Wide receiver Brenen Thompson is someone that's relatively unknown to Mississippi State fans. The Oklahoma transfer, who played for Bulldogs head coach Jeff Lebby in Norman in 2023, arrived to Starkville in January without too much fanfare, and with the spring game being a non-televised, small-scale event, there hasn't been much of an opportunity for Thompson to enter the spotlight.
"I think he's set the standard of how you should operate inside the building as a transfer. There's not a better teammate, there's not a guy that spends more time, that is more accountable, that is more serious about being great at everything he does."
Being a leader in the locker room is not something you regularly see from a new face to a program. That's a role generally reserved for players who have been well-established amongst their teammates. But Brenen Thompson's actions since arriving in Starkville have elevated him to being one of those leaders.
"Brenen is a guy that is about the right stuff. He shows up every single day with great intent. He's an incredible teammate. As much as he works, he teaches, too. So all these young guys in the receiver room right now have really taken to him, his leadership, and how he's operated since he's been inside the building in January."
"It's an honor. I think all my teammates trust me and I trust them. It's really a blessing to be here today."
So how does one go from being a new face in the room to being a voice everyone will listen to, especially when you're just one of several new pieces joining the roster? Thompson says it comes through the bonding in the locker room and practice field during the offseason.
"I think it all starts in the locker room. And then going from the locker room, it all starts on the field. When we're out there and it's 100 degrees, and we're all sweating and dying during workouts, you really have to lean on a brother."
Showing the willingness to put in the effort to help turn around a program, even when you weren't a part of things the year prior, earns the trust of your teammates. But to truly become a leader, Thompson says you've got to take time to get to you know your teammates away from the gridiron.
"And then obviously off the field as well, getting to know them as a person, not just a player is huge. Not everyone is the same on the field as they are off the field...So just getting to know each and every player so I can help lead each and every player a little differently."
In the span of a few months, Brenen Thompson has earned the trust and respect of his teammates. He's become someone they can look up to.
Having an outstanding leader in the locker room brings immeasurable value, but Mississippi State also needs production on the field. Along with his leadership, Thompson is one of the transfers most expected to make a major impact offensively.
The speedy deep threat saw modest numbers last season in Norman - 19 catches for 230 yards and two scores. But don't let that stat line fool you. According to Jeff Lebby, the tape shows a player that's ready for a breakout season.
"When you watch the tape from last year, he's open a lot. When I had him two years ago he was banged up but he had production when he was able to play. So I'm excited about the opportunity he's got, he has a chance to have a great year."
Clearly, if Brenen Thompson's on-field impact for Mississippi State comes anywhere close to what his impact has been as a leader, he's in for a special run with the Bulldogs.