HOOVER, AL–Sights were set on Mississippi State at the SEC Media Days event in Hoover, Alabama on Tuesday.
Senior defensive lineman AJ Jefferson said the Bulldogs have focused on the season ahead, and the new roles of the seniors on the team.
“I feel it’s not new,” said Jefferson. “The guys we had in front of me helped me to be comfortable being a leader this year.”
Jefferson said that going into his senior year he has a sense of urgency, especially since Coach Dan Mullen tasked with replacing the record-breaking quarterback Dak Prescott.
“There’s a sense of urgency. I got to get it done,” said Jefferson. “We know it’s going to be hard replacing him (Prescott) but there are four that could replace him, and they all could do something great.”
The four players that Jefferson referenced who are in competition for the quarterback position are Elijah Staley, Nick Fitzgerald, Damian Williams and Nick Tiano.
With his senior year ahead, receiver Fred Ross said the nerves aren’t getting to him.
“I’m more excited than nervous,” said Ross. “None of us receivers know who the quarterback is gonna be. Our job is to catch the football and make the play. We’ve got to trust Coach Mullen with who it’s going to be.”
Ross said his role could change, but with missing the spring, he’s not sure what his role is when it comes to mentoring the new guys on the team.
“I gotta pick up the slack,” said Ross. “I gotta be a leader to those young guys.”
Linebacker Richie Brown expressed comfort when working with the completely new defensive staff.
“They kinda know what we’ve been through..” said Brown. “It’s still Mississippi State defense, you know, I’m excited. “
Brown said when it comes to the new talent on the team, he’s excited about what the future holds for the Bulldogs.
“They’re really talented, and I’ve seen them develop a lot this summer,” said Brown. “They’re talented, have a lot of speed and it’s been a lot of fun playing with them.”
Mississippi State’s first game is scheduled for September 3 at home against the South Alabama Jaguars.
