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Mississippi State Football and Its Biggest Questions for 2016

By Justin Strawn

Dec 30, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; The Mississippi State Bulldogs flag is waved in the endzone after a score in the second quarter against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the 2015 Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; The Mississippi State Bulldogs flag is waved in the endzone after a score in the second quarter against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the 2015 Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 24, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Donald Gray (6) tries to stay inbounds as he is defended by Kentucky Wildcats defensive end Denzil Ware (35) during the second quarter of the game at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State won 42-16 Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Donald Gray (6) tries to stay inbounds as he is defended by Kentucky Wildcats defensive end Denzil Ware (35) during the second quarter of the game at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State won 42-16 Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

Who will step up in place of De’Runnya Wilson?

If Fred Ross decides to head to the NFL, the Bulldogs will have two dynamic receivers to replace in 2016. But for now, let’s just focus on the one we know won’t be back in 2016.

The good news for fans of Mississippi State football is the team has as much depth as it has ever had at the receiver position. Replacing the production of Brown will fall to Donald Gray, Fred Brown, Gabe Myles, and Malik Dear. One of those players will get most of the passes that went to Wilson in 2015.

My money would be on Donald Gray. He makes dynamic plays whenever he is on the field. The 18.4 yards per reception Gray had in 2015 was easily the best on the team. Gray is an explosive weapon the Bulldogs need to make better use of in 2016.

Just like the offensive line, the receiving corps could get a much needed boost from a current high school player. A.J. Brown is one of the most coveted receiving prospects in the country, and Dan Mullen doesn’t have to leave the city limits of Starkville to find him. He’s been a standout for Starkville High School since he started playing.

Next: Will Recruiting improve?

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