Perusing the football roster and it....

[leeinator]

seems we have quite a few nice transfers. Some from LSU, Texas A&M, etc. However, the one that stuck out to me was Will Whitson. Was just wondering if he's doing well with his ACL rehab. If he can make a strong comeback, then that is a major boost to our DL. Plus, good to see Kyle Ferrie back as our kicker. He can be a difference maker also. Canon Boone was another that I thought had moved on. He's a plus too to have some experience in the OL. I think we have the size and skill to be better, but our QB is gonna have to take that next step up if our team shows any improvement in our record. I have us at 5-7 this year.

 

[Bulldawg77]

seems we have quite a few nice transfers. Some from LSU, Texas A&M, etc. However, the one that stuck out to me was Will Whitson. Was just wondering if he's doing well with his ACL rehab. If he can make a strong comeback, then that is a major boost to our DL. Plus, good to see Kyle Ferrie back as our kicker. He can be a difference maker also. Canon Boone was another that I thought had moved on. He's a plus too to have some experience in the OL. I think we have the size and skill to be better, but our QB is gonna have to take that next step up if our team shows any improvement in our record. I have us at 5-7 this year.

I was thinking about starting some conversation this weekend on some players to watch at each level. Considering this board has very few that actually research the football team.
Yes, Whitson recovery has gone great and he should be back 100% by 8-1.
Looking at the defense we have potential NFL players at each level. Kelly Jones at cornerback, don’t sleep on Jett Jefferson & Q Taylor either. Saftey with Smith Dolby and Gilbert, LB Tillman,Lockhart and Smith. DL Evans is going to be really good for us. I love what I have seen and heard from DJ Reed and Bledsoe Can’t sleep on Dinkins either. Edge with Willams, Gillette, Willis and Nickerson

 

[BulldogBlitz]

I'll just remain cynical.

 

[Called3rdstrikedawg]

Hope Springs Eternal!

 

[ababyatemydingo]

I'm a show me, don't tell me guy

 

[Bulldawg77]

I'm a show me, don't tell me guy

This is understandable. I’m trying to create conversation and educate those fans that might not be familiar with the roster

 

[DAWGSANDSAINTS]

It’ll start and end with the offensive line.
How they play will greatly determine how our QB plays.
Do we have the WR’s that can get open and Catch the ball?
Can someone step up and become Brenen Thompson like ?
Do we have a couple of serviceable RB’s that can back up Fluff that has good vision, cutting ability, pass blocking ability and can catch a swing pass ?

 

[PBRME]

It’ll start and end with the offensive line.

Enough said.

 

[22yardpunt]

Alllll about the o-line. Should be better than last year considering last years line didn’t come in until after spring practice. Think about that. Otherwise, I will be closely reading any of Lenny’s fall practice comments regarding the line. Last year it was “they need to come together in a hurry” - told me all I needed to know and knew it wasn’t going to be a great season.

 

[Bulldawg77]

It’ll start and end with the offensive line.
How they play will greatly determine how our QB plays.

Feel really good about LT McVay, LG DJ Chester, center Boone, RG Prudhomme, RG Shumpert Perkins. Swing guys of Miles Steen and Lockhart are where my questions still are but not starters

Do we have the WR’s that can get open and Catch the ball?
Can someone step up and become Brenen Thompson like ?
Do we have a couple of serviceable RB’s that can back up Fluff that has good vision, cutting ability, pass blocking ability and can catch a swing pass ?

WR Anthony Evans Marquise Johnson Francisco Magee Bull Mitchell and Ayden Williams will be better than last year. Keep an eye on freshman Jr Henderson. Any Evans is about to be the next WR drafted
RB. Name to watch. Kolin Wilson. Incredible speed can block and catch. He will be lightning to Fluffs thunder. Then it’s probably between freshman Hill and maybe Gayten

 

[Howiefeltersnstch]

This is understandable. I’m trying to create conversation and educate those fans that might not be familiar with the roster

90% of the osters/commentors on this site couldn't name 5 people off our rosters every year.

 

[POTUS]

90% of the osters/commentors on this site couldn't name 5 people off our rosters every year.

