Putting In The Work
November 01, 2024 | Football
STARKVILLE – When Luke Work arrived on Mississippi State's campus back in January, the early high school graduate didn't have any preconceived plans nor grandiose ideas about playing right away as a true freshman.
Instead, the 6-foot-6 305-pound offensive tackle took the simple approach of trying to improve to be the best version of himself daily and doing just what his last name indicates.
"I came in here clear minded to just work as hard as I can and not skip a day," Work said. "I just wanted to put work in and see what comes, and it came."
Came it did. Work is one of 14 true freshmen to play for the Bulldogs this season and one of four that has started. Those live reps are invaluable for what head coach Jeff Lebby is building and are a huge benefit for the future of the program.
"You have the ability to create a ton of experience and a ton of growth because guys are living it while they're playing," Lebby said.
Work has appeared in seven of his first eight games and has been the starter at left tackle for the past three contests. He earned his first career start on the road at now second-ranked Georgia and been the bookend protecting the blindside of fellow true freshman Michael Van Buren Jr. the past two weeks against Texas A&M and Arkansas as well.
"I'm blessed to be playing in some of these big SEC games," Work said. "You can't ask for anything better. It's been great."
Perhaps none of this would be possible if Work hadn't graduated from Lausanne Collegiate School last December. His early enrollment at MSU allowed the Somerville, Tennessee native time to adapt to his new surroundings during the spring.
Thanks to his commitment in the weight room, Work has packed on 20 pounds of muscle since his arrival in Starkville. He also poured over his offensive playbook and diligently studied the defensive fronts he faced in practice to understand what his responsibilities are should the D-Line switch moments before the ball is snapped.
The former U.S. Army All-American credits offensive line coach Cody Kennedy for helping expedite his development and honing his craft enough to earn a starting role in his first collegiate season.
"Coach Cody Kennedy is one of the best O-Line coaches in the country," Work said. "I trust him with everything to make me better every day. I love playing for him."
Work loves playing for the Bulldogs too. With most of his family hailing from the Mississippi Delta in Cleveland, Work grew up bleeding Maroon and White and considered it an honor when he received a scholarship offer during his sophomore year of high school from the legendary Mike Leach.
"It was a great feeling and couldn't get any better," Work said. "I grew up coming down here watching games and was around Mississippi State people and fans. It's always been a dream to play here, and I thought I had to make it happen."
