Maroon and White Nation
Fansided

WMD’s Mississippi State Preseason Preview: Defense

By Dakota Knight

Oct 24, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs live mascot bully sits on the sideline during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Wade Stadium. Mississippi State won 42-16. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs live mascot bully sits on the sideline during the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Wade Stadium. Mississippi State won 42-16. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Sep 12, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Nick James (88) during the game against the LSU Tigers at Davis Wade Stadium. LSU defeated Mississippi State 21-19. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Nick James (88) during the game against the LSU Tigers at Davis Wade Stadium. LSU defeated Mississippi State 21-19. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Line:

MSU’s DL is set to be a strength in 2016. The Dawgs’ DL returns almost every key contributor from 2015 and will gain a couple of very talented freshmen.  I’ll split the DL into defensive ends and defensive tackles to make this section easier on everyone’s eyes (mine included, ha).

Defensive End:

AJ Jefferson and Jonathan Calvin both return at defensive end. AJ was a force to be reckoned with in 2015 and led MSU in TFLs. Calvin came on strong the last half of the season to make a major impact. If rumors can be trusted, Calvin has had an outstanding offseason and looks primed to be a huge presence this season.

AJ & Calvin will be backed up by Torrey Dale, Will Coleman, Fletcher Adams, Anfernee Mullins, and Kendell Jones. Dale has all the tools, but the light has never quite come on for him. He’s a senior, so it’s now or never for him. Not many teams have a backup with his potential. Will Coleman was solid last season and will provide good depth. He could start without problem were someone ahead of him to be injured. Adams, Mullins, and Jones are all redshirt freshmen. It would be nice to see one of them step up and move ahead of Dale this season. If I had to pick one of the three, I’m going with Adams. He was highly recruited and it’s time for him to start making a push.

Defensive Tackle:

State’s DTs face an interesting situation in 2016. The switch to a base 3-4 means there will be fewer DTs on the field at once. And most interesting, the Dawgs really only have one player who fits the classic 3-4 noseguard. This creates a whole lot of depth up front, but it also poses a question as to how State will approach the NG position.

Right now, I project Nick James as the NG starter. He’s the truly classic NG you think of in a 3-4 at 6’5″ and 320. James showed last year that when he’s on, he commands a double team and eats space. He’s hard to move and really clogs up the middle, which is exactly what you want from your NG. This is Nick’s money year and I think he’s going to make the most of it.

Backing him up will likely be Nelson Adams and Cory Thomas. Adams is a bit smaller than James at 6’3″ and 305, but he’s had a really solid career for the Dawgs. I’m comfortable with him on the field, even if he isn’t necessarily that classic 3-4 NG body.

The guy I’m intrigued by is Thomas. He’s nearly as big as James at 6’5″ and 313, but he moves better. He showed some impressive burst and rushing ability at times last season. He could bring an entirely different dynamic at the nose along with the size to clog things up like you need. He’s just a sophomore, but you can definitely see his potential. It’s time for him to start turning that potential into production.

The potential wild card is true freshman Jeffery Simmons. He’s 6’4″ and 310 with a truly explosive first step. I think he’ll play this season, because he’s too talented to redshirt, but it’s going to be in a limited role. With three guys in front of him, it’s going to be hard to find consistent PT. Don’t be surprised to see Simmons playing a little DE some, too. Despite his size, the kid can MOVE.

Next: Linebackers

Home/Mississippi State Football