Spring Set Tone Behind The Curtain Of Lebby’s Program
April 20, 2024 | Football, Joel Coleman
New Bulldog leader has quickly built a tremendously positive culture.
STARKVILLE – Remember back in late November?
New Mississippi State head football coach Jeff Lebby was officially addressing Mississippi State fans for the very first time when he made a promise.
"It will be a show," Lebby proclaimed at the time. "And it'll be a show that a lot of people are going to want to see, and a lot of people are going to want to be a part of."
Fast-forward to Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium. The State faithful got their first glimpse of Lebby's show at MSU's annual spring game as Lebby's high-tempo offense and defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler's unit both provided an incredible trailer for the feature-length film to come this fall.
Yet for as thrilling as it all was to see, perhaps the most exciting thing of all to come out of spring is the culture Lebby has already built in Starkville. Sure, it's showtime at State, but behind the curtain of the show there's an unmistakable positive vibe that has taken over the Leo Seal Jr. Football Complex under Lebby's watch.
"Our very first team meeting, the first thing we talked about was the biggest goal for us getting through spring ball was to become a better team," Lebby explained. "Not an offense, not a defense, not a special teams unit, but man, coming out of 15 practices being a better team and being a closer team. I think without a doubt, we've gotten that done."
It's readily apparent to all those within the program. Good luck trying to find any Bulldog saying anything differently. All spring long, often unprompted, players have praised the atmosphere Lebby and his staff have constructed.
It's unique. It's stood out.
"I think what I'm about to say speaks for itself," senior defensive lineman De'Monte Russell said. "This is probably one of the best springs I've ever had since I've been here. I've been here with four head coaches…The energy is different. It's just a different environment."
And make no mistake, Russell means that it's different in a very, very good way.
It doesn't matter who you ask. State's veterans and newcomers all say there's just been something special happening.
Team chemistry is treasured in sports. It doesn't guarantee success, but it does better the chances at it, and it can be a lifesaver through the inevitable ups and downs of a season.
Well, it certainly seems safe to say, this team has that valuable asset at its disposal, even though the squad features many new faces.
"I feel like Coach Lebby did a great job in the transfer portal finding not only great football players, but just leaders," offensive lineman Makylan Pounders said. "Pairing them along with the guys that [were already] leading here, we're able to bring the younger guys on the team together. Everybody messes with each other. Everybody hangs out. Everybody goes to church together.
"Those types of traits are things you don't necessarily see in teams all the time…I come in every day and I'm laughing with these guys and joking around and getting lunch. That's signs of a good team coming."
Certainly, MSU will ultimately be judged by scoreboards and results, but there's no denying this spring a major victory was had in the intangibles department. It's a credit to Lebby and the people he's hired and the players he's put in and retained in Maroon and White.
"Here, it's about winning, but it's not only winning with the Ws [on the field]," receiver Kevin Coleman said. "It's winning with the brotherhood we're building. It's about the camaraderie. It's about the relationships."
So, when the Dawgs kick off for real later this year, they'll do so arm in arm. They'll be fighting for Mississippi State, and they'll also be fighting for each other.
That's precisely the mindset Lebby sought to instill over the last few weeks and without question, that mission has been accomplished.
"I'm proud of that," Lebby said. "Our guys have been intentional with how they come into the building every single day. We've got to continue to build on that, but I like the foundation that's been laid."
