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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 /
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Nov 14, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker J.T. Gray (45) waits for a play to begin during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Davis Wade Stadium. Alabama won 31-6. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker J.T. Gray (45) waits for a play to begin during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Davis Wade Stadium. Alabama won 31-6. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

Linebackers:

As always, this position looks to be the single biggest strength on D. And with 4 of them seeing the field, one in the new Viper position, we get more of these guys on the field at once. That’s a win-win to WMD.

The heart of this group, and the D as a whole, is Richie Brown. He’ll be a senior this season and has been one of the greats to wear maroon. Richie’s athletic ability is good, but his football IQ is what sets him apart. He’s always in the right place at the right time to make a play. And best of all, he’s a natural leader. While he’s more of a run stopping LB, he’s also good in pass coverage. I expect a huge final season from him as one of the starting inside LBs.

I’m projecting Leo Lewis to be the other starting ILB. He’s got good size at 6’2″ and 230 with speed. After coming in overweight last year, he took his conditioning seriously during the offseason. If rumors are to be trusted, he’s completely changed his look. But most importantly, the changes have translated on the field. After being highly recruited out of HS and taking a redshirt last season, word is Lewis has turned into a beast. He’s been physical at the point of attack and brought the lumber on every play. I’m really excited about his potential.

JT Gray projects to start at one OLB spot. He’s a bit of a S/LB hybrid in the mold of Matt Wells and has had a very good first two years at State. Now a junior, it’s his time to shine.

I’ve got Gerri Green as the starting Viper OLB. He’s a sophomore and at 6’4″ and 248, built like a prototypical 3-4 OLB/DE hybrid. Word is that he’s looked outstanding in the role and is primed for a breakout year. He’s fast and very physical. Look for him to stick his hand in the ground at times to create a more traditional 4-3 look for the Dawgs.

Key backups will be Traver Jung and Dez Harris. Harris has struggled through two devastating knee injuries and has lost some of his explosive athleticism as a result. But he’s managed to make adjustments and developed into a solid depth player. Jung is a junior college transfer from Holmes. There has been a whole lot of buzz around him this offseason. He’s supposedly very fast, running a 4.3 40. I wouldn’t be shocked if he and JT Gray rotate frequently this season.

Next: Secondary

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