Most Important Mississippi State Baseball Players in 2016

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Oct 11, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs fan celebrates after the final seconds of the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Auburn Tigers at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State Bulldogs defeated the Auburn Tigers 38-23. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs fan celebrates after the final seconds of the game between the Mississippi State Bulldogs and the Auburn Tigers at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State Bulldogs defeated the Auburn Tigers 38-23. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

Gavin Collins

Collins made quite a splash as a freshman for the Mississippi State baseball team. He hit .304 and drove in 19 runs for the Bulldogs while playing catcher.

His sophomore season did not go nearly as well. Collins was injured for the first few weeks of the season, and after he was cleared to play, he was never able to get 100% healthy. The Bulldog coaching staff believe they have one of the best hitters in the SEC when they have a healthy Gavin Collins on the roster.

The talented junior is moving from behind the plate to third base to replace the departed Seth Heck, and to to take some of the wear and tear of catching off of his body. The Mississippi State baseball team needs a dynamic hitter in the middle of the order, and if Collins is healthy in 2016, then Collins will give the Bulldogs the bat they need.

Next: Jacob Robson