Gator Country provides five Mississippi State Bulldogs to watch out for in week four when they take on the Florida Gators in Starkville.
WR Kevin Coleman Jr. #3
The former top 100 recruit in the 2022 class is on his third team in as many years. Kevin Coleman Jr. enrolled at Jackson State where he hauled in 33 receptions for 510 yards and three touchdowns as a true freshman. His next stop was Louisville, and his production saw a noticeable decline, totaling 26 receptions for 362 yards and two touchdowns in 2023. Coleman transferred for the second time and ended up at Mississippi State. Through three games in 2024, Coleman Jr. leads the Bulldogs with 16 receptions for 268 yards and three touchdowns. The 5’11, 180-pound receiver grades as MSU’s 2nd best offensive player behind QB Blake Shapen, according to Pro Football Focus.
Coleman Jr. has great body control, vison, and patience, averaging nearly 10 yards after the catch, the highest on the Bulldogs amongst pass catchers with more than three receptions. Coleman Jr. will play the overwhelming majority of snaps out of the slot for Mississippi State. 12 of Coleman Jr’s. 19 targets have come within 0-9 yards. Look for the Bulldogs to try and get the ball out to him quickly and in open space, as that’s where he’s most effective.
S Isaac Smith #2
Sophomore safety Isaac Smith leads the entire country in tackles with 43 after three games. He’s only missed three tackles this season for a missed tackle rate of 7.5%. In coverage, Smith has allowed just two receptions for 21 yards on five targets, while also credited with one pass break up. Smith serves as the swiss army knife for MSU’s defense as he plays in the box, at free safety, and even as a nickel corner. Smith grades as MSU’s third best defender among players with 20+ snaps, according to PFF.
WR Mario Craver #7
True freshman Mario Craver has immediately stepped into a significant role within Mississippi State’s offense. Through three games, Craver has recorded two touchdowns and 130 yards on just five receptions, an average of 26 yards per catch. Craver has already recorded two 45+ yard receptions for the Bulldogs. The 5’10, 170-pound receiver is a deep ball threat, having recorded four of his five receptions between 10-20 yards down the field including two over 20+ air yards.
Craver has the burst and open field speed to get behind opposing cornerbacks on the outside. He’s logged the third most snaps among MSU wide receivers in 2024.
DL Trevion Williams #23
Redshirt freshman Trevion Williams is an athletic interior defensive lineman that displays the ability to rush the passer. The 6’4, 295-pound Mississippi native has three pressures including two QB hits and one batted pass. In 2023, Williams was credited with 1.5 tackles for loss in three games before missing the final nine games of the season due to injury and applying for a medical redshirt. With Kalvin Dinkins out this week vs Florida, Trevion Williams is a name to keep an eye out for on the interior defensive line.
QB Blake Shapen #2
Senior quarterback Blake Shapen will lead Jeff Lebby’s hurry up offense in week four. After two seasons as Baylor’s starting quarterback, Shapen transferred to Mississippi State for his final season of eligibility. Through three games, Shapen has completed 61 of 87 passes (70.1%) for 834 yards and seven touchdowns while grading as the Bulldogs’ best offensive player, according to PFF.
Shapen has been pressured on 32.7% of his drop backs and that’s where the veteran QB struggles. He’s completed just nine of 20 passes for 106 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception when facing pressure. Shapen has been excellent with a clean pocket, holding a passing grade of 92.5, according to PFF. All seven of his touchdown passes have come with a clean pocket and he’s completing 76.5% of his passes.
Mississippi State will frequently utilize the RPO and play action game with Shapen under center. The 6’1, 210-pound quarterback has the ability to take off and run if opposing defenses can’t contain him. He has rushed 14 times (designed runs or scrambles) for 60 yards and a touchdown this season. Shapen is comfortable throwing on the run if he has to, but he’s looking to stay in the pocket and get the ball out quickly to his playmakers. Over 60% of his passes are within 10 yards from the line of scrimmage.