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Mississippi State just keeps adding depth to its offensive line through the portal

The Bulldogs are making sure they've got capable bodies for the offensive line.
ByAndrew Miller|
Aug 31, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Caden Curry (92) fights through the block of Akron Zips offensive lineman Jayvin James (77) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 52-6.
Aug 31, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end Caden Curry (92) fights through the block of Akron Zips offensive lineman Jayvin James (77) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won 52-6. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Since the start of spring practices, Jeff Lebby has been quite vocal about Mississippi State football needing to improve their offensive line room through the transfer portal. He and OL coach Phil Loadholt have been incredibly aggressive about pursuing transfers at the position during this portal window.

They have already landed three prospects between Purdue tackle Jaekwon Bouldin, Virginia tackle Blake Steen, and UTEP center Brennan Smith. But they aren't stopping there, as another portal lineman is now in the boat.

Former Maryland offensive tackle Jayvin James commits to Mississippi State Bulldogs out of transfer portal

Mississippi State picked up its third offensive tackle of the spring transfer portal window with the commitment of Jayvin James. The 6-4, 310 sophomore began his career at Akron before transferring to Maryland last December. James reentered the portal this spring, ultimately landing in Starkville.

A native of Pompano Beach, FL, Jayvin James was an 82-overall, 3-star prospect coming out of high school. He signed with former Mississippi State head coach Joe Moorhead and Akron in the Class of 2023. James saw limited playing time that year, taking a redshirt. As a redshirt freshman, he played in every game for the Zips and made nine starts at right tackle.

A player with high athletic upside, Jayvin James had the opportunity to transfer up this offseason. He initially landed with the Maryland Terrapins but now, of course, will be a Bulldog. According to 247 Sports' transfer portal rankings, James has grown as a prospect, as he is now rated at 87-overall. James has three years of eligibility remaining and is viewed as a prospect that could play either tackle or guard.

The commitment of Jayvin James is more evidence of Mississippi State's commitment towards bettering itself along the lines of scrimmage. James falls in the camp of being a developmental prospect which makes it less likely that he contributes much for the Bulldogs this fall. However with three years left to grow and good athleticism, the ceiling is there for James to become a great lineman in Starkville, and at a minimum he provides more depth.

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