Getting to know Mississippi State’s new defense
Mississippi State will implement some changes on defense under new coordinator Peter Sirmon.
The Bulldogs will have an entirely new defensive coaching staff in 2016:
- Defensive Line: Brian Baker
- Linebackers (and DC): Peter Sirmon
- Safeties: Mourice Linguist
- Cornerbacks: Terrell Buckley
In with a new coaching staff, so why not mix things up a little bit? Here is how the MSU defense will look this fall…
Defensive Line
They’ll be mostly playing in a 3-4 scheme, which is a change of pace from the past. This group will be led by senior defensive end A.J. Jefferson who is arguably the player this D cannot afford to lose to injury.
Senior defensive tackles Nick James and Nelson Adams will man the middle at nose tackle.
The other starting defensive end will most likely be Johnathan Calvin who came on strong at the end of last season. Jeffrey Simmons could see some playing time here as well.
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Viper
This is the a new position that makes a 3-4 a 3-4. The guys here are Will Coleman, Anfernee Mullins and Gerri Green. The Viper will be a hybrid DE/LB role – they will either play on the line in a three point stance or close to the line in a two point stance. Their primary focus will be getting to the quarterback, and they’ll have the best chance to do so coming from a variety of angles.
Linebackers
The leader here will be Richie Brown as a fifth year senior. He’ll be playing the Mike (Middle) LB spot, backed up by Dez Harris who has battled injuries the last couple of seasons.
At the Will (Weakside) LB spot, I expect Gerri Green to anchor this spot, but redshirt freshmen Leo Lewis and Tim Washington will get a lot of playing time when Green periodically moves over to the Viper and/or takes a breather.
A new position is the “Star” LB. This is essentially the position Matt Wells played for a few years – the speedy guy who can cover a TE or slot receiver but also tackle with the best of them. J.T. Gray and Traver Jung will split time here.
Secondary
The safeties appear to be in fantastic shape with Brandon Bryant, Kivon Coman, Mark McLaurin and Jamal Peters. Bryant has taken center stage a bit as the leader of the pack but they are all very talented.
Cornerback is the question mark and at least two of the following will need to step up: Lashard Durr, Chris Stamps, Cedric Jiles, Mourice Smitherman, Chris Rayford, Jamoral Graham or Tolando Cleveland. There’s plenty to choose from but who will it be?
Overview
MSU’s defense won’t be completely different. They won’t be in the 3-4 all the time, but based on the personnel that may not be a bad idea.
Linebacker will once again be the strength of the team as they have the most talent and experience. Cornerback is the weakness, and could be the determining factor of how aggressive Sirmon can be.
Ultimately this side of the ball will still take from the philosophy of Dan Mullen as all Bulldog defenses have: minimize the big play. Like it or not, Mullen loves the bend but don’t break style. The degrees of pressure defensive coordinators have exhibited has changed from year to year, but through it all Coach Mullen has desired to save the lock-down defense for the red zone.