Reese Relishes Latest Honor

STARKVILLE – One last time in 2024, the cowbells will be ringing in Davis Wade Stadium this weekend. The Bulldogs host Missouri at 3:15 p.m. on Saturday to conclude the home slate.

It will certainly be a special day for the seniors to play their final game on Scott Field. Albert Reese IV will surely have a memorable contest as well, as the junior offensive lineman puts on the Maroon and White for the first time since being named the recipient of this year's Kent Hull Trophy earlier this week.

The Kent Hull Trophy is presented annually to the best college offensive lineman in the state of Mississippi, and Reese is proud to be bestowed the award.

"It's an absolute honor," Reese said. "[Kent Hull] was a great player for us, well before I was around. It's an absolute honor for me to be presented that. I'm excited to go to the [presentation event in December]."

The native of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada has been a stalwart during his years at State. He has appeared in the last 35 games, starting every contest this season. Reese has displayed his versatility by switching between guard and tackle throughout the year.

Reese's head coach showered him with high praise.

"He's a guy that has been incredibly steady and unselfish," Jeff Lebby said. "He's the model of consistency, is hard on himself and has his best football ahead of him. I believe that, and what he is today and what he has a chance to be is pretty dang special. Proud of him for that and proud of exactly who he's been throughout this entire year."

Reese was pleasantly surprised by the honor. Always being a team-first player, he was not aware of his selection until teammates told him.

"I'm not constantly thinking about things outside of doing whatever I can to help my team win," Reese said. "It was a very pleasant surprise when I was getting some congratulations, and I was like, 'For what?' I didn't hear anything about it at first, but it was nice to hear."

Members of the Kent Hull Trophy's selection committee include NFL scouts. Many of the past recipients have gone on to have NFL careers—such as former Bulldogs Gabe Jackson, Justin Senior, Martinas Rankin, Elgton Jenkins and Charles Cross. Cole Smith represented MSU when he won the award last year.

The honor's significance is not lost on Reese.

"[NFL scouts] obviously have a lot of knowledge on how the game is played," Reese said. "Getting respect from them is huge. It's very inspiring to keep working and keep chipping."

Reese's recognition as the Kent Hull Trophy winner is undoubtedly special to him, but what he wants most of all is a victory on Saturday.

"I love gearing up in Davis Wade and hearing those cowbells," Reese said. "Unfortunately for us, it's our last go-round at home this season, so we need to end on a high note."

Mississippi State University Athletics

Players Mentioned

Albert Reese IV

Cole Smith

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