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Mississippi State Football Spring Practice Overview: Defensive Linemen

By Justin Strawn

Sep 19, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman A.J. Jefferson (47) prepares for a play during the game against the Northwestern State Demons at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State won 62-13. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman A.J. Jefferson (47) prepares for a play during the game against the Northwestern State Demons at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State won 62-13. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
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Taking a look at each position group as the Mississippi State Football team gets ready for Spring Practice in 2016.

The Mississippi State Football team has spent the last few recruiting cycles building up as much depth in its defensive line as possible. Despite the fact the team is going to lose two starters from the 2015 team, the defensive line should be just as capable as ever at harassing the opposing quarterback.

Players leaving from the 2015 Mississippi State Football team

  • Ryan Brown
  • Chris Jones (Early Entry in the NFL Draft)

2016 Recruiting Class Early Enrollees

  • Tre Brown

2016 Returning Players and 2016 Classification

  • Nelson Adams – Senior
  • A.J. Jefferson – Senior
  • Torrey Dale – Senior
  • Will Coleman – Senior
  • Jonathan Calvin – Senior
  • Nick James – Senior
  • Cory Thomas – Sophomore
  • Grant Harris – Sophomore
  • Braxton Hoyett – Sophomore
  • Fletcher Adams – Redshirt Freshman
  • Anferneee Mullins – Redshirt Freshman
  • Kendell Jones – Redshirt Freshman

2016 Recruiting Class Players on the way

  • Jeffrey Simmons
  • Kobe Jones
  • Marquiss Spencer

That’s a lot of players for the Mississippi State football team for just four spots. So how will the coaching staff approach the defensive line for the spring?

The only player who will be considered a lock going into Spring Practice for a starting spot will be A.J. Jefferson. Jefferson was second on the team in sacks with five, and led the team in tackles for loss with 11. Outside of him, there are a lot of options for the Mississippi State football team.

Replacing Chris Jones will be a priority, and Nick James should be the favorite to do so.  James started to live up to his potential last season with three tackles for loss. He needs to get to the quarterback some more though.

Other players expected to compete in the Spring for significant playing time will be Jonathan Calvin, Will Coleman, Nelson Adams, Fletcher Adams, and JUCO transfer Tre Brown.

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Talented players like Cory Thomas and Anfernee Mullins are going to have a hard time finding time on the field as freshmen and sophomores. They’re good, but the Mississippi State football team is blessed with a wealth of talent along the defensive line.

And these are just the players who will be participating in Spring Practice. This doesn’t include the heralded freshmen coming in to Starkville. Kobe Jones and Marquiss Spencer are  expected to redshirt, but there are a lot of people who think Jeffrey Simmons will find his way on the field the moment he arrives on campus.

The Mississippi State football team is going to have fresh players on the defensive line all season long thanks to their depth. Lining up opposite the Bulldogs will be no easy task for the offensive linemen playing for their opponents.

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