Mississippi State Football: musical chairs at Cornerback
Mississippi State’s biggest question mark just became an even bigger one with some key injuries.
Last week we said cornerback was State’s biggest question mark going into the 2016 season after losing seniors Taveze Calhoun and Will Redmond. But that was with everyone healthy. That’s not the case anymore….
Dan Mullen says senior CB Tolando Cleveland is out for year with torn ACL. Says senior CB Ced Jiles has broken arm, out until mid season.
— Ben Wait (@bcwait) August 24, 2016
The general consensus has been Lashard Durr is going to be the starter at one cornerback spot, but Cleveland and Jiles were battling it out for the other. So MSU just lost their second and third best corners at its weakest position. This one stings.
Cleveland will be able to come back for the 2017 season if he wants to. He played as a true freshman in 2013 so this would act as a redshirt year (obviously he would get a medical redshirt if he didn’t have a regular redshirt available). Jiles has had an injury-prone career. He played as a true freshman in 2012 but gained a redshirt due to injury, and hasn’t been able to stay on the field for long throughout his career.
Who’s next?
Mourice Smitherman looks to be the next in line for a potential starting role. Just prior to August camp, coaches tabbed Smitherman as a guy who could and would play both corner and safety.
Jamoral Graham has a ton of talent and could get a lot of playing time if not become a starter. His playing time was limited in 2015 after his switch from WR which he played as a true freshman.
You would think Brandon Bryant and his 4.2/4.3 speed would be a prime candidate to play corner, but apparently Jamal Peters is more in line for a move….
Mullen said Jamal Peters could slide over and play CB as well.
— Ben Wait (@bcwait) August 24, 2016
I wouldn’t expect to see too much of Peters other than in a backup role or playing at the line in nickel packages.
Chris Rayford and Chris Stamps are a couple of guys who should see time on the field as well.
We’ll see what happens. It’s a little scary going into the year with such a vulnerable position group, but the good news is we’re playing USA, USC, LSU and UMass – none of which have QBs who scare you too much.