Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics
Bulldogs Report To Begin Leach's Second Campaign
August 05, 2021 | Football
STARKVILLE - The 2021 football season drew one step closer on Thursday as Mississippi State's football team reported back to campus to begin fall camp.
The Bulldogs, under second-year coach Mike Leach, will hold their first official practice on Friday at 2:25 p.m.
MSU closed the 2020 campaign riding a two-game winning streak capped by a 28-26 victory over Tulsa in the Armed Forces Bowl. The Bulldogs return 42 letterwinners and 15 starters from last season's squad.
Among those starters returning are sophomore wide receiver Jaden Walley and sophomore cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, who were the first teammates selected as Freshman All-Americans in the same season in school history. Walley broke the MSU rookie receiving record with 718 yards while Forbes led the FBS with three interceptions returned for touchdowns and topped the SEC with five total picks.
Also back for an offense which broke 21 single-season passing and receiving records are left tackle Charles Cross - who was a Freshman All-SEC selection in 2020 - sophomore quarterback Will Rogers, sophomore running back Jo'quavious Marks, senior wide receiver Austin Williams and junior offensive linemen Cole Smith and Kameron Jones.
State also has seven starters back on the defensive side of the ball led by junior linebacker Aaron Brule, who is the Bulldogs' top returning tackler after making 77 stops a year ago.
Second-year defensive coordinator Zach Arnett also brings back a nearly intact secondary that includes Forbes, junior cornerback Martin Emerson, senior safety Londyn Craft and junior safety Collin Duncan along with fellow returning starters junior nose tackle Jaden Crumedy and senior linebacker Tyrus Wheat.
Joining Leach on the practice field Friday will be a freshly inked top 25 recruiting class along with six FBS transfers.
Mississippi State opens its season by hosting Louisiana Tech on Sept. 4 at 3 p.m. and televised on ESPNU. Tickets can be purchased online at HailState.com.
The Bulldogs, under second-year coach Mike Leach, will hold their first official practice on Friday at 2:25 p.m.
MSU closed the 2020 campaign riding a two-game winning streak capped by a 28-26 victory over Tulsa in the Armed Forces Bowl. The Bulldogs return 42 letterwinners and 15 starters from last season's squad.
Among those starters returning are sophomore wide receiver Jaden Walley and sophomore cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, who were the first teammates selected as Freshman All-Americans in the same season in school history. Walley broke the MSU rookie receiving record with 718 yards while Forbes led the FBS with three interceptions returned for touchdowns and topped the SEC with five total picks.
Also back for an offense which broke 21 single-season passing and receiving records are left tackle Charles Cross - who was a Freshman All-SEC selection in 2020 - sophomore quarterback Will Rogers, sophomore running back Jo'quavious Marks, senior wide receiver Austin Williams and junior offensive linemen Cole Smith and Kameron Jones.
State also has seven starters back on the defensive side of the ball led by junior linebacker Aaron Brule, who is the Bulldogs' top returning tackler after making 77 stops a year ago.
Second-year defensive coordinator Zach Arnett also brings back a nearly intact secondary that includes Forbes, junior cornerback Martin Emerson, senior safety Londyn Craft and junior safety Collin Duncan along with fellow returning starters junior nose tackle Jaden Crumedy and senior linebacker Tyrus Wheat.
Joining Leach on the practice field Friday will be a freshly inked top 25 recruiting class along with six FBS transfers.
Mississippi State opens its season by hosting Louisiana Tech on Sept. 4 at 3 p.m. and televised on ESPNU. Tickets can be purchased online at HailState.com.
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