Autry ready for time to shine with Bulldogs
There's good reason for at least some concern when it comes to the interior of Mississippi State's defensive line in 2019.
You don't lose a first-round National Football League Draft pick like Jeffery Simmons, as well as key contributors like Braxton Hoyett and Cory Thomas, without questions cropping up about the guys who will replace them.
All that worry though? That's for other people to discuss. Lee Autry – one of the men that'll be counted on heavily at defensive tackle this season – doesn't appear to be the least bit intimidated this August as he prepares to be a likely starter for the Bulldogs. Instead, he's anxiously awaiting his chance to make a name for his own self.
“It's just my time to go now,” Autry said on Tuesday, sporting a big smile. “It's time to ride.”
Autry's bravado should come as a welcome sight to those who root for the Bulldogs. He's now easily State's most experienced interior defensive lineman so it's likely a good sign that the senior doesn't seem intimidated by the tall task of filling the shoes of Simmons and company.
Playing in a reserve role to those guys is actually a big reason why Autry is as confident as he is. Last year, Autry played in all 13 games backing up Simmons and Hoyett. He recorded 11 tackles in 167 defensive snaps played. While Autry's on-field experience last season is a big reason why he's feeling good headed into this year, just as important in his mind is the lessons he learned from Simmons and the rest.
“They taught me just to be a dog,” Autry said. “Those guys were dogs. Everyone from Mississippi State, (we're known for) effort. We always preach effort. You never are lackadaisical. We all took that mentality and we pride ourselves on that and hard work and work ethic.”
It's a good thing Autry has been wired to work hard. This is no time to be lazy. There is a standard to set. Autry, along with fellow senior defensive tackle Kendell Jones, are the torchbearers on the interior of MSU'S line. Behind Autry and Jones there is a stable of young, very talented but impressionable players that need guidance. After Autry and Jones, every MSU defensive tackle is a sophomore or younger. Autry said he and Jones have taken it upon themselves to set a standard
for guys like freshmen Fabien Lovett, Jaden Crumedy and Nathan Pickering.
“We talked about being leaders and leading by example and being the leaders of the group and getting the younger guys better,” Autry said of his conversations with Jones. “(For us) it's just taking every drill and doing your best at every drill and focusing in and locking in on the small things. You do that, you're going to have a lot of good, young guys that can step in and play.”
It's early in camp, but so far it appears the youngsters are more than holding their own. Defensive end Chauncey Rivers has taken notice. Everyone already seems confident in what Autry and Jones can bring to the table, but Rivers said the whole tackle group is proving they could be much more dependable than what some folks might think.
“They're showing up big time,” Rivers said. “They've stepped up. (Monday) was a big day for them (at practice). It was to my expectations. They're coming along and showing what they can do.”
Autry affirmed Rivers' observation about the youngsters, even as he noted there is still much work to do.
“Everybody has been doing good,” Autry said. “(We'll know more) as we get deeper into camp, but right now, everyone is looking good.”
Over the next four weeks, Mississippi State will get a better feel for exactly where things stand, then, on August 31 when the season starts, the true test of State's talent on the inside of the defensive line will begin.
Autry is up for the challenge to try and keep up the same dominance Simmons and the other former Bulldogs orchestrated last fall.
“I just can't wait for the season,” Autry said.