MSU Position Group Breakdown: TE

I continue me position group breakdowns with TE.

#1

Malcolm Johnson (JR)
Last year saw Johnson get off to a rocky start with a torn pectoral muscle suffered in pre season that caused him to miss the first half if the season. When he returned, fans saw highlight reel catches like the 1 at the back if the end zone in the 4th against Tennessee. In his limited action he had 9 grabs for 154 yards and 2 TD’s. At 6’2 and 230 lbs, Johnson is a different kind of athlete (more of a bigger WR) that will cause matchup problems. A 100% healthy Johnson and the fact that MSU lost a lot of receivers should have fans excited about his production in 2013.

Co #2

Brandon Hill (JR)
After a nice spring, I expect to see a bit more production from Hill who had 5 catches in 2012. He is similar to Johnson in size (6’2 235) but a bit thicker and not quite the athlete. He does block a bit better so he can be used more when the scheme calls for an attached TE.

Co #2

Rufus Warren (soph)

At 6-6 and 250 lbs, Warren is a different kind if TE than the first 2. He is a much better blocker and more of the traditional attached TE. The reason I have him as a Co #2 is because certain situation could force him to be the second guy off the bench. He does process exceptional athletic ability for someone his size. He moves well and has pretty good hands.

#3

Christian Holmes (JR)

Holmes made the move to TE from LB this spring. At 6’1 235 he had the size and athleticism to do so. I’m going to watch the Chris Hughes situation to see if Holmes stays at TE. What Holmes showed at TE was really good hands and a knack for short yardage situations. As of right now, I’d say he is a go to in goal line situations with the chance to earn more reps.

#4

Gus Walley (RS freshman)
Walley spent all of 2012 redshirting and rehabbing an ACL tear from his sr year of high school. This spring was fans first look at Walley and he surprised some folks. He’s a big target at 6’4 220 and moves well. He looks to be 100% recovered. Also showed very good hands. He was 1 of the guys who surprised me this spring.

#5

Artimas Samuel (true freshman)
Samuel was an early enrollee for the class of 2013 from Hargrave but was originally a 2013 signee. He was brand new this spring and he was forced to learn on the fly. The first thing that jumps out at you about Samuel is how massive he is (6’2 260). I do expect Balis to get him in the 240 range but Samuel’s biceps are still the size of mini basketballs. He’s just a big guy. He has good hands but is needs to work on agility (losing those lbs would help).

Analysis
TE has to be 1 of the strongest positions at MSU depth and talent wise. Malcolm Johnson is a star waiting to blow up. Hill and Warren are both really nice players. The versatility MSU has with the skill sets of those 3 is great. Walley and Samuel really set MSU up for the future. The wildcard is Christian Holmes. In the spring he looked to be a goal line specialist, so that’s where I’d expect to see him most.

MSU Position Group Breakdown: WR

I continue my breakdowns with the wide receiver position group.

#1

Robert Johnson (JR)
Last year only saw Rojo catch 17 balls for 164 yards and 2 scores but he returns as the top target at outside WR. He showed up for spring at 6’1 220 looking like a RB physically but moving like a WR. He is a huge upgrade athletically at WR from who was starting last year. Look for a big spike in Rojo’s production this year.

#1

Jeremy Chappelle (JR)
The juco transfer looked lost early in the spring but by the end I’d say he earned a starting position. The more he understood the play book, the better he looked. He’s got really good size (6’2) and plays really physically on the outside. His consistency with his hands set him apart. He reminds me a lot of Chris Smith but more physically gifted than Chris.

#1

Jameon Lewis (JR)

Last year Jameon didn’t get the reps he probably deserved but it was hard to take them away from Bumphis. As steady as Bumphis was, I think Jameon is much better with the ball in his hands. MSU needs a game breaker badly and Lewis may be the most elusive guy on the team. Jameon only had 10 catches last year but I’ll go on a limb and say that number quadruples.

#2

Fred Brown (rs freshman)
Brown had a coming out of sorts in the spring. He may not quite be there physically but he’s close. Brown is by far the smoothest route runner on the team. His hands were also consistent enough for me to think he cracks the 2nd platoon of WR.

#2

Michael Carr (JR)
After a year off, Carr returned to the team this spring and his talent immediately jumps out at you. Really smooth route runner and looked natural catching the ball. The longer he stays around the team and gets reacclimated,the higher the depth chart he rises. He has the talent to start opposite Rojo and that would make quite the talented, physical starting outside guys for the Bulldogs.

