The 2024 college football season is about to begin, and we're previewing the Mississippi State football roster to get ready. Next up, we dive into State's safeties, a group that could be sneaky good this fall if a few players breakout.
Here's a look at the Bulldogs' safeties...
Who makes up Mississippi State's safety room?
Isaac Smith headlines MSU's safeties. The sophomore was a big-time signee for the Bulldogs last season but was probably forced into playing earlier than he needed to in 2023. Assuming he takes a second-year leap, however, and he could be one of the best players on the team. Corey Ellington, Hunter Washington, and Jordan Morant have been around for multiple years with plenty of experience. Former Kentucky-transfer Kobi Albert looks to make the impact last year's coaching staff thought he would prior to a season-ending injury. JUCO-transfers Brylan Lanier and Tyler Woodard flashed in the spring and have continued to impress into fall camp.
Reasons for optimism in Mississippi State's safeties
There's actually a fairly high ceiling for this group. There's a good bit more experience at safety than at other positions, and if the guys with the most potential breakout, this position could become a strength. Isaac Smith has the talent to become a star, and Brylan Lanier seems poised to make an immediate impact. With veterans like Corey Ellington and Hunter Washington still here, there should be enough quality options to put together a good safety group.
Reasons for concern with Mississippi State's safeties
It's been a theme throughout most of these defensive previews, but once again, we're largely banking on potential with the safeties. While the talent here creates a high ceiling, there's not much proven from this room. Granted, there are enough veterans that we've seen to at least create a baseline expectation level. But if the safety room is going to be anything more than mediocre, it would mean less experienced faces stepping-up, which may or may not happen.