In this era that’s the rule not the exception.

 

[skydawg1]

90% of the osters/commentors on this site couldn't name 5 people off our rosters every year.

Because it changes every year.

 

[Bulldawg77]

Because it changes every year.

As it does for 99% of all P4 and G6 rosters. Our fans just need to learn to adapt to it. It’s helped us become more competitive.

 

[Bulldawg77]

85 you laugh. But you know zero nada nothing about football. You’re just a small troll. Let us all not forget when we were 4-0 last year he had no post and was absent for 6 weeks on the board. Why cause he was wrong about the start of the year. This is type of individual we are looking at.

 

[leeinator]

Hope Springs Eternal!

Hope is a good thing!

 

[Howiefeltersnstch]

There is constant news articles about all of our roster news if somebody cares to look.

 

[Barkman Turner Overdrive]

This is understandable. I’m trying to create conversation and educate those fans that might not be familiar with the roster

 

[FreeDawg]

90% of the osters/commentors on this site couldn't name 5 people off our rosters every year.

Not directed at you fine sir but some of us ain’t got the time to research this portal sheet all offseason. Before that, I was familiar with the roster. Nowadays, I know 70% of our starters by week 4. Studying our roster the last 2 years would be like studying the French army in WWII.

 

[Lucifer Morningstar]

Feel really good about LT McVay, LG DJ Chester, center Boone, RG Prudhomme, RG Shumpert Perkins. Swing guys of Miles Steen and Lockhart are where my questions still are but not starters

WR Anthony Evans Marquise Johnson Francisco Magee Bull Mitchell and Ayden Williams will be better than last year. Keep an eye on freshman Jr Henderson. Any Evans is about to be the next WR drafted
RB. Name to watch. Kolin Wilson. Incredible speed can block and catch. He will be lightning to Fluffs thunder. Then it’s probably between freshman Hill and maybe Gayten

In the spirit of civil discourse I have a few questions. I am someone that along with running hell I coach and run a small business. Which sometimes is more hell than actual hell. I digress, but my point is I do not have the time to study the roster in depth like you seem to be able to. I think I heard you mention going to practices. Being an o line coach by trade I want to ask what do you like about each of the starters up front on o in the following categories:
1. Footwork
2. Eye discipline
3. Overall strength
4. Zone blocking
5. Man Blocking (given we will run counter, and we will run zone for my last two).
6. Pass setting: aggressive, slide, man.
7. Blocking on the second level.

I honestly look forward to your answer sir, and if I was unclear or need to explain my categories more I can.

 

[Bulldawg77]

View attachment 1293242

No just talking players. Better than sh!tting on every damn thing

 

[Bulldawg77]

Not directed at you fine sir but some of us ain’t got the time to research this portal sheet all offseason. Before that, I was familiar with the roster. Nowadays, I know 70% of our starters by week 4. Studying our roster the last 2 years would be like studying the French army in WWII.

If you had time to research the players before the portal then you would have time to look at portal signees. Just admit you don’t like Lebby and you don’t like the portal.

 

[Bulldawg77]

In the spirit of civil discourse I have a few questions. I am someone that along with running hell I coach and run a small business. Which sometimes is more hell than actual hell. I digress, but my point is I do not have the time to study the roster in depth like you seem to be able to. I think I heard you mention going to practices. Being an o line coach by trade I want to ask what do you like about each of the starters up front on o in the following categories:
1. Footwork
2. Eye discipline
3. Overall strength
4. Zone blocking
5. Man Blocking (given we will run counter, and we will run zone for my last two).
6. Pass setting: aggressive, slide, man.
7. Blocking on the second level.

I honestly look forward to your answer sir, and if I was unclear or need to explain my categories more I can.

