Projecting Mississippi State starting lineup for 2022
STARKVILLE — Shortly after the sting of the Egg Bowl loss to Ole Miss, coach Mike Leach added a bit of perspective.
Mississippi State football might've fallen short two years in a row. But the majority of the roster will return in 2022 — all 47 touchdowns this season were either been thrown by, caught by or run by a sophomore or younger.
"Don't get too tired of these guys,” Leach said. “You're gonna see nearly all of them next year."
The Bulldogs honored 11 players for senior day. Seven of those were major contributors, including the starting center, right tackle and safety. That leaves the bulk of Mississippi State's starters intact for next season, although left tackle Charles Cross is an NFL Draft candidate, opening up another spot on the line.
Here's a look at how the Bulldogs' starting lineup could look next season.
Offense
Quarterback: Will Rogers
Will Rogers broke several of Dak Prescott's single-season records this season, finishing with 4,449 yards and 35 touchdowns as a sophomore.
He'll offer continuity under center for the Bulldogs, looking to build on a standout season in which he led the SEC in passing yards and completed 75% of his passes.
Running back: Dillon Johnson, Jo’quavious Marks
For much of the season, running backs coach Eric Mele described Jo'quavious Marks and Dillon Johnson as options 1A and 1B. There was very little separating the two sophomores, with Johnson gaining 423 yards on the ground compared to Marks' 397. They finished second and third in receptions, too.
Wide receiver: Makai Polk, Jaden Walley, Austin Williams, Lideatrick Griffin
Three wide receivers were honored on senior day: Malik Heath, Carson Banks and Brodie King. That group accounted for a combined 37 catches this year — or 7.6% of Mississippi State's total receptions.
The main group of receivers should all return, including Austin Williams, who has another year of eligibility.
Makai Polk led the SEC with 98 receptions. Expect the chemistry between them and Rogers to only improve with time.
There's also a slew of other receivers who will see plenty of time on the field, including Rara Thomas, Christian Ford and Rufus Harvey.
Offensive line: Nick Jones, Kameron Jones, Cole Smith, Kwatrivous Johnson, Albert Reese
The most turnover will come on the offensive line, with Cross a likely draft selection and center Laquinston Sharp and right tackle Scott Lashley set to graduate. Mississippi State could look for an addition in the transfer portal. The Bulldogs offered a scholarship to Florida International transfer Miles Frazier, for instance, as a possible solution at left tackle.
But assuming there isn't a major addition, Nick Jones could take over at left tackle, Cole Smith could slide over to center and Albert Reese could step in at right tackle. Reese, a freshman, played 25 snaps at right tackle, and Jones played 31 snaps at left tackle.
Smith played center for the Bulldogs in 2020 before Sharp supplanted him, moving Smith to right guard. Kwatrivous Johnson, who Smith replaced midway through the year, should return as a starter. And Kameron Jones should retain his position at left guard.
Defense
Defensive line: Jordan Davis, Jaden Crumedy, Nathan Pickering
Jordan Davis missed this season with a torn ACL, so he may not immediately return to the starting lineup. Randy Charlton and De'monte Russell will also be in the mix along the line, joining Jaden Crumedy and Nathan Pickering as reliable options.
Linebackers: Aaron Brule, Nathaniel Watson, Tyrus Wheat
The continuity at linebacker will be key for the defense. Aaron Brule, Nathaniel Watson and Tyrus Wheat combined for 23 tackles for loss.
Jett Johnson should also rotate in frequently. Johnson finished with a team-high 85 tackles and earned a third-team ALL-SEC selection, according to Pro Football Focus.
Cornerbacks: Emmanuel Forbes, Decamerion Richardson
Martin Emerson, who earned a thirdteam ALL-SEC nod from Pro Football Focus, could find his way onto an NFL roster next season. That leaves Emmanuel Forbes and Decamerion Richardson, assuming a transfer isn't sought to replace Emerson.
Richardson played in each game this year, earning extended time against Tennessee State and Kentucky.
Safeties: Collin Duncan, Shawn Preston, Jalen Green
Mississippi State honored Fred Peters on senior day, indicating the end of his Bulldogs career. But there's still plenty of returning experience with Collin Duncan, Shawn Preston and Jalen Green. Preston could take Peters' spot as the “Bulldog,” given his ability to help near the line of scrimmage in run defense.
Special teams
Kicker: Nolan Mccord
Assuming Leach doesn't seek a kicker in the transfer portal or trust one of the kickers from the tryout, Nolan Mccord is the likeliest starter next year. Mccord made seven of his 12 field goals, with his longest coming from 43 yards. Punter: Archer Trafford
Archer Trafford and Tucker Day split time at punter this year, but with Day honored on senior day, Trafford appears to be the main option next season.