Mississippi State football closed out the spring in high-flying fashion. The Bulldog offense prevailed in the Maroon and White Spring Game, defeating the defense 67-53 in an atypical scoring format. There were a few big picture takeaways to have about the performance, but what about specific players?
Here are five players that stood out in the spring game...
1. Quarterback Blake Shapen
How could Shapen not be on the list? The Baylor-transfer QB had an incredible performance, completing 18-22 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns. He showed great touch on deep balls, connecting on shots to three different WRs. Most importantly, he looked totally comfortable in the offense. Shapen cemented himself as the leader of the offense.
2. Wide Receiver Mario Craver
State's receiving corps as a whole impressed in the spring game. I could've chosen several guys, but let's go with the freshman. Mario Craver was one of four 4-star WR signees MSU brought-in this year, and that talent was on full display on Saturday. Working out of the slot, Craver hauled in five catches for 96 yards and a TD. He looked incredibly explosive and is a perfect fit for Lebby's offense. He will absolutely be a factor this fall.
3. Running Back Jeffery Pittman
Running back was a position of concern entering the spring. State has successfully addressed that with the recent addition of Miami (OH)-transfer Rashad Amos. But Amos has some legitimate competition waiting for him when he joins the team. Jeffery Pittman shined in the spring game. He ran for 58 yards and a score on 10 carries with both tough runs and some impressive burst around the edge. If he keeps that going in fall camp, he'll demand plenty of touches.
4. Linebacker Branden Jennings
The offense stole the show on Saturday, but there were still defensive players that stood out for the Bulldogs. State's linebacker room has a lot of production it has to replace, and JUCO-transfer Branden Jennings could be the guy who steps-up. Working at JACK LB (standup edge), Jennings had four tackles and a sack. He was great in run defense and applied plenty of pressure rushing off the edge. He looks like he could be an important piece in the Front 7.
5. Cornerback Traveon Wright
Maybe I shouldn't say he "stood out" because chances are you didn't notice him in the spring game. But in his case, that's a good thing. While MSU's WRs had the upper-hand against the defensive backs, CB Traveon Wright held his own. He was thrown at just twice, playing tight coverage on the outside to allow just one catch for a short gain. MSU's DBs need some work if they're going to be ready come fall, but Wright looks more than capable of handling one side of the field.