This may take a few minutes but I’ll do my best. If you need more clarification let me know. Let’s start at tackle
McVay has done a great job of transforming his body. Still needs to working on his strength IMO, but has next level footwork. Really like his point of contact and intensity when engaging. Love the push and how he works the defender.
I’m not sure there been a better surprise than Shumpert-Perkins. Really gets after his man. Footwork could use some work here but bend is good and he’s got the strength and quickness needed for RT. Honestly it wouldn’t surprise me if he won the LT job if he keeps improving from OTAs to preseason camp.
Guards/Center
DJ Chester was a freshman all SEC in 24 while starting at center for LSU. Love his aggression into the defender. Slides well to next level. May get a little complacent in footwork but that’s just My opinion. Would love to see him work on quickness (may have been thinking more spring). Boone is a leader and has played here for 5 years. Dont think I need a breakdown here. Prudhomme. Sam Pittman loved this guy. Next level strength and quickness. Has all the intangibles to be a guard on the next level. 6’3 but plays bigger. Finishes playes with intent and aggression. Really really like him. Plus he’s just a RS freshman.

if more is needed let me know

 

[Lucifer Morningstar]

This may take a few minutes but I’ll do my best. If you need more clarification let me know. Let’s start at tackle
McVay has done a great job of transforming his body. Still needs to working on his strength IMO, but has next level footwork. Really like his point of contact and intensity when engaging. Love the push and how he works the defender.
I’m not sure there been a better surprise than Shumpert-Perkins. Really gets after his man. Footwork could use some work here but bend is good and he’s got the strength and quickness needed for RT. Honestly it wouldn’t surprise me if he won the LT job if he keeps improving from OTAs to preseason camp.
Guards/Center
DJ Chester was a freshman all SEC in 24 while starting at center for LSU. Love his aggression into the defender. Slides well to next level. May get a little complacent in footwork but that’s just My opinion. Would love to see him work on quickness (may have been thinking more spring). Boone is a leader and has played here for 5 years. Dont think I need a breakdown here. Prudhomme. Sam Pittman loved this guy. Next level strength and quickness. Has all the intangibles to be a guard on the next level. 6’3 but plays bigger. Finishes playes with intent and aggression. Really really like him. Plus he’s just a RS freshman.

if more is needed let me know

First, thank you for the information. I will digest it. Just to ask you did a great job with their strengths, but where do you see this group struggling? Just in general struggles group wide.

 

[tenureplan]

Feel really good about LT McVay, LG DJ Chester, center Boone, RG Prudhomme, RG Shumpert Perkins. Swing guys of Miles Steen and Lockhart are where my questions still are but not starters

WR Anthony Evans Marquise Johnson Francisco Magee Bull Mitchell and Ayden Williams will be better than last year. Keep an eye on freshman Jr Henderson. Any Evans is about to be the next WR drafted
RB. Name to watch. Kolin Wilson. Incredible speed can block and catch. He will be lightning to Fluffs thunder. Then it’s probably between freshman Hill and maybe Gayten

Dude, you named the whole team between this and the defense post. I guess them having names is a start.

 

[FreeDawg]

If you had time to research the players before the portal then you would have time to look at portal signees. Just admit you don’t like Lebby and you don’t like the portal.

I have no problem admitting either of those things lol

 

[Bulldawg77]

First, thank you for the information. I will digest it. Just to ask you did a great job with their strengths, but where do you see this group struggling? Just in general struggles group wide.

I love both tackles potential I do. Weakness, ok. I could see at times have an edge get to QB. That’s not to say every play. Good news is mobile QB can help that. This is night and day from last year. On the OL as a whole I worry about depth but also remember this time last year we hadn’t seen or some hadn’t heard of Javeyn James take a snap.
Another issue is we go so quick that communication is going to be key. May run into a false start at times. First five have talent still need to jell. Having spring OTAs and fall camp with same 5-7 guys is huge. Adding a Healthy Miller will help depth. Also adding Mason miller to staff helps a ton.

 

[Lucifer Morningstar]

I love both tackles potential I do. Weakness, ok. I could see at times have an edge get to QB. That’s not to say every play. Good news is mobile QB can help that. This is night and day from last year. On the OL as a whole I worry about depth but also remember this time last year we hadn’t seen or some hadn’t heard of Javeyn James take a snap.
Another issue is we go so quick that communication is going to be key. May run into a false start at times. First five have talent still need to jell. Having spring OTAs and fall camp with same 5-7 guys is huge. Adding a Healthy Miller will help depth. Also adding Mason miller to staff helps a ton.

I would argue going fast would make communication more simple. At least with my high school kids that is how we try to make it. It is a very big thing to have the same guys together like that at every level. So, I can buy that being a very good thing. I know I make my kids pretty much do everything together over the summer into fall camp.

 

[Bulldawg77]

I would argue going fast would make communication more simple. At least with my high school kids that is how we try to make it. It is a very big thing to have the same guys together like that at every level. So, I can buy that being a very good thing. I know I make my kids pretty much do everything together over the summer into fall camp.

Just pointing that out that we go fast but that could also have an affect. A lot of last year was both poor communication and a few players just not commited. Those have been, well processed

 

[DawgsNCowboys87]

This is understandable. I’m trying to create conversation and educate those fans that might not be familiar with the roster

I’m in agreement with both of yall but appreciate the post and see it like this if the o line gives Taylor enough time I think he makes a big jump also it looks like some real defense will be back Starkville both on the player front and an actual DC… I’m actually gonna go with 7 wins this year and may be even more pleasantly surprised!! Let’s go dawgs, hail state when the season is actually here

 

[Pink Floyd.sixpack]

In the spirit of civil discourse I have a few questions. I am someone that along with running hell I coach and run a small business. Which sometimes is more hell than actual hell. I digress, but my point is I do not have the time to study the roster in depth like you seem to be able to. I think I heard you mention going to practices. Being an o line coach by trade I want to ask what do you like about each of the starters up front on o in the following categories:
1. Footwork
2. Eye discipline
3. Overall strength
4. Zone blocking
5. Man Blocking (given we will run counter, and we will run zone for my last two).
6. Pass setting: aggressive, slide, man.
7. Blocking on the second level.

I honestly look forward to your answer sir, and if I was unclear or need to explain my categories more I can.

Lucifer, could you give us your definition of “eye discipline “ and what you as an o line coach look for here. Thanks! I will admit I’m not up to speed on terminology and have a good idea on the rest of these you set for except eye discipline

 

[dickiedawg]

As it does for 99% of all P4 and G6 rosters. Our fans just need to learn to adapt to it. It’s helped us become more competitive.

We’ve been so much more competitive in the transfer portal era. I’m this close to being tired of all the winning.

 

[Bulldawg77]

We’ve been so much more competitive in the transfer portal era. I’m this close to being tired of all the winning.

Again an uneducated response from some soft Richard…
We went from two wins, hardly any NIL and a depleted roster in 24 to a better NIL situation, a stronger roster and 5 wins in 2025. Getting players like BT ANT, Whitson, Bledsoe, and Reed last year was a step in the right direction with the portal. This year for 26 we added the 13th ranked portal class and we were able to retain our best players. Now we will go from 5 wins to 7 or 8 wins this year? Who knows. Personally I feel strongly that our talent level has improved enough for us to get to 7 wins. I feel our coaching talent has improved on both sides of the ball as well.

 

[OG Goat Holder]

Again an uneducated response from some soft Richard…
We went from two wins, hardly any NIL and a depleted roster in 24 to a better NIL situation, a stronger roster and 5 wins in 2025. Getting players like BT ANT, Whitson, Bledsoe, and Reed last year was a step in the right direction with the portal. This year for 26 we added the 13th ranked portal class and we were able to retain our best players. Now we will go from 5 wins to 7 or 8 wins this year? Who knows. Personally I feel strongly that our talent level has improved enough for us to get to 7 wins. I feel our coaching talent has improved on both sides of the ball as well.

We all want you to be right. But we all know our talent level is going to be typical MSU. We are in the top 30 in the country but usually at the bottom of the SEC. That much is usually consistent unless you make big mistakes. So here are some facts:

- Arnett 1 and Lebby both made mistakes in 2023 and 2024. That created the talent vacuum in 2024. Period. 2 years of bad takes out of the portal, with much more of them in Lebby's first class.
- Arnett 2 is an upgrade at DC. But he still doesn't really mesh with the fast strike stuff Lebby wants to do.
- Funny enough, Kamario Taylor doesn't really mesh well either. So this means either KT gonna have to get a lot better throwing the ball, or Lebby is going to have to change his whole offensive philosophy, which few coaches, especially offensive ones, ever do.

The only way this potentially works out is if KT improves his passing ability, and it's rare to just 'develop' this. OR KT turns out to be the next Lamar Jackson, and can just overwhelm everyone and again, that guy is rare too. Only ones who have pulled that off are Vick, Jackson and maybe Jalen Hurts.

You've said before that Lebby coached RG3. RG3 is not the same type of QB as KT. RG3 is a true dual threat and can throw at an NFL level. RG3 is more like Johnny Football than he is KT.

 

[Bulldawg77]

We all want you to be right. But we all know our talent level is going to be typical MSU. We are in the top 30 in the country but usually at the bottom of the SEC. That much is usually consistent unless you make big mistakes. So here are some facts:

- Arnett 1 and Lebby both made mistakes in 2023 and 2024. That created the talent vacuum in 2024. Period. 2 years of bad takes out of the portal, with much more of them in Lebby's first class.
- Arnett 2 is an upgrade at DC. But he still doesn't really mesh with the fast strike stuff Lebby wants to do.
- Funny enough, Kamario Taylor doesn't really mesh well either. So this means either KT gonna have to get a lot better throwing the ball, or Lebby is going to have to change his whole offensive philosophy, which few coaches, especially offensive ones, ever do.

The only way this potentially works out is if KT improves his passing ability, and it's rare to just 'develop' this. OR KT turns out to be the next Lamar Jackson, and can just overwhelm everyone and again, that guy is rare too. Only ones who have pulled that off are Vick, Jackson and maybe Jalen Hurts.

You've said before that Lebby coached RG3. RG3 is not the same type of QB as KT. RG3 is a true dual threat and can throw at an NFL level. RG3 is more like Johnny Football than he is KT.

If I may let’s take your points and discuss
Arnett wasn’t a good decision to make HC. I said it was dumb and I was proven right. Now we shifted to Lebby. What you and others don’t understand or fail to understand is that due to the roster mistakes made in 22-23 seasons our talent level was mid G5 minus a few here and there. We were also in the process of shifting from the Air Raid(similar situation GT faced transitioning from triple option) and to that fact we were poorly prepared for NIL and poorly funded. We had multiple coaches turn down our job or put contractual language that made it impossible to hire them due to roster and lack of NIL funding. I have more on this if you would like. Not only did this affect our HC pool it also affected that first year and second year(long term DC contract) coaching staff. Just remember the NFL combine and draft of 2025 resulted in zero player invites and zero players drafted… that says a lot about the talent level we had in 2024. 2026 is the first time Lebby has had a full deck with NIL, Coaching staff and talent level.

To Taylor. I don’t blame you for underestimating Taylor based on what limited time you have seen him. But Taylor was/is a pss first QB who happens to be a plus athlete and runner. Those do exist. His uncle Omar Conner was that as well and ahead of his time. Taylor is very similar in his ability as another QB both Lebby and Phillip Montgomery coached in RGIII. Not saying Taylor is going to win the Heisman but kid is a special talent and can win us games. He(Taylor) has improved his accuracy on the short snd intermediate passing with the winter OTAs and Spring practice( Having Kevin Johns as QB coach has helped refine this). With summer OTAs starting in June and fall practice I see Taylor’s development Increasing

 

[OG Goat Holder]

What you and others don’t understand or fail to understand is that due to the roster mistakes made in 22-23 seasons our talent level was mid G5 minus a few here and there. We were also in the process of shifting from the Air Raid(similar situation GT faced transitioning from triple option) and to that fact we were poorly prepared for NIL and poorly funded.

No, me and others understand completely, we just don't agree. No sense going down that road.

But Taylor was/is a pss first QB who happens to be a plus athlete and runner. Those do exist. His uncle Omar Conner was that as well and ahead of his time.

Ha!!! What? Are you on crack? Yeah, they do exist, but they aren't KT and Omarr. They are Joe Burrow and Josh Allen.