#2

Brandon Holloway (rs freshman)
The pint sized Holloway came out of the spring haven proved a point: his speed needs to be on be field. He also got a lot of reps at RB. Holloway does need to work a bit on his consistency catching the ball but make no mistake, he is electric with the ball. That’s why I have him as the 2nd slot guy.

#3

Joe Morrow (soph)
There may not be a WR at MSU that has more upside than Morrow. At 6’5 with good speed and great leaping ability, he provides the back of the end zone type WR MSU lacks. There is only 1 thing holding Morrow back from his potential to be great and that’s consistency catching the ball. He needs to work on his confidence.

#3

Fred Ross (true freshman)
Highly heralded 4 star recruit from Texas that has the talent to get reps this year. Judging from what I hear, he is tearing up summer workouts as well. He has the versatility to play either outside or slot WR. As of right now, I’d say he gets game reps in 2013.

#4

Shelby Christy/BJ Hammond/De’Runnya Wilson (true freshmen)
All these 2013 signees bring a bunch of talent and size to the receiving core. Christy is coming of a minor injury, Hammond played in a running offense in high school, and Wilson just started playing football so I expect all to redshirt. On the same token, I wouldn’t be surprised in the least if a great fall camp could get any of these guys in the mix. When you think about the athleticism and size of these 3, MSU fans have to be excited about the future of the WR corps.

Analysis

Although MSU lost a ton of experience at WR from last year, they upgrade tremendously at size and athleticism. Tyler Russell has to be chomping at the bit with these guys. They have much more big play ability. Rojo and Jameon could be stars as both were go to guys in the spring. Morrow is the wildcard to me. If he plays to his potential, MSU will be in great shape at WR.

MSU Position Group Breakdown: RB

I continue my breakdown of each position group today with running back.

Starter

Ladarius Perkins (SR)
When you consider all the jobs of a back (rushing, receiving, and blocking), there is zero doubt that Perkins is MSU’s best, most complete back. In his first year as the feature back, Perkins ran for 1,024 yards and 8 TD’s. He also caught 19 balls for 164 yards and 2 more scores. Perkins is an all around threat that make big plays in both the rushing and receiving games.

Co #2

Derrick Milton (soph)
As a RS freshman Milton got his first taste of action last year. He gained 165 yards and scored twice in limited duty. This spring he saw the most reps with injuries bothering the other backs. He used the opportunity show what he can do. At 6’2 215 and 4.4 speed he really has the tools to succeed. He is more of a slasher type runner and is very smooth coming out of the backfield as a receiver. The things he needs to work on are ball security and pass blocking.

Co #2

Josh Robinson (soph)
Another guy that saw his first action as a RS freshman. Last year he gained 335 yards with 1 score. He was last years 2nd leading rusher. At 5’9 215, Robinson runs like a battering ram. He’s got really good speed and hits the hole harder than any back on the roster. He showed up for the spring better conditioned and that looks to have helped his lateral movement. Robinson posses the tenacity to make a strong run at the starting position should Perkins falter. The things he needs to improve on are passing blocking and receiving out of the backfield.

#3

Nick Griffin (JR)

First thing I want to say is that I hate having him at #3. The guy has all the talent and work ethic you could ever want. Injuries just continue to plague Griffin. Last year he was finally showing signs of being 100% from his last ACL injury and then another occurred (other leg). A healthy Griffin has all the tools to be an every down back. At 6’1 230, he is the most physically gifted of the bunch. He has great speed for a player his size. He also catches and pass blocks well. The only thing he needs to work on is staying positive.

#4

Ashton Shumpert (true freshman)

Highly heralded 4 star 2013 signee that has the talent to earn some reps. The question is if MSU has the reps to give him this year. Shumpert isa powerful slasher type with good speed (4.5 range). At 6’1 220 he is already in the mold of an SEC back. I wouldn’t be surprised if he redshirted but he may be too good of a talent to keep off the field, particularly special teams.

Analysis

Although Perkins is the no doubt starter, I expect Mullen to spread out the load much more with Robinson and Milton getting more carries. The LSU/Bama RB usage model if you will. Robinson and Milton are a dead heat for the #2 spot. Griffin is such a wildcard. A 100% healthy Griffin could be MSU’s best back. Mullen will just have to wait and see how his recovery is going physically and perhaps most importantly, mentally. In most years, Shumpert gets carries. I’m not sure he will this year but he could be a major player on special team coverage units.

