MSU’s Christmann, Thompson make SEC All-Freshman team
A couple of pieces of Mississippi State’s future earned accolades on Thursday after showing in 2017 that they were very much a part of MSU’s present.
Linebacker Erroll Thompson and kicker Jace Christmann were both placed on the Southeastern Conference All-Freshman Team. The honor was picked by league coaches.
Christmann became the very first placekicker in Mississippi State history to be on the SEC All-Freshman Team. Thompson’s selection marks the fourth straight season an MSU linebacker has gotten the honor, following J.T. Gray in 2014, Gerri Green in 2015 and Leo Lewis last year.
Christmann was nearly perfect in 2017. After he took over placekicking duties early in the season, he went on to finish 11-for-12 on his field goal tries with a season long of 45 yards.
Christmann also didn’t miss an extra point attempt. He concluded the regular season 38-for-38 on his PAT tries.
He benefitted from a redshirt season and said it gave him time to adjust.
“I think I’m a guy who needed a full redshirt year,” Christmann said back in September. “I took what I learned from last year and I worked at it all summer. I was here June and July. I went home, worked a lot, came in, knew (the kicking job) was open and had full confidence in my abilities. I guess it worked out.”
Thompson showed throughout the season that he is more than capable of being a huge part of MSU’s defense. He led all SEC freshmen with 44 total tackles. He also had four tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and forced a fumble.
On five different occasions this season, Thompson had five tackles or more in a game.
Both Christmann and Thompson will look to add to their splendid seasons when Mississippi State battles Louisville in the TaxSlayer Bowl on Dec. 30th.
Mississippi State’s practices for the upcoming bowl begin today.