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Mississippi State 2016 Season Preview: The Post Dak Prescott Era

By Shawn Spencer

Dec 30, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; The Mississippi State Bulldogs pose for a picture with the Belk Bowl trophy after defeating the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the 2015 Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. The Bulldogs defeated the Wolfpack 51-28. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; The Mississippi State Bulldogs pose for a picture with the Belk Bowl trophy after defeating the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the 2015 Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. The Bulldogs defeated the Wolfpack 51-28. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 29, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; A Mississippi State Bulldogs helmet rest on the sidelines against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. The Rebels won 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2014; Oxford, MS, USA; A Mississippi State Bulldogs helmet rest on the sidelines against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. The Rