based on what I've seen in games and in this past Spring game, AJ causes more disruption in the backfield than Brown. Guess we will see if that translates to sacks but it will definitely translate to TFL.

[Jack Lambert]

He was also a freshman last year. He started dropping balls when the games got bigger... NERVES.

I remember his first few punt returns, and he just looked like he had ice in his veins when he was staring down the opposition. Something changed. Hope he can get that swagger back this season.

I agree. A year prior he was catching punts in highschool. You have to have balls of steele or have a death wish to return punts in the SEC. He will be fine this season.

[Coach34]

Ryan Brown will have 3-4 more sacks than AJ this year

[Coach34]

I would agree. Based on what I've seen in games and in this past Spring game, AJ causes more disruption in the backfield than Brown. Guess we will see if that translates to sacks but it will definitely translate to TFL.

AJ has a really good 1st step and he is built like a refrigerator- which is great for closing down the edge and getting push. It's not great for beating OT's off the edge to get sacks.

[Coach34]

I don't think Anfernee plays this year but Elgton is a future All Conference OT.

we really found 2 good ones in Jenkins and Calhoun. Really looking forward to seeing those 2 play

[tcdog70]

there will be a different scheme this year. Attack vs bend don't break. Look for more pressure on QBs (thank goodness).

[Sacrifice]

After watching that vine of G Green rushing the passer, I don't see why we wouldn't let him play some end. He looks like he could bring holy hell.

[MSUDawg4Life]

Ryan Brown will have 3-4 more sacks than AJ this year

We'll see.

I'm still betting on AJ.

[Dallas_Dawg]

Sounds like we need to bookmark this post for later. Hopefully they both ball out and each have double digit sack totals.
Our starting DL is nasty.

[Dallas_Dawg]

After watching that vine of G Green rushing the passer, I don't see why we wouldn't let him play some end. He looks like he could bring holy hell.

He was going against Aeris a RB, not a long armed OT who blocks every play. I think he will be hell blitzing up the middle with NJ and CJ occupying blockers.

[RiverCityDawg]

He was going against Aeris a RB, not a long armed OT who blocks every play. I think he will be hell blitzing up the middle with NJ and CJ occupying blockers.

Shump, not Aeris, but your point remains. Though Shump is considered to be a great blocker for a RB. I like the look of Gerri blitzing up the middle or even off the edge standing up at times.

[thf24]

AJ has a really good 1st step and he is built like a refrigerator- which is great for closing down the edge and getting push. It's not great for beating OT's off the edge to get sacks.

He's definitely not a speed rusher, which I would imagine explains the opinions of the NFL scouts you mentioned as that's a must for an effective pass rushing end in the league, but his past production suggests he's perfectly adequate as a college pass rusher. I bet Brown will end up with more sacks too, but I think it'll say more about Brown and the big year he's going to have than AJ's deficiencies.

[MSUDawg4Life]

Shump, not Aeris, but your point remains. Though Shump is considered to be a great blocker for a RB. I like the look of Gerri blitzing up the middle or even off the edge standing up at times.

The guy he beat in the video was number 27. Aeris is 27. Shump is 32.

[sandwolf]

Yea I guess a little. I want Fred healthy as can be in the slot and we have to have Redmond at corner. Plus I just think that both Gray or Mixon are just too dang good with the ball in their hands in the open field If Ross is gonna be back there just to catch fair catches like he did last year, then ok. But I would love to have a guy back there other teams had to worry about a little and I think Gray/Mixon gives us that

I definitely agree that I would like to have someone back there that other teams have to worry about (we haven't had that in a long, long time), but first and foremost, I won't somebody back there that we don't have to worry about. If Gray left his muffing tendencies in JUCO and has the ability to make the good, quick decisions that are required of a PR, then that is definitely who I want back there (same deal with Redmond, as I am sure that he would be dynamic in the return game)....but otherwise, I don't think the risk is worth the potential rewards. If those guys aren't 100% trustworthy from a mental standpoint, then I would rather see Ross back there.

