Mississippi State Football: 10 players that need to step up

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 3, 2016; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Brandon Holloway (10) dives into the end zone during the second quarter of the game against the South Alabama Jaguars at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

There are some really talented players for Mississippi State that need to step up if the 2016 team is going to make a mark.

When you lose the likes of Dak Prescott, De’Runnya Wilson, Chris Jones, Beniquez Brown and Will Redmond among others, you need some talented guys coming in behind them or you’re going to slip off.

While Dan Mullen’s recruiting classes haven’t been in the top half of the SEC, there have been some key players brought in each year with a lot of talent. The hope is that these players are able to step up to fill a major void left by the ones who came before.

I’ve complied a list of 10 players on Mississippi State’s football team who need to step up. The main reason is that they are extremely talented and that needs to translate to the field in order for the Bulldogs to be successful. The secondary season a player would be listed is that success at their position is critical to the team’s success.

First, I’m going to start with three guys on the offensive line: 10. Deion Calhoun, 9. Devon Desper and 8. Jamaal Clayborn.

You could argue that Jamaal Clayborn is playing just fine so he shouldn’t be included on this list, but he is the leader of the offensive line as a senior Center. As an interior lineman like all three of these guys are, he is getting thrown in the mix because State needs to run the ball better.

I’m not going to include any running backs because ultimately I don’t think Coach Mullen is going to give any of them the carries they need to get into a rhythm. So it’s going to be up to the road graders to create success on the ground.

There have been arguments to suggest that MSU’s offensive line played fine vs. South Alabama. While the Bulldogs did rush for 239 yards in that game, most of them were on runs to the outside. Fred Ross broke a big 46 yard run, Holloway had a few nice rushes towards the sideline, and then there were the QB scrambles and draws.

As far as running backs gaining yards in between the tackles? It didn’t happen. That’s why these three guys need to step up for MSU.

Dec 30, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack quarterback Jacoby Brissett (12) runs the ball while Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Brandon Bryant (20) pursues during the third quarter in the 2015 Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. The Bulldogs defeated the Wolfpack 51-28. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

7. Brandon Bryant

How many months has everyone been gushing about Mississippi State’s safeties? It’s true – they are very athletic. They look good in a uniform (according to the woman who sat in the row behind me). But they didn’t play well at all in Week 1. Brandon Bryant is the leader of that group.

We know Bryant can play. He did very well last year as a redshirt freshman. I know he will do well this year, so the reason I’m suggesting he needs to step up is because he needs to be very consistent with his play and become the leader of the defense.

A.J. Jefferson is the best player on the D-line but he’s not out there but just over half the plays during a game. Richie Brown is more of a quiet leader. Bryant needs to be that vocal guy.

Sep 19, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Malik Dear (22) gets past Northwestern State Demons safety Adam Jones (3) during the second half at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State won 62-13. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

6. Malik Dear

I don’t know why Malik Dear was suspended for Week 1 but he was, and the offense could have used him. Perhaps special teams too.

This guy showed flashes of brilliance as a rusher and receiver in 2015. I am really excited to see what kind of spark he can bring to the table in 2016.

Dear owes the team one after being suspended vs. USA. He needs to step up as a sophomore and really turn into a dynamic play-maker for MSU. Hopefully he’ll get 8-10 touches vs. South Carolina.

Dec 30, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Brandon Bryant (20) celebrates with defensive back Jamoral Graham (9) after an interception in the first quarter against the first quarter against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the 2015 Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

5. Jamoral Graham

It’s hard to believe because it seems like he just got here, but Smokey is a junior. I’m a huge fan of his skill set but he’s yet to really make an impact at Mississippi State.

Now at cornerback, Graham has a chance to make a name for himself due to some key injuries at that position. He’s got the talent to become a really good SEC defensive back, the question is will he be able to do it.

This is the weakest position on the field, made worse that the secondary was the weakest unit on the field in Week 1. With Smokey’s ability he really needs to take the next step.

Sep 19, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen walks through warmups prior to the game against the Northwestern State Demons at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

4. Jeffrey Simmons

Ordinary I’d scoff at saying a true freshman needs to step up, but in the case of Jeffrey Simmons, I don’t feel too bad about it.

First off, he caused the program and university a lot of grief with his off-the-field incident in the spring. Second, he’s a 5-star recruit who is generally considered ready to play college football……so let’s do it.

If Mullen will allow him to, Simmons is a guy who could start (or, take the most snaps) at one defensive end spot. It would be a huge step in the right direction if he lives up to the hype as a freshman.

Oct 10, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Troy Trojans running back Brandon Burks (32) runs the ball as wide receiver Teddy Ruben (7) blocks Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Jamal Peters (12) during the second half of the game at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State won 45-17. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jamal Peters

Jamal Peters was rated as one of the best defensive players in the country coming out of high school in 2015. He showed glimpses of that talent in 2015 as a true freshman, and he’s expected to take another step forward as a sophomore.

But in game one, Peters did not see the field as a defensive back. What happened? Either he was in the dog house or Peter Sirmon deemed him not good enough / ready to play.

Peters did see the field on some special teams plays, but that’s not why he’s at MSU. At safety or maybe a nickel corner, we need Peters to be on the field as he’s a supremely talented football player.

Sep 12, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Nick James (88) during the game against the LSU Tigers at Davis Wade Stadium. LSU defeated Mississippi State 21-19. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

2. Nick James

Incredibly, Nick James went and got himself arrested for the fourth time in his MSU career – this time a week before the season. So he sat out the opener.

It seems like Nick has been at MSU forever since he played as a true freshman in 2012, but he’s had a pretty underwhelming career. This year is his chance to make a splash if he’ll get his head screwed on straight.

Without James clogging up the middle, Nelson Adams and Braxton Hoyett did everything they could in the heat but they were lagging behind. Nick James is a good ball player when he’s focused – and that is what this defensive line sorely needs.

Sep 19, 2015; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Nick Fitzgerald (7) runs the ball during the second half of the game against the Northwestern State Demons at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State won 62-13. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

1. Nick Fitzgerald

When Fitz got the start vs. USA he was nervous and it showed. After six plays, Damian Williams got the ball and never gave it back. Some, like myself, question that move but it happened and now Fitz is left wondering where he stands.

If Damian Williams is the quarterback of this team, the offense has some limitations. He’s not going to stretch the field vertically and he’s not a consistent threat to move the ball.

I don’t really know what Nick Fitzgerald can do. But I’m about 98% sure what Williams is capable of. I’m okay with starting Williams just because Fitzgerald’s nerves were so bad in the first game, but then I want to see Fitz (unless Damian has a legitimate hot hand) for an extended period of time.

If the 2016 Mississippi State Bulldogs want a chance at bowl eligibility, Nick Fitzgerald needs to be the quarterback, but he’s going to have to step up and take the job.