Mississippi State lands seven on Athlon Sports’ All-SEC Teams

Athlon Sports released their All-SEC teams earlier this week. How many Bulldogs made the teams? Where does Nick Fitzgerald stand?

Athlon Sports released their All-SEC teams — ranging from the first-team to the fourth-team.

Mississippi State placed seven Bulldogs on this team – one on the second, two on the third, and four on the fourth-team.

Let’s take a look at who made the cut and where Athlon Sports places them.

Jeffery Simmons – Second-Team Defense

Jeffery Simmons is quickly becoming one of the better defensive lineman in the SEC.

As a freshman, Simmons burst onto the scene for Mississippi State — making an impact for the Bulldogs in the twelve games he appeared in.

In his first year of college football, the former 5-star prospect recorded 12 solo tackles, assisted on 28 more, brought down three players behind the line of scrimmage, and even forced two fumbles. Needless to say, Simmons lived up to his recruiting ranking.

Simmons has all the tools and potential to become a first-round NFL Draft prospect. With Todd Grantham, expect the former Army All-American to continue improving and developing his game. Athlon got this right.

Martinas Rankin – Third-Team Offense

Third-team?

Athlon Sports selected Martinas Rankin to their third-team all-conference team.

The Mississippi State lineman is quickly garnering draft hype and high reviews from many in draft circles.

Rankin, a JUCO All-American, came on strong during the latter parts of last season. As he become more and more comfortable at left tackle, his talent began to flourish. Whether or not he becomes a top prospect, Rankin has certainly shown he is an elite SEC offensive lineman.

One question surrounding Rankin is where he will play this upcoming fall. According to reports, Rankin spent time at center during spring practices. The uncertainty about his ability to change positions would be justification for putting him on the third-team, but Athlon Sports has Texas A&M’s Erik McCoy as the third-team center.

They got this one wrong.

Keith Mixon – Third-Team Special Teams

Keith Mixon is one of my favorite players to watch. Every time he touches the football, you can expect exciting things to follow.

Mixon is Mississippi State’s slot-back and is used in both the run and receiving game. Keith Mixon recorded 334 yards — 7.6 yards per play — and two touchdowns from scrimmage for Mississippi State last season. While a small sample size, he shows great potential with the ball in his hands.

Mixon returned 11 kicks for 277 yards last season. He averaged 25 yards per return. With Brandon Holloway gone, expect to see Mixon’s role increase in special teams.

Overall, Athlon got it right.

Nick Fitzgerald – Fourth-Team Offense

Yes, Nick Fitzgerald was selected to Athlon Sports’ fourth-team. The SEC’s leader in total offense was not named to the first, second, or even third team. Wow.

Nick Fitzgerald excelled in his first year as the starting quarterback in Dan Mullen’s system. The 6’5″ signal caller totaled 2,658 yards and 24 touchdowns (to 10 interceptions) last season. Oh, and he also added 1,502 yards — third most by a quarterback in SEC history — and 19 more touchdowns on the ground.

Yet, all of that earned him fourth-team honors. Athlon has Alabama’s Jalen Hurts (1st), Auburn transfer Jarrett Stidham (2nd), and Arkansas’ Austin Allen (3rd) ahead of Fitz.

Fitz was — undoubtedly — snubbed.

Donald Gray – Fourth-Team Offense

Donald Gray has the potential to become an electrifying receiver for Nick Fitzgerald during the upcoming season.

Gray grabbed 41 passes for 709 yards and 5 touchdowns last season. While Fred Ross was the primary receiver, Gray still showed flashes of his talent. His big moment was against Samford, where number six recorded 207 yards and three touchdowns.

I expect Gray to have a big year, but the SEC is loaded at the receiver position.

Leo Lewis – Fourth-Team Defense

Leo Lewis is coming off an All-SEC Freshman season. The former UnderArmour All-American immediately became one of Mississippi State’s best players, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

The Brookhaven native racked up 79 tackles, five tackles for a loss, and even got to the quarterback once. The linebacker position is one of the strengths of Mississippi State’s team and Lewis is a big reason why.

With an off-season learning under Todd Grantham, Lewis should continue to flourish in Mississippi State’s defense. Fourth-team is too low.

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Brandon Bryant – Fourth-Team Defense

As a freshman, Brandon Bryant showed flashes of big time stardom. The blazing fast defensive back was always all over the field and even returned a punt for a touchdown.

Bryant’s second season was a different story.

Whether it was off-the-field concerns, injuries, or just a down season (it happens), Bryant did not live up to his first-year campaign.

Under a new defensive staff and another off-season, expect to see Bryant return to his freshman self and have a big impact for the Bulldogs this season. Athlon got this right.