Money Year: Chris Jones, Will Redmond and Bear Wilson
For college football players who have the NFL Draft in their future, there comes a point when they have to step up and prove they are worthy of a first or second round draft choice. After a couple years of development you’re ready for the “money year”. It’s the year when elite level players dominate the competition – the creme rises to the top.
For these three Mississippi State players, 2015 is their money year….
Will Redmond
Redmond will be a senior this fall but has only played in 20 games at MSU. In fact, he has never even started a game, but that will change in 2015.
At 6′-0″, 185 pounds Will has the size, coverage abilities, tackling skills and everything else the NFL is looking for. Jamerson Love may have been starting in 2014, but Redmond was the better corner – as evidence by who was on the field late in close ballgames.
His career at State got off to a rocky start with an 18 game suspension, but he’s got a chance to make a name for himself as a lock-down corner this fall.
Chris Jones
Nov 1, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Chris Jones (96) at Davis Wade Stadium. The Bulldogs defeat the Razorbacks 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Jones is another player who has received a lot of playing time, but only three starts in his career. That’s all semantics really as he was more talented than Kaleb Eulls or P.J. Jones but he came off the bench.
Chris’ sophomore year did see a slight dip in the stat line. He still hasn’t become the dominant force many State fans had hoped for when he was signed as the 2nd best player in the country in 2013. He has had three sacks each season and combined for 18 QB hurries – although a lot of that has to do with playing tackle instead of end.
Will Chris play more DE in 2015? That remains up in the air – but what we do know is that a player can make plenty of noise from the DT spot (look at Fletcher Cox in 2011) and rocket up draft boards. It’s time for C.J. to shine no matter where he lines up.
D’Runnya “Bear” Wilson
Contrary to Jones and Redmond, Bear Wilson has been getting his starts – 10 last year and 11 for his two-year career. He wasn’t projected as an NFL-type coming out of high school like the other two either, but his progression and 6′-5″ 215 pound frame has proven he does have a bright future at the next level.
D’Runnya essentially doubled his total yardage from year one to year two, and he tripled his touchdown catches from three to nine. After being the fourth leading receiver in 2013, he vaulted to the clear #1 threat in the passing game for 2014 and he’ll be the top target again in 2015 without question.
Wilson can play deep, post up in the endzone or be a possession receiver. He’s shown great hands with nearly 50 catches last year, and should be poised for a monster season this fall. With some other WRs taking the pressure off around him he should be able to open up and get close to 1,000 yards.