[MSUDawg99]

Read somewhere that Chris has been working hard this summer on film study, hand placement, and has lost some weight to gain speed.

Sounds good to me.

You read correctly. He's down 10lbs to 305 & yes he's been studying film during the offseason to try & prove he can be who we all think he can be.

[Sacrifice]

I realize he was going against Shump but we don't have anybody with the size speed combination that Green has at end. I'd like to see him play LB and some end.

[RiverCityDawg]

The guy he beat in the video was number 27. Aeris is 27. Shump is 32.

Sorry, you're wrong. That guy is wearing 32. And he has dreads, which Aeris doesn't have (anymore).

[Ifyouonlyknew]

I think Anferne Mullins may get a shot... Esp if he can get after the QB

Joseph is the young DE that's further along which doesn't surprise me. With a dad who was a former SEC DE & a brother who was a 5* DE coming out of HS a few years ago his technique is grade A. As he continues to grow & develop physically he's going to be really good. He's about 235lbs now once he gets to around 250lbs he's going to be hell coming off that edge.

[Coach007]

I hear zac is holding his on. That's good to hear. If he's holding back/keeping ahead of that talent.... We are set at lb

[Coach34]

He's definitely not a speed rusher, which I would imagine explains the opinions of the NFL scouts you mentioned as that's a must for an effective pass rushing end in the league, but his past production suggests he's perfectly adequate as a college pass rusher. I bet Brown will end up with more sacks too, but I think it'll say more about Brown and the big year he's going to have than AJ's deficiencies.

exactly. Good post

[Ifyouonlyknew]

I hear zac is holding his on. That's good to hear. If he's holding back/keeping ahead of that talent.... We are set at lb

Zack isn't a bad player at all. He just needs a DC that understands he shouldn't be covering a WR all over the field with no safety help. Zack's biggest problem was Collins treating him like he was Matt. There's maybe 1 or 2 LB in the entire SEC who could do the things Matt could do in coverage & you can't expect his backup to be 1 of them. That's poor coaching.

[Coach34]

Zack isn't a bad player at all. He just needs a DC that understands he shouldn't be covering a WR all over the field with no safety help. Zack's biggest problem was Collins treating him like he was Matt. There's maybe 1 or 2 LB in the entire SEC who could do the things Matt could do in coverage & you can't expect his backup to be 1 of them. That's poor coaching.

totally agree

[maroonmania]

Joseph is the young DE that's further along which doesn't surprise me. With a dad who was a former SEC DE & a brother who was a 5* DE coming out of HS a few years ago his technique is grade A. As he continues to grow & develop physically he's going to be really good. He's about 235lbs now once he gets to around 250lbs he's going to be hell coming off that edge.

Keith Joseph and Jamaal Peters were the 2 most impressive players to me on the MS team at the MS/AL all-star game.

[Bully13]

Somebody help me remember. ..who was that bad ass croot outa Greenville who still had an injury when he signed with us? ...was that Green?

[AlSwearengen]

Can someone imbed the vine video? Thanks

[MSUDawg99]

Can someone imbed the vine video? Thanks

Here is MSU Football's vine page. Just scroll thru them all. https://vine.co/u/943336584676302848

[Saltydog]

nt

[sandwolf]

If Jamoral's issue is nerves and not natural ability (which I believe is the case), then why not give him kickoff return duties? That way he still gets the ball in his hands, yet he doesn't have someone in his grill while he is trying to catch the ball. A lot more can go wrong on a punt return than a kick off return. Put a trustworthy guy at punt return (Fred Ross), and put the gamebreakers at kick return (Gray, Dear, Graham, Mixon). Someone tell me why this isn't a good idea....

I completely agree, and I had always thought this was pretty much the text book approach to selecting your punt/kickoff returners. And Mullen has generally used that approach to select his punt returner, but apparently he has a completely different method of selecting his KO return men, because he puts at least one guy back there every year that makes my blood pressure spike every time I see them take the field (e.g. LaDarius Perkins and Robert Johnson).

