For Mississippi State football in 2024, there will be a lot of changes. The most notable change is the addition of head coach Jeff Lebby to the coaching staff. Their roster is mainly new as well. This is particularly true for their offensive line, as they have added many players to execute Lebby’s open-ended offense.
Here are five Bulldogs offensive rookies you should be aware of…
Quarterback Blake Shapen
In need of an experienced quarterback to take over and manage his scheme, Jeff Lebby looked to former Baylor Bear Blake Shapen. Shapen led Baylor to a Big 12 championship as a true freshman and has passed for 5,574 yards and 36 touchdowns in his career. Despite his history of ailments, he offers a high ceiling when healthy and a skill set that fits Lebby’s attack nicely.
Wide Receiver Kelly Akharaiyi
Wide receivers with the ability to extend the field are essential to this attack. Exactly that is what Kelly Akharaiyi offers. He amassed 1,033 yards and seven touchdowns at UTEP last season, averaging more than 21.5 yards per grab. He demonstrated his legitimacy as a deep threat during the Bulldogs’ spring game.
Center Ethan Miner
State suffered severe early losses and used a lot of resources in the portal to replenish that unit. Ethan Miner, a former center for North Texas and the top transfer center in the portal, was their greatest addition. Miner played in an offense at UNT that is quite similar to Lebby’s and has a ton of starting experience. He will serve as the OL’s anchor.
Wide Receiver Mario Craver
In their 2024 class, the Bulldogs recruited three 4-star wide receivers, and Mario Craver may have an immediate impact. The native of Birmingham possesses exceptional speed, which this offense really values. He performed admirably in the spring game, and if it’s any sign of things to come, he’ll be on the field a lot in autumn.
Running Back Davon Booth
RB Davon Booth is just another example of the explosiveness that has been a recurring trend with MSU’s offensive signings. In the same scheme that he will play in Ohio State, the Utah State transfer rushed for 805 yards at a pace of 6.7 yards the previous season. Six of his touchdowns were from a distance of at least 19 yards. Before bringing him in, State lacked the ability to rapidly convert a three-yard gain into a thirty-yard gain.
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