Bonding And Busting Loose
September 03, 2024 | Football, Joel Coleman
Kevin Coleman made an instant impact, and it might be only the start of something special.
STARKVILLE – Talk about an instant impact.
One game in Maroon and White was all it took for Kevin Coleman to solidify himself as a can't-miss piece of head coach Jeff Lebby's Showtime era at State. The wide receiver and return specialist had himself a standout preseason over the course of the month of August, then when the lights came on at Davis Wade Stadium to start the 2024 campaign last Saturday, Coleman proved his impressive training camp was no fluke.
 "It definitely felt great going against someone else instead of my teammates and finally going out there and showcasing my talent to the crowd and fans and my family," Coleman said following practice on Tuesday.
Coleman's performance in MSU's 56-7 win over Eastern Kentucky has everyone eagerly anticipating what else he might do this coming Saturday at Arizona State and beyond. If last week was any indication at all, everyone would be wise to hold off on any bathroom breaks or snack runs anytime Coleman is on the gridiron.
Coleman caught five passes for 88 yards and a touchdown against EKU. He returned five punts for a total of 117 yards. The showing makes Coleman one of only eight FBS players to have 200 or more all-purpose yards in a game so far this season.
It was, by any measure, a special Bulldog debut, but it was precisely the type of thing Lebby was looking for whenever he picked up Coleman from the transfer portal in the offseason.
"Kevin is a guy that we knew had really good return ability and that was a huge thing for us," Lebby said. "As we were in the portal in December, we knew we had to go get a very electric slot [receiver]. Love [Creed Whittemore] and [the addition of Coleman] gives us the ability to have Kevin and Creed playing in the slot, both guys being return guys. So, we've got two guys there that have a chance to be really good players for us.
"I thought Kevin would have the ability to make some plays on special teams and on offense. [Saturday] he did that. So proud of him."
It wasn't just the totality of Coleman's day that stood out. It was the moments.
He had an amazing one-handed grab along the sideline – one that he claims he predicted to Whittemore shortly before it happened. Coleman called his shot and came through.
Earlier in the evening, quarterback Blake Shapen connected with Coleman on a 23-yard touchdown strike for Coleman's first-ever State score.
Then there were the returns. Those perhaps stood out the most as the St. Louis, Missouri, native zigged and zagged around Scott Field to pick up big yardage. In fact, Coleman's Saturday punt return yardage total was the most by a Bulldog since State great Kevin Prentiss' 152 yards in the 1998 SEC Championship game.
And how was Coleman able to do it?
"Practice and having a great coach," Coleman said. "[MSU assistant head coach Anthony Tucker], all praise to him [for the] technique [and] everything he taught me [about] working my eyes, looking the catch in and just letting things come. He always tells me I'm a great player, so let things come to me. Don't force it. Just let it happen."
The catches, the returns – all of it – had Starkville rocking on Saturday. Perhaps cheering loudest of all were Coleman's teammates.
There is no way to quantify it, but perhaps much of Coleman's early success can be attributed to the bonds and the brotherhood he's made with his fellow Bulldogs. A rising tide lifts all boats they say, and with everyone on the same page, that benefits all in Maroon.
Signs were everywhere of teammates' love for Coleman. There were fellow receiver Jordan Mosley's postgame comments.
"Kevin is a beast," Mosley said. "We run routes, and we work together every single day catching balls, so that's one of my guys. I lean on Kevin, and he leans on me. He's a phenomenal player that's going to do a lot of great things this year. I'm just happy to watch it."
Then, there was Shapen sporting Coleman's bling in the postgame press conference.
"[Shapen] came to me before the press conference and was like, 'Hey, let me wear your chain,'" Coleman said. "I was like, 'Here you go.' I loved when he asked that."
The love certainly goes both ways. The Bulldogs are big Kevin Coleman fans, and he's among his guys' most passionate supporters.
"I love seeing my other guys shine," Coleman said.
This coming Saturday night out in Tempe, Coleman and his brothers will get their next chance to put on a show for each other and all the State faithful once again.
Kickoff is set for 9:30 p.m. CT at Arizona State. The game is set to be televised by ESPN.
