Dec 31, 2013; Memphis, TN, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs tight end Artimas Samuel (85) celebrates with Mississippi State Bulldogs offensive linesman Dillon Day (63) during the second quarter after a touchdown at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports
Rising redshirt junior Artimas Samuel is no longer with the Mississippi State football team. The reasons are unknown at this time.
Samuel showed some promise when given a chance in 2013 with 4 catches for 74 yards and one TD. He had really good hands and looked like a threat on 3rd down plays. He will be missed but MSU has plenty of depth at tight end. Juco transfer Darion Hutcherson, plus Seniors Malcolm Johnson and Brandon Hill were expected to have the lion’s share of playing time in 2014. Rufus Warren, however, has moved to tackle and Gus Walley’s ability to stay healthy has been in question so we aren’t totally stacked with depth.
MSU’s football roster was in need of trimming. I’m not saying Samuel was essentially cut, but some attrition was needed to get to 85. Quay Evans, Derrick Milton and Jeremey Chappelle have all transferred. Ferlando Bohanna and Dee Arrington are not expected to play again due to injuries. Jordan Washington was mixed up with Charles Siddoway in that burglary right before the NFL Draft so he won’t be on the roster this fall. Right after National Signing Day I did the math and came up with six guys needing to be trimmed off the scholarship roster not including Milton, Evans and Bohanna. We already have four in late June (Chappelle, Arrington, Washington and Samuel).
Best of luck to Artimas in the future.