Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics
Compete, Compete, Compete
August 06, 2021 | Football, Joel Coleman
Bulldogs open camp with enthusiastic, energetic first practice.
STARKVILLE – Just inside the doors of the Leo Seal Jr. Football Complex at Mississippi State is a brand new vertical video board flashing images that serve as sources of both information and inspiration. In one particular graphic, an unnamed MSU football player stands alone with a one-word caption: Compete. As of Friday, State's internal competition is off and running.
The Bulldogs have returned to the practice field to get ready for the 2021 season. One day in, head coach Mike Leach is liking the enthusiasm, effort and, yes, competiveness he's seeing from his bunch.
"I thought we competed well," Leach said. "Nobody just ran away with anything.
"Saw some good things and people played hard."
For just over two hours, the Bulldogs started to get their football legs back under them. At times, as should be expected, it was evident this day was only step one of a long journey.
"It was very much a first day," Leach noted.
Still, there were early signs of strength; glimpses of a group with much promise.
"There were a number of [good things], so that was pretty good news," Leach said. "Several guys did some impressive things and they kind of took turns on it. That's kind of what you want to see happen. I'd say [defensive end] Jordan Davis had a really good day. I thought the two safeties, [Collin] Duncan and [Fred] Peters did, too."
Perhaps Davis, Duncan and Peters had seen those flashing lights when they'd arrived at the football building earlier. Their competitive drive was on full display on the defensive side.
Offensively, Leach began the evaluation process of his stable of quarterbacks which features the returning Will Rogers as well as six talented newcomers. As that undertaking plays itself out in the coming days and weeks, MSU's signal callers can grow using what Leach believes are some enhanced weapons.
There's an offensive line that now has a year's worth of Air Raid experience.
"I think that [experience is] very important," Leach said of his offensive front. "I think it's critical in that position maybe more than in any other one."
There's also a receiving corps with multiple returners, plus a host of new faces – both youthful ones and older transfers as well.
The result of all the new bodies? You likely guessed it. Competition.
"It pushes guys and it also gives us more resources," Leach said. "I think it's an improved group, we've got a long way to go though."
Luckily for Leach and the Bulldogs, time is on their side.
MSU has just under a full month to go before the season kicks off on September 4. In between there's plenty to be decided. Starting positons are up for grabs. The depth chart must shake itself out.
That's what preseason camp is for though. It's a place where teammates can try to outrun, out-hit and outplay each other. It's a place where iron can sharpen iron. It's a place to compete.
As such, it might not count in the standings, but consider Friday an early MSU win.
"It was a good start and it was good to get the first one in," Leach said.
The Bulldogs have returned to the practice field to get ready for the 2021 season. One day in, head coach Mike Leach is liking the enthusiasm, effort and, yes, competiveness he's seeing from his bunch.
"I thought we competed well," Leach said. "Nobody just ran away with anything.
"Saw some good things and people played hard."
For just over two hours, the Bulldogs started to get their football legs back under them. At times, as should be expected, it was evident this day was only step one of a long journey.
"It was very much a first day," Leach noted.
Still, there were early signs of strength; glimpses of a group with much promise.
"There were a number of [good things], so that was pretty good news," Leach said. "Several guys did some impressive things and they kind of took turns on it. That's kind of what you want to see happen. I'd say [defensive end] Jordan Davis had a really good day. I thought the two safeties, [Collin] Duncan and [Fred] Peters did, too."
Perhaps Davis, Duncan and Peters had seen those flashing lights when they'd arrived at the football building earlier. Their competitive drive was on full display on the defensive side.
Offensively, Leach began the evaluation process of his stable of quarterbacks which features the returning Will Rogers as well as six talented newcomers. As that undertaking plays itself out in the coming days and weeks, MSU's signal callers can grow using what Leach believes are some enhanced weapons.
There's an offensive line that now has a year's worth of Air Raid experience.
"I think that [experience is] very important," Leach said of his offensive front. "I think it's critical in that position maybe more than in any other one."
There's also a receiving corps with multiple returners, plus a host of new faces – both youthful ones and older transfers as well.
The result of all the new bodies? You likely guessed it. Competition.
"It pushes guys and it also gives us more resources," Leach said. "I think it's an improved group, we've got a long way to go though."
Luckily for Leach and the Bulldogs, time is on their side.
MSU has just under a full month to go before the season kicks off on September 4. In between there's plenty to be decided. Starting positons are up for grabs. The depth chart must shake itself out.
That's what preseason camp is for though. It's a place where teammates can try to outrun, out-hit and outplay each other. It's a place where iron can sharpen iron. It's a place to compete.
As such, it might not count in the standings, but consider Friday an early MSU win.
"It was a good start and it was good to get the first one in," Leach said.
Players Mentioned
DE
/ Football
QB
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