MSU Position Group Breakdown: QB

This week I will outline a different position group every day. I will give my guesses at the starting lineups as well as some analysis for each group.

Starter

Tyler Russell (SR)
There is no doubt who MSU will have behind center for this years opener. 5th year senior Tyler Russell returns from a nice junior year that saw him toss for 2,897 yards and 24 TD’s. It was a heck of a year as he rewrote some MSU single season passing records and his senior year provides his chances to break more records. In my opinion, Russell is the best pure passer in MSU history. He struggled with consistency at times (Egg and Gator Bowls) but his leadership is an asset on the field. Tyler’s career arc since high school reminds me a lot of Jason Campbell. If that comparison rings true, Tyler will have his best year at MSU and position himself to be drafted in next years NFL Draft.

#2

Dak Prescott (soph)
Last year was our first glance at the dual threat backup. In his RS freshman year he was used much like Tim Tebow was used in his freshman year at Florida under Mullen. Dak was a short yardage specialist and wasn’t given a lot of opportunities to throw the ball. Last year he threw for 194 yards with 4 TD’s and added 118 rushing yards with 4 rushing TD’s. He will challenge Tyler Russell all year long and I expect an expanded role in the offense. Next year is his year and this year is his last year of prep work.

#3

Damien Williams (true freshman)
As a 2013 signee, Williams provides much needed quality depth but probably not much more. Williams was a standout dual threat in the Louisiana 5A division which put him against top talent weekly. At 6’1 220, he is physically ready for SEC ball but he needs a redshirt year. Barring terrible injuries at QB, Williams will get a year to learn.

Analysis

You have to feel good about a starter with as much experience as Russell. He has been through it all and has a chance to be one of MSU’s most beloved with a big year. Right behind him, many fans are chomping at the bit to see what Dak can do. Dak is the prototype for Mullen’s system and hopefully he gets to show a bit more in an expanded offensive role. When you look at these 3 QB’s, its easy to realize that this is the best QB depth chart, talent wise, MSU has had in a long time if not ever.

Jameon and Quay Say “What Up” From Poolside

This is an old picture that was brought to my attention from the Instagram account of Jameon Lewis (I’m not even on Instagram). You should also note that is Quay Evans in the photo with him. It’s good to see that the guys get at least a little rest and relaxation after what Coach Balis puts them through in workouts. I have previously written an article praising Jameon’s work ethic.

Now for another reason I posted this picture. I constantly hear from Rebel fans that Quay isn’t a hard worker and is lazy. Some MSU fans are gullible enough to buy into that nonsense. Does that picture look like a lazy DT to you? Going off what I’ve heard he is doing great in workouts and that photo sure reinforces it. Some of these same fans I previously mentioned like to say Quay doesn’t work hard in the classroom. If you were in attendance at the spring game, you would have heard it announced on the jumbotron that he made the honor roll.

When people try to tear down players they’ve never met in their life, I like to respond with facts. When any rival fan tells you “what they’ve heard about Quay”, point them to this article. I’m expecting big things from both Jameon and Quay this fall.

Phil Steele Smokes Peyote

Phil Jackson told us, “well first of all, you don’t smoke peyote” but I’m not so sure Phil Steele hasn’t found a way. No one appreciates the mountain of information he brings more than me. One of my favorite things to do is find the head scratchers and wonder what recreational substances Phil Steele was using while he made these predictions.

Steele outlined 14 teams that have the makeup to win a national title and they are: Alabama, Notre Dame, Florida, Ohio St, Florida St, Oregon, LSU, South Carolina, Michigan, Stanford, North Carolina, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, and Northwestern.

The ones I have major issues with:

Notre Dame- Give me a break. They lost their elite talent to the draft, their QB to suspension, and they got absolutely boat raced in the NC last year.

Florida- Really good team that doesn’t have enough offense. Lost a lot from last year, particularly at RB but their road through the SEC will provide 2-3 losses and then throw in FSU…

Oregon- They have the players but lost Chip Kelly. They have to prove to me than can win without him.

Northwestern- good football team that had nowhere near the athletes needed to win a NC. Not even close.

