Bulldogs Push Through Day Two
August 05, 2023 | Football
STARKVILLE – Zach Arnett's plan for preseason camp has Mississippi State practicing mostly in the mornings before classes begin on Aug. 16.
The idea is to avoid the occasional afternoon thunderstorms that frequent the area this time of year. The early starts, however, have given the Bulldogs very little reprieve from the sweltering summer sun so far in camp.
"I think the heat is great for us," said linebacker Jett Johnson. "It makes you make a choice and you have to eradicate those bad thoughts and push through. I think that's been a great advantage for us."
The excessive heat and humidity are certainly obstacles that every player on the field must overcome. It's in those moments that veterans such as quarterback Will Rogers and others showcase their leadership abilities and teach their younger teammates the importance of perseverance and what being a Bulldog is all about.
"Anytime you're a leader or a veteran guy on the team - especially a senior - you're trying to set a good example for the younger guys of how we do things at Mississippi State," Rogers said.
Saturday marked the second day for MSU to practice in helmets, jerseys and shorts during the NCAA's mandatory acclimation period. The Bulldogs are set don pads for the first time on Sunday morning.
"We're flying around pretty good and getting after it," Rogers said. "We're practicing hard. Pads come on tomorrow but I think we've had two pretty good days of work."
The positive progress State has made during the early stages of camp can be credited somewhat to the work that was put in over the summer. The Bulldogs held several training sessions over the offseason which allowed them to hit the ground running on both sides of the ball when camp opened on Friday.
"Having those OTA's during the summer have really helped," Rogers said. "Having a coaching staff that will meet with you freely whenever and go over the install or whatever it may be, our coaching staff has done a great job of that."
But there is still plenty of work left to be done before Mississippi State takes the field in its season opener against Southeastern Louisiana on Sept. 2. Until then, the Bulldogs are approaching things one day, one practice and one rep at a time.
"It'll all come together day-by-day," said wide receiver Lideatrick Griffin. "We're all still taking it day-by-day and really trying to dial everything in and make sure we're good and ready at 110-percent for the first game."
