Dawgs Don Pads On Day Three
August 06, 2023 | Football
STARKVILLE – The intensity level increased for Mississippi State on Sunday with the introduction of pads.
Following two mandatory practices in just helmets, jerseys and shorts, the Bulldogs were able to don shoulder pads for the first time in preseason camp which led to plenty of licks being passed back and forth between the offense and defense.
"Today was just the start of it throwing the pads on," said running back Jo'Quavious Marks. "You hear people hitting and contact being made. That cheered everybody up and we had a good practice."
The daily battle between the offense and defense is bringing out the best of both sides of the ball. That only intensified on Sunday when the physicality escalated.
"It's competitive," said safety Marcus Banks. "Our offense are competitors and we have competitors on the defensive side so we're just making each other better, especially today with the pads coming on. That's real football so you get to see the physical side of things. That's what makes it fun."
One unit that was especially glad to add shoulder pads into the mix was the offensive line. After two practices of being at a disadvantage, the O-line was able exact a little revenge and showcase their size and strength during Sunday's session.
"We've been waiting to beat on them, I'm not going to lie to you," said offensive tackle Kameron Jones. "It's been a while. The defensive guys are all fast and we have to be a little more reserved because we don't want to hurt anybody. But today we kind of let it loose."
The offensive line is getting some help with their blocking assignments this season with the reintroduction of tight ends in Kevin Barbay's offensive system. But the offense isn't the only benefactor from the change in scheme.
MSU's defense is also getting to practice against many of the same formations and plays that they'll be facing from their opponents this fall. Defending against the first and second team offenses running those plays is much different than simply going against the scout team.
"We're getting to see what we'll see every game week," said linebacker J.P. Purvis, who packed on 20 pounds of muscle during the offseason. "We've got tight ends now so we're getting to see 11 and 12 personnel and are getting to compete against what we'll see every Saturday."
But while there is a healthy competition between the offense and defense each day, the Bulldogs remain united as a team. In fact, they're handing out tips to the opposing side of the ball while practice is going on.
During the team scrimmage at the end of Sunday's practice, linebacker Jett Johnson instinctively closed a hole on the goal line to deny a touchdown on a running play. After the play, Marks asked Johnson how he was able to recognize what was coming so quickly.
Marks stated that he often checks with his defensive counterparts at practice so he can help the offense disguise their plays better.
"Every play, I'll ask them what they saw," Marks said. "I'm trying to get the defense's knowledge on what they're seeing and how they're shooting the holes so fast. I've asked them what the offensive line is giving away that lets them know we're running the ball or passing the ball."
MSU has three more practices remaining before its first off day of preseason camp on Thursday.
