Crumedy’s Return A Boost For Bulldogs
November 09, 2022 | Football, Joel Coleman
It didn’t take the State defensive lineman long to make an impact.
STARKVILLE – One snap. That's all Jaden Crumedy needed to show how much of a difference-maker he can be.
The Mississippi State defensive lineman was forced to miss the first eight games this season, but the Bulldog veteran returned last Saturday against Auburn and immediately began making plays.
On the Tigers' first offensive series, they handed the ball to Tank Bigsby. Who was there to stop the Auburn running back? Crumedy, of course.
"He made his presence known right away and I really appreciate his hard work and how he got himself back and ready to go this season," State defensive line coach Jeff Phelps said of Crumedy.
Crumedy racked up three total tackles including 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack by the time the evening was through. He was a critical piece of a Bulldog defense that receiver Austin Williams gave immense credit to for helping MSU come away with win.
You better believe Crumedy was proud to finally be able to contribute again.
"It felt really good to me," Crumedy said. "I was able to put forth all my efforts for my team and it was a great experience to be back out there with my guys. I just loved it."
Crumedy had been grinding for such a moment for the last couple of months. He stayed in shape with conditioning drills, then got back on the practice fields during State's off week.
All the while, his Bulldog teammates were pushing Crumedy and encouraging him, eagerly anticipating his return.
"Everybody just made sure I was up and ready for anything," Crumedy said. "Everybody has been motivating me to be out there and be like I was before."
It bears remembering just how big a part of things Crumedy has been for MSU the last few seasons. He started every game in 2020 and 2021. Last year, he earned All-SEC honors from Phil Steele as he racked up 20 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, seven quarterback hurries, one pass defection and one forced fumble. Crumedy also clinched a win for State with a blocked field goal.
He was ready to carry all that momentum into 2022 before getting sidelined in preseason camp. However, Crumedy refused to let his setback keep him down.
"You have a young man that fought and battled over the offseason, then had an unfortunate situation come up and had to miss some games," Phelps said. "You hate that. I tell you what though, he came out and showed the type of young man he is and worked hard through the whole process to make sure he stayed mentally sharp. He worked physically to make sure from a conditioning standpoint he was sharp. Then [last Saturday] he came out and played great, Mississippi State Bulldog kind of football."
Phelps expected nothing less from Crumedy. For awhile now, Crumedy has been a part of the heart and soul of the MSU team. He still was, even while he recovered. But it sure is sweet to now have Crumedy back and making plays once again.
"He loves football, he loves Mississippi State and he loves being around his teammates," Phelps said. "I think when he was out, that was the toughest thing – that he wasn't going to be there to battle with his teammates. But to have him back and see him smiling and just enjoying football again, what a great success story."
