Mississippi State Football: Rankin, Gray, Harris attending SEC Media Days

Mississippi State heads to Hoover for SEC Media Days next week. Dan Mullen will bring three seniors with him next Tuesday.

As the summer rolls on, Mississippi State and the SEC prepare for SEC Media Days in Hoover, Alabama at the Wynfrey Hotel. The event will be held from Monday, July 10th to Thursday, July 13th. Dan Mullen and the Mississippi State Bulldogs will join Florida, Georgia, and Vanderbilt on Tuesday.

Today, the players that will be attending media days was released. NFL writer Chase Goodbread tweeted the attendees out:

There was one surprise on Mississippi State’s end: no Nick Fitzgerald.

There was one surprise on Mississippi State’s end: no Nick Fitzgerald.

The redshirt-junior is entering his second season as the starting quarterback for Mississippi State. Fitz led the entire SEC in total offense last season, and he is considered by some to be the best quaterback in the conference.

However, Fitzgerald will not be making the flight from Starkville to Hoover next week. Instead, senior receiver Donald Gray, senior offensive tackle Martinas Rankin, and senior linebacker Dez Harris will accompany coach Mullen.

Donald Gray will be asked to step in a big way this fall. Following the departure of leading receiver Fred Ross, Mississippi State is left with question marks out wide. Fortunately, the dynamic Gray returns and will be the go-to guy for Fitzgerald in 2017. Gray has the ability to line up both in the slot and out wide, making him a dangerous weapon for Mullen’s offense.

Martinas Rankin has been in the news for two different reasons this offseason. First, it was reported that the offensive tackle was practicing at center throughout the spring. After protecting Fitz’s blind side last season, would the Bulldogs move Rankin to center? It is a strong possibility. Especially with State pursuing former Texas offensive tackle Brandon Hodges.

Rankin has also seen his name in numerous first-round mock drafts. The 6’5″ and 300 pounds offensive lineman was a JUCO All-American before arriving in Starkville. Whether it was Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller or ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., many in draft circles are high on the Mississippi State tackle (or center?).

Dez Harris is the third senior that will be on the flight from Starkville to Birmingham with Mullen. Harris will be a key part in building Todd Grantham’s physical and aggressive defense this fall. He looks to make a big impact for the Bulldogs in his final collegiate season.

Next: Getting to know Texas A&M

Maroon and White Nation will provide full coverage on Mississippi State’s media days.