Vanderbilt- I love what James Franklin has done at Vandy. That said, Vandy and a NC, lolololololololololololololololololol.

Now a few tidbits if interest to MS folks:

-Jordan Mathews and Mike Evans beating Donte Montcrief for the 1rst team All-SEC WR is insanity.

-How in the world is CJ Johnson 4th team and a guy who has never played a snap (Robert Nkemdiche) ahead of him on the 3rd team?

-If there are 4 centers better than Dillon Day they will have to show it because I don’t believe it.

-Tyler Russell not making the 4th team but Jeff Driskell making any pre season SEC honor is nuts.

Anonymous Coach Speak Response

Here is the MSU excerpt from Saturday Down South’s anonymous coach speak feature.

Mississippi State
“I’m thinking they [defense] are pretty good, or at least a lot better. On defense, they just aren’t as athletic as the top teams. Our defensive big guys were bigger than some of their offensive big guys. They can get pounded up front. Linebackers are average athletically. I think schematically they are always going to put up some points. It all depends on whether they can put up a defense that can stop people. It’s not effort, they just don’t have the guns…The quarterback, Tyler Russell, I think most people like him – he can be a little erratic but has some natural ability. He didn’t play very well against some of the better teams teams in the league. But he’s a good player.”

I’m going to beak this down line by line in hopes to add my thoughts and make it more insightful for MSU fans.

I’m thinking they [defense] are pretty good, or at least a lot better.
I agree. Our scheme will be an improvement over last years with Geoff Collins at the helm.

On defense, they just aren’t as athletic as the top teams.

I agree to an extent. They aren’t ultra elite as far as athleticism but they are plenty athletic enough. The read and react scheme didn’t compliment athleticism and was a big part of this issue.

Our defensive big guys were bigger than some of their offensive big guys.

MSU doesn’t have a freakishly huge OL. They are long and move well but aren’t maulers outside of Gabe Jackson. The spread scheme doesn’t suite the guys that can’t move, hence MSU has a slimmer OL. Through smart blocking schemes their athleticism can make up for a lack of size. Miss direction and screens can keep a powerful DL from just bulling ahead. In obvious short yardage situations this could still be a concern but I expect this to be the best MSU OL since 2010.

They can get pounded up front

The only teams that I see this as a concern are Bama and LSU. Lets face it, everyone gets pounded by these 2 to an extent. Doesn’t mean it’s an automatic loss either.

Linebackers are average athletically

We all knew Cam Lawrence’s value wasn’t being bigger,stronger, and faster. Deonte Skinner played out of position at weak side LB. Benardrick McKinney is a freak but was a freshman. I’m sure he was doing too much thinking, especially with the scheme. I expect him to take his play to the next level this year. Skinner is much better suited for strong side LB and is a major upgrade athletically at that position next year over Lawerence. Matt Wells is arguably the most athletic guy on the team, so that is no concern on the weak side.

I think schematically they are always going to put up some points.

I agree with this as well. In 4 years Mullen’s offense is putting up an average of 27.4 points a game in the SEC West which isn’t too shabby. Not earth shattering but better than they’ve done in recent years before his arrival. Scoring more points against the top SEC teams is desired though.

It all depends on whether they can put up a defense that can stop people

This will ring true this year. If the defense can make stops and force turnovers, they’ll be ok. Collins strives for negative plays which should lead to more 3 and outs. They had specifically struggled with spread teams so that will be what to watch this year.

It’s not effort, they just don’t have the guns…

I think they could play with more effort and fire this year. I also completely agree with needing more guns. MSU’s offense needs some guys to step up as explosive playmakers badly. I think the most potential to create more explosive plays are at WR (Jameon Lewis, Robert Johnson, Joe Morrow, Brandon Holloway, or Fred Ross).

The quarterback, Tyler Russell, I think most people like him – he can be a little erratic but has some natural ability. He didn’t play very well against some of the better teams team sin the league. But he’s a good player.

Most preseason articles talking SEC QB’s have showed Tyler some love. It’s deserved and I honestly think he has much more ceiling he can reach. His career arc really reminds me of Jason Campbell, all the way from high school to college. Campbell’s SR year is when he really took off. Against the top teams he did struggle as did the rest of the team. He needs to find that next level where he can elevate the guys around him. He also needs to work on his consistency as this coach said. Tyler was in the zone for the Tennessee game but was beyond erratic for Ole Miss and Northwestern. One thing about Tyler is that I have 100% faith that he will use his subpar performances as fuel to improve this offseason.

