Depth Chart
OFFENSE
Nick Fitgerald, quarterback
Fitzgerald proved he was the right man to replace Dak Prescott last season. During his first season as MSU's starter, Fitzgerald rushed for 1,375 yards and 16 touchdowns, and threw for 2,423 yards, 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Dan Mullen now wants him to improve his 54.3 completion percentage.
Aeris Williams, running back
The former West Point star started to emerge as MSU’s featured back on Oct. 14 against BYU. He then capped a breakout stretch with 191 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries against Ole Miss. Williams has operated with confidence throughout camp and is expected to receive about 20 carries a game.
Donald Gray, wide receiver
Gray (5-foot-10) is tasked with replacing Fred Ross. Nick Fitzgerald had a 120.7 passer rating when throwing to Gray last season, so the two are in sync. Gray’s total numbers were fine last year (41 catches, 709 yards), but he was held to less than three catches in seven different games.
Gabe Myles, wide receiver
Myles, mostly because MSU lacks quality depth at receiver, likely gets another shot at a starting job this season despite disappointing with only eight catches and 63 yards in 2016. Myles lost his job five games into last season, but coaches have been impressed with his attitude and consistency this camp.
Keith Mixon, slot receiver
Mixon has a prime opportunity to have a breakout season and the Bulldogs need him to. Mixon has a shot to be a multi-threat with his kick-return and receiving ability. His speed and improved route-running make him a good bet to improve on his numbers from last year.
Farrod Green, tight end
Green played in 12 games with eight starts mostly because of his blocking ability. He will be counted on to produce more on offense this season than his 11 catches for 121 yards and a score in 2016. Green figures to split reps with Jordan Thomas and Justin Johnson.
Martinas Rankin, left tackle
This season will define Rankin as a first-round pick or an inconsistent big guy. He was both in 2016, but the way he ended the season has many believing he is the former. With Rankin, MSU believes it has one of the better offensive linemen in the conference anchoring its group.
Darryl Williams, left guard
Williams has spoken with confidence throughout camp. That comes from his experience. After redshirting in 2015, Williams played in Mississippi State’s first seven games in 2016 before a neck injury against Kentucky ended his season. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 305 pounds, Williams brings more size to the line.
Elgton Jenkins, center
Center is a new position for Jenkins, who previously played guard and tackle for the Bulldogs. But MSU believes he is the most logical fit because of his game-experience, knowledge and communication skills. Jenkins ranked second in the SEC in pass block efficiency at 97.8 percentile, according to Pro Football Focus.
Deion Calhoun, right guard
Calhoun will shift to the right side to balance out the experience on the line and serve as a mentor to redshirt freshman right tackle Stewart Reese. Calhoun, who was limited in the spring, is versatile enough to play center should MSU have a reason to plug him in there.
Stewart Reese, right tackle
Reese has far less experience than anyone else on the line and will have to beat fellow redshirt freshman Greg Eiland to keep his job. Reese is physically imposing at 6-foot-5 and 340 pounds, but he still needs to work on his confidence and getting comfortable at this level.
OFFENSE
Nick Fitgerald, quarterback
Fitzgerald proved he was the right man to replace Dak Prescott last season. During his first season as MSU's starter, Fitzgerald rushed for 1,375 yards and 16 touchdowns, and threw for 2,423 yards, 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Dan Mullen now wants him to improve his 54.3 completion percentage.
Aeris Williams, running back
The former West Point star started to emerge as MSU’s featured back on Oct. 14 against BYU. He then capped a breakout stretch with 191 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries against Ole Miss. Williams has operated with confidence throughout camp and is expected to receive about 20 carries a game.
Donald Gray, wide receiver
Gray (5-foot-10) is tasked with replacing Fred Ross. Nick Fitzgerald had a 120.7 passer rating when throwing to Gray last season, so the two are in sync. Gray’s total numbers were fine last year (41 catches, 709 yards), but he was held to less than three catches in seven different games.
Gabe Myles, wide receiver
Myles, mostly because MSU lacks quality depth at receiver, likely gets another shot at a starting job this season despite disappointing with only eight catches and 63 yards in 2016. Myles lost his job five games into last season, but coaches have been impressed with his attitude and consistency this camp.
Keith Mixon, slot receiver
Mixon has a prime opportunity to have a breakout season and the Bulldogs need him to. Mixon has a shot to be a multi-threat with his kick-return and receiving ability. His speed and improved route-running make him a good bet to improve on his numbers from last year.
Farrod Green, tight end
Green played in 12 games with eight starts mostly because of his blocking ability. He will be counted on to produce more on offense this season than his 11 catches for 121 yards and a score in 2016. Green figures to split reps with Jordan Thomas and Justin Johnson.
Martinas Rankin, left tackle
This season will define Rankin as a first-round pick or an inconsistent big guy. He was both in 2016, but the way he ended the season has many believing he is the former. With Rankin, MSU believes it has one of the better offensive linemen in the conference anchoring its group.
Darryl Williams, left guard
Williams has spoken with confidence throughout camp. That comes from his experience. After redshirting in 2015, Williams played in Mississippi State’s first seven games in 2016 before a neck injury against Kentucky ended his season. Listed at 6-foot-2 and 305 pounds, Williams brings more size to the line.
Elgton Jenkins, center
Center is a new position for Jenkins, who previously played guard and tackle for the Bulldogs. But MSU believes he is the most logical fit because of his game-experience, knowledge and communication skills. Jenkins ranked second in the SEC in pass block efficiency at 97.8 percentile, according to Pro Football Focus.
Deion Calhoun, right guard
Calhoun will shift to the right side to balance out the experience on the line and serve as a mentor to redshirt freshman right tackle Stewart Reese. Calhoun, who was limited in the spring, is versatile enough to play center should MSU have a reason to plug him in there.
Stewart Reese, right tackle
Reese has far less experience than anyone else on the line and will have to beat fellow redshirt freshman Greg Eiland to keep his job. Reese is physically imposing at 6-foot-5 and 340 pounds, but he still needs to work on his confidence and getting comfortable at this level.
