Forbes Suiting Up One Final Time
December 29, 2022 | Football
TAMPA, Fla., - Emmanuel Forbes is on the cusp of becoming a very wealthy man.
But before the standout cornerback starts training to make millions in the NFL, he wanted one more opportunity to suit up alongside his Mississippi State teammates against Illinois in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Jan. 2.
"Without my teammates, my coaches and the guys that have put in the effort to mold me into the person I am today, I just thought I owed it to them," Forbes said. "It means a lot honestly to represent our state one last time before I go on to the next level. I just wanted to go out here and have fun with my brothers one more time."
Forbes is set to play in his third bowl game with the Bulldogs in as many years and has quite a postseason resume already. The 6-foot, 180-pound junior tallied three tackles and returned an interception 90 yards for a touchdown in the Armed Forces Bowl as a freshman, earning him a spot on the Associated Press All-Bowl Team. Â
In last year's Liberty Bowl, Forbes tied for third on the team with seven stops, including a half-tackle for loss.
In Forbes' eyes, bowl success is all about balancing the fun they have as a team with the work that needs to be done to prepare for their opponent. He believes this veteran MSU squad is doing a great job of that this week in Tampa.
"We're having a lot of fun but are locked in when it's football time," Forbes said. "When it's not, we're just enjoying ourselves and enjoying being around each other."
Forbes rewrote the record books during his three seasons at State. He is the all-time FBS leader with six career interceptions returned for touchdowns and is also the active FBS leader with 14 career picks.
Six of Forbes' interceptions have come this season, which tops the Southeastern Conference and is one shy of the national lead. His six picks are also tied with Mark McLaurin, Corey Broomfield, Izell McGill, Walt Harris (x2), Bill Crick and Bobby Bethune for the most in a single season in school history.
"Odds are I'll probably never have a chance to coach one as special and talented as him ever again," said MSU head coach Zach Arnett. "You probably don't realize that enough while they're here. Emmanuel is as good of a defensive back as I've ever had the privilege of being around. He really does approach it like a pro. He studies film and recognizes splits and situations that people playing on Sundays probably don't recognize. He's a special one."
Forbes came to Mississippi State as a freshman during Arnett's first season as defensive coordinator in 2020 and believes the Bulldogs couldn't have found a better fit for their next head coach.
"He's going to get straight to the point and let you know how you're doing," Forbes said. "He keeps it very forward with you and is going to be a great coach."
Forbes certainly cemented a legacy during his three years at MSU. As he prepares to suit up one final time in Maroon and White, he hopes fans look back fondly on his time here and recall the effort and consistency he gave on every rep.
"I just want to be remembered as a guy who came out here and competed his butt off every single play," Forbes said. "I'm not going to give up on anything and will battle and fight."
Upon the conclusion of the Reliaquest Bowl, Forbes will start training for the NFL Combine to further improve his draft stock. NFL Combine invitations will be sent out next month and the NFL Draft is set for April 27-29.
