It’s Never Been Easy for Benardrick McKinney

Sep 20, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Benardrick McKinney (50) tackles LSU Tigers running back Kenny Hilliard (27) during the third quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Benardrick McKinney is likely enjoying his last season in the Maroon and White for Mississippi State. Most scouts have McKinney as the top inside linebacker prospect for the NFL Draft in 2015. He is probably going to go in the first round or second round of the draft should he declare himself eligible for the draft in the upcoming off season. So with all this potential oozing from the star player for the Bulldogs, you’d think things have been a breeze for McKinney. And you’d be wrong.

The defense for the Bulldogs was supposed to be the anchor for the Bulldogs this season. Some have said our defense has been bad, but others have said the numbers have been skewed because of garbage time points and yards. Even being the defensive leader of the Number 1 team in the country hasn’t been easy for McKinney. But McKinney has been facing challenges ever since he started playing football.

Benardrick McKinney did not attend any of the traditional football powers in the state of Mississippi. It’s easy to grab people’s attention when you are playing for South Panola, Brandon, or Madison Central. McKinney went to Rosa Fort High School in Tunica, MS. Tunica is known for a lot of things, but the exploits of their high school football team is not one of them. McKinney was a part of the 2011 signing class that was the result of mostly Mullen’s handiwork. It has been the lowest rated class that Mullen has signed since he became the head coach. Benardrick McKinney was a three star prospect, but there was no real consensus on where he would play for the Bulldogs. He was labeled as an athlete by some of the recruiting services, and was better known for his quarterback play than he was his play at linebacker in high school. People saw his athleticism and versatility, but they didn’t exactly know how it would translate in the ultra competitive SEC.

McKinney would redshirt his freshman season as most recruits for Dan Mullen do, and he would watch the 2011 team spit and sputter to a 6-6 regular season. The victory over Wake Forrest in the Music City Bowl would give the Bulldogs their second straight winning season. The player ahead of McKinney on the depth chart was Ferlando Bohanna. He was a redshirt freshman in 2011, and he played in 10 games in 2011 making an impact in limited playing time. Bohanna was tabbed by many to be the next starter at inside linebacker because he showed flashes of greatness in those limited opportunites. No one thought to ask McKinney about those plans.

During the 2012 spring practices, McKinney stepped up and showed that he was going to have a say at who would start the 2012 season at middle linebacker. He flew all over the field and was wreaking havoc in the backfield of the Mississippi State offense. His breakthrough came at the Spring Game when he stood out the most amongst defensive players. As the 2012 season approached, it was clear that the freshman had surpassed the talented Bohanna and would be the starter for the Bulldogs at middle linebacker.

McKinney has proven that the coaches were right to make the freshman the starter in 2012. He led the team in tackles both as a freshman and as a sophomore. Many thought he would have been a second or third round draft pick in 2014 had he declared for the draft after last season, but he decided to come back and try to improve his draft stock once again. He was viewed by most to be the top or second best NFL prospect in the SEC at linebacker. So you might think that would translate into being on the First Team Preseason All SEC team. Once again, you’d be wrong.

He was voted on to the team, but it was as a Second Team selection. McKinney still is viewed by some as not being capable of being elite despite the scouts telling us a different story. McKinney was just going to have to prove it on the field once again.

Benardrick McKinney has done nothing but shine on the field this season. McKinney already leads the team in tackles with 45, the next closest is Beniquez Brown at 38. Not only is he making tackles, Benardrick McKinney is making big plays for the defense. He is second on the team behind Preston Smith with 6 tackles for loss. McKinney has registered 3 sacks, forced a fumble, and recovered 3 of the 6 fumbles the Bulldogs defense has recovered on the year.

So, yeah, it’s never been easy for McKinney. It’s only going to get more difficult as the Bulldogs continue to push for a spot in the first ever College Football Playoff. No one expects the Bulldogs to get there even though they have been the top team in the polls for three straight weeks. Most people are projecting the Bulldogs to lose to Alabama and Ole Miss. No one thinks the Bulldogs’ defense can make enough stops to beat either team. I don’t know if those people are right, but I know McKinney isn’t going to let his squad just roll over and let the opposing offense just torch the Bulldogs without a fight. It’s never easy for McKinney, but he would be the first to tell you that is what has made him great.