The five best players of the Jackie Sherrill era for Mississippi State football
Jackie Sherrill is a legend in Starkville. He's the winningest coach in Mississippi State football history and led the Bulldogs to their only trip to the SEC Championship Game in 1998. "The Kang" had no shortage of elite talent throughout his time at State.
Here are the five best players from his tenure as head coach...
Wide Receiver Eric Moulds
There's no debating who the greatest wide receiver in Mississippi State history is. No other Bulldog wideout has had the combination of size, speed, and athleticism that Eric Moulds displayed. Moulds hauled in over 2,000 yards and 17 touchdowns in his career. A 1st round in the 1996 NFL Draft, he spent 12 incredible seasons in the pros, making three Pro Bowls.
Cornerback Fred Smoot
Both one of the greatest and most beloved Bulldogs of all time, Fred Smoot could arguably make the list merely for his ability as a trash talker. But he backed up that talk on the field. In two seasons, Smoot recorded 10 interceptions with 28 deflections and 102 tackles, helping lead the nation's #1 defense in 1999. Smoot was a 1st Team All American in 2000 and had a strong NFL career.
Running Back J.J. Johnson
J.J. Johnson played a pivotal role in sparking one of the greatest runs in school history. In two seasons, East Mississippi CC transfer ran for 2,452 yards and 24 touchdowns, earning 1st Team All-SEC honors in 1998. Johnson helped carry the Bulldogs to winning a SEC West title in '98 and will forever be a legend because of that.
Offensive Lineman Floyd Womack
One of the most decorated lineman in MSU history also owned arguably the best nickname. "Pork Chop" Womack anchored the Bulldog OL during a legendary run that featured a '98 SEC West title, a '99 10-win season, and three bowl appearances. The 2000 1st Team All-American spent over a decade in the NFL.
Cornerback Walt Harris
State has a pedigree for elite defensive backs, and before Fred Smoot "covered 1/3 of the world", Walt Harris led the way at CB. Harris picked-off a school record 16 passes in his career and earned multiple All-SEC honors. He was a 1st round pick in the 1996 NFL Draft and played 13 seasons in the NFL, making a Pro Bowl in 2006.