Taylor is very similar in his ability as another QB both Lebby and Phillip Montgomery coached in RGIII.

I literally just addressed this. They aren't similar in style. For one KT is 2 inches taller and 20 lbs. heavier.

He(Taylor) has improved his accuracy on the short snd intermediate passing with the winter OTAs and Spring practice( Having Kevin Johns as QB coach has helped refine this). With summer OTAs starting in June and fall practice I see Taylor’s development Increasing

This is where you figure out who knows athletics and who doesn't. Certain things can be trained to a large extent and other things can't.

 

[Lucifer Morningstar]

Lucifer, could you give us your definition of “eye discipline “ and what you as an o line coach look for here. Thanks! I will admit I’m not up to speed on terminology and have a good idea on the rest of these you set for except eye discipline

This is just my definition of it, so people will have different takes, but to me, it means having hands on with eyes on linebackers. I tell my guys when they double team, for example, that they should always have hands on the first level defender with eyes up to the second level defender. I scream constantly, hands on one, eyes on two. There are different things you look for as well, like when we slide protect are their eyes getting to the right gap, or when they run a pull play are they getting their eyes back inside the box for anything that might chase the play inside to out. I do not know if this makes sense.

 

[Bulldawg77]

No, me and others understand completely, we just don't agree. No sense going down that road.


Ha!!! What? Are you on crack? Yeah, they do exist, but they aren't KT and Omarr. They are Joe Burrow and Josh Allen.


I literally just addressed this. They aren't similar in style. For one KT is 2 inches taller and 20 lbs. heavier.


This is where you figure out who knows athletics and who doesn't. Certain things can be trained to a large extent and other things can't.

You and I are just never going to agree. You show your lack of understanding football hell even sports.
By your logic which is limited I get. It’s like saying a 1.5 handicap can’t get to 0.0 or plus because they are not born with it.

 

[Swede39]

Unfortunately, I can't keep up with all the transfers (in or out). I will say one thing will remain the same though - I will continue to quietly judge our special teams from my seats while wrangling my kids and asking for forgiveness from the poor souls that have to sit near us.

Speaking of - anybody here in the Scoreboard Club?

 

[Lucifer Morningstar]

If I may let’s take your points and discuss
Arnett wasn’t a good decision to make HC. I said it was dumb and I was proven right. Now we shifted to Lebby. What you and others don’t understand or fail to understand is that due to the roster mistakes made in 22-23 seasons our talent level was mid G5 minus a few here and there. We were also in the process of shifting from the Air Raid(similar situation GT faced transitioning from triple option) and to that fact we were poorly prepared for NIL and poorly funded. We had multiple coaches turn down our job or put contractual language that made it impossible to hire them due to roster and lack of NIL funding. I have more on this if you would like. Not only did this affect our HC pool it also affected that first year and second year(long term DC contract) coaching staff. Just remember the NFL combine and draft of 2025 resulted in zero player invites and zero players drafted… that says a lot about the talent level we had in 2024. 2026 is the first time Lebby has had a full deck with NIL, Coaching staff and talent level.

To Taylor. I don’t blame you for underestimating Taylor based on what limited time you have seen him. But Taylor was/is a pss first QB who happens to be a plus athlete and runner. Those do exist. His uncle Omar Conner was that as well and ahead of his time. Taylor is very similar in his ability as another QB both Lebby and Phillip Montgomery coached in RGIII. Not saying Taylor is going to win the Heisman but kid is a special talent and can win us games. He(Taylor) has improved his accuracy on the short snd intermediate passing with the winter OTAs and Spring practice( Having Kevin Johns as QB coach has helped refine this). With summer OTAs starting in June and fall practice I see Taylor’s development Increasing

I know we have been trying to have civil discussions, but the one issue I would bring up is that you are leaning a little heavily on the whole we are transitioning away from the Air Raid. That argument has been dead for about a year now. And you are right pre nil portal days it could take a few years to transition away from the Air Raid or the Triple Option, but not now, and that can not be an excuse we will continue to use. Lebby did not manage the roster well enough, that is the truth. Now this could be for a plethora of reasons, but we have had time to transition from the Air Raid.