For the Bulldogs
It was definitely a fresh start for the Mississippi State football program last season.
When it comes to the production from Mississippi State’s freshmen, there is an indication that the future is bright in Starkville.
It all starts with quarterback Will Rogers.
Rogers finished the season with a 69.1 completion percentage, which was second highest by a true freshman in FBS history.
“I am extremely grateful,” Rogers said after the Bulldogs won the Armed Forces Bowl last week. “I have enjoyed every second of it. I am going to take a week off and start getting ready for next year. I am excited about the guys coming in and ready to get to work.”
In nine games, Rogers completed 239-of-346 pass attempts for 1,976 yards with 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Once he got the chance to start against Vanderbilt, Rogers remained in that
role for the remainder of the season.
“The biggest thing is to get in and get reps,” Rogers said. “From fall camp until now, I think I have improved so much, and I think it is because of reps and repetition. I saw some action early but really felt like after the Vanderbilt game, and the way we were practicing, it felt different being around the facility and out there on the practice field. You could tell guys were ready and things were starting to click. I am
really excited about things where they are heading into the future.
“I am just blessed. We can’t get complacent and have to take the next step as a team. I am excited to get back into the weight room and doing seven on sevens so that I am ready for next year.”
Rogers distributed the football to several of his fellow freshmen.
The true freshman quartet of Jo’quavious Marks, Jaden Walley, Lideatrick Griffin and Dillon Johnson combined for 158 catches during the season.
Marks was the leading rusher for MSU with 70 carries for 312 yards
and three touchdowns. He also had 60 catches to pace the offense for 268 yards.
Walley, who had 52 catches for 718 yards and two scores, was one of two freshmen Bulldogs recognized on Phil Steele’s All-american team on Tuesday. Walley made the fourth team offense and defensive back Emmanuel Forbes made second team defense.
“We have some young guys that are enthusiastic and developing into gritty guys,” MSU head coach Mike Leach said. “We have to keep getting them better.”