Gamecock Commit Says What?

Nothing better in recruiting than interviews with 16-17 year olds. They just say the darnedest things. Every year we here wild comments from these young men as they field questions from all kinds of media looking for a sound bite.

The latest comments making its rounds are those of 2015 highly touted DE Arden Key. The Lithonia, GA prospect told Palmetto Sports that the reason he picked USC over UGA was because,

“The academic part, it’s like you have to try to fail.”

I honestly believe Spurrier chuckled when he first heard this. Now the media is running with this and spinning it that Key trashed USC academics and alumni won’t be happy. Give me a freaking break.

The only people upset with that comment would be the Birkenstock shufflers (My favorite Bo Boundsism), who thinks the English Department is more important than football to the University. I honestly think Key gave praise and his comment will help recruiting.

Lets establish one thing. Unless you majored in something very difficult and specialized, there isn’t a dimes worth of difference in equivalent degrees across the SEC. The difference comes in the individual and what they do with their diplomas.

Moving forward, I’m sure Key was given the outline of what kind of academic support he’d receive at all schools he was recruited by. He obviously feels that USC had the best system to help him graduate. He may not have put it as eloquently as he should but what is the big deal on that?

My 2 cents is that all the folks jumping on these comments need to get over themselves. USC is a good degree and if he feels that their support system makes it easy on him as a football player, more power to him. In a few years when he makes his first sack in front of 80k at Williams Bryce Stadium, who is gonna not cheer because he isn’t being challenged academically?

Elijah Staley Commitment Thoughts

“I want MSU fans to understand, in my opinion, Staley would be the most talented QB MSU has ever signed, period. Most upside. Program changer.”

That was my tweet I sent out when Elijah Staley committed to MSU via vine on Friday. I admit that I am very high on the ESPN 4 star football prospect. At 6’6 and 208 pounds, his stature alone sets him apart. His cannon for a left arm sets him farther apart. His 4 star rating as a basketball prospects is a true testament to his athletic ability. Am I conveying why I’m so high on this guy?

Since everyone loves comparisons so much, I think he throws like a left handed Vince Young and I think he runs like Matt Jones. I have read that his 40 time is a hair over 4.6 but when he runs he takes those long strides like Jones. His upside is through the roof even though he is a bit unpolished. As an MSU fan who watched what Mullen did with Chris Relf, that is one reason I’m so high on Staley and his potential in Mullen’s system.

A concern is that being a 2 sport guy, he’ll never get to fully develop as a QB. I read in an interview with one of the recruiting networks that Staley thinks his future is in football. His words folks. The reality is that there are a ton of 6-6 athletic swing men in basketball but not many of those same athletes behind center. My personal opinion is that he will initially play both but go with football after a year or two. Just a guess by me.

I also like to look at his commitment big picture as well. Many Bulldog fans have had questions about the way Mullen recruits the quarterback position. It is a majority opinion that Mullen does better with spread quarterbacks that have mobility. The signings of guys like Dylan Favre and Nick Schuessler led many fans to question his strategy of why he takes pro style guys. Tyler Russell is in his senior year and when he graduates, MSU’s QB roster will be Dak Presscot, Damien Williams, and Elijah Staley. That’s all true dual threat guys if you’re wondering. Also, the top 3-4 guys on the 2015 QB board are dual threats.

Football Highlights

Basketball Highlights

Texas A&M AD Calls Out Bama

Aggies AD Eric Hyman grabbed some attention as he spoke at a recent booster event. The move to the SEC and subsequently beating Bama with a Heisman QB has lead the A&M administration to being pretty full of themselves. I love the attitude but one thing being in a conference like the SEC will do is give lessons in humility on a regular basis. Hyman told the crowd that the Aggies had so much success that the other SEC AD’s were sick of them and had “Texas A&M fatigue”. That wasn’t even the jab that got attention.

“What do the moon and Texas A&M have in common? We control the Tide,” Hyman told the crowd at A&M Club’s Coach’s Night.

I do not recommend antagonizing Nick Saban and Alabama but I do love Hyman ratcheting up the suspense for their September showdown. Kickoff can’t get here soon enough…

Fox Sports story here