It was excruciating watching Perkins stutter step up the field waiting for a hole to open up. I don't want our KO return guy to be a quick, jitterbug type player who tries to dance around tackles......I want him to be fast as hell and going balls out when he catches the ball, getting up field as fast as he can and 'veering' into a hole if one opens up....that is how you eventually break a big return, and when nothing opens up, you ought to at least be out around the 25-30.

[LC Dawg]

I definitely agree that I would like to have someone back there that other teams have to worry about (we haven't had that in a long, long time), but first and foremost, I won't somebody back there that we don't have to worry about. If Gray left his muffing tendencies in JUCO and has the ability to make the good, quick decisions that are required of a PR, then that is definitely who I want back there (same deal with Redmond, as I am sure that he would be dynamic in the return game)....but otherwise, I don't think the risk is worth the potential rewards. But if those guys aren't 100% trustworthy from a mental standpoint, then I would rather see Ross back there.

With our dynamic offense I don't really have a problem with playing it safe on punt returns because, as you said, the risk may not be worth the potential rewards. However, I would love to see us put more emphasis on kickoff returns. Our starting field position after kickoffs last year was horrible. I'm sure Dak wouldn't mind having a shorter field on occasion.

[codeDawg]

Here is MSU Football's vine page. Just scroll thru them all. https://vine.co/u/943336584676302848

I have a direct embed here (http://bulldogsociety.net/t/gerri-green-is-a-monster/165).

[Coach34]

Fair catch the ball. Keep it safe and eliminate return penalties

[RiverCityDawg]

With our dynamic offense I don't really have a problem with playing it safe on punt returns because, as you said, the risk may not be worth the potential rewards. However, I would love to see us put more emphasis on kickoff returns. Our starting field position after kickoffs last year was horrible. I'm sure Dak wouldn't mind having a shorter field on occasion.

Agree 100%. I'm okay with Ross back there for punts. Reliable catching the ball, makes good decisions, quick enough to get a few extra yards. Kick off returns lets go with Gray, Holloway, Dear, etc. who we think can break a long one if they get the rare opportunity to catch it short of the endzone.

[gravedigger]

Wish i could tell everything i know, but suffice to say the defense will not be a problem aka uab and egg bowl games.

Players that were average last year are stepping up.

[RiverCityDawg]

Wish i could tell everything i know, but....

Booooo!

[sandwolf]

With our dynamic offense I don't really have a problem with playing it safe on punt returns because, as you said, the risk may not be worth the potential rewards. However, I would love to see us put more emphasis on kickoff returns. Our starting field position after kickoffs last year was horrible. I'm sure Dak wouldn't mind having a shorter field on occasion.

Completely agree.

[Coach34]

Somebody help me remember. ..who was that bad ass croot outa Greenville who still had an injury when he signed with us? ...was that Green?

Yes

One of our coaches said that if Gerri Green had been from Texas- he would have been rated a 5-star, top 5 player in the country coming out of HS. He's gonna be a good one

[FISHDAWG]

I think it's safe to say we'll see the most freshmen play since Mullen 1st year.

Jamal Peters
Fletcher Adams
Leo Lewis
Justin Johnson
Maurice Smitherman
Mark McLaurin
Malik Dear

It wouldn't be surprised if all those guys played. Also Keith Mixon would play in any other year but the slot WR depth chart is pretty deep.

so are you saying that there is little chance these guys red shirt ?... I though Lewis was almost guaranteed to RS

[HSVDawg]

Not if he keeps getting manhandled like he did yesterday against Elgton Jenkins. Its a lot harder, physically, to come in and play on the OL or DL.


I thought it was Jonathan Calvin (97) in the video.

[Ifyouonlyknew]

I thought it was Jonathan Calvin (97) in the video.

91

[Coach34]

so are you saying that there is little chance these guys red shirt ?... I though Lewis was almost guaranteed to RS

guys like him usually choose to play on special teams rather than RS

[Ifyouonlyknew]

so are you saying that there is little chance these guys red shirt ?... I though Lewis was almost guaranteed to RS

It was always expected Leo was going to play this year. Even if it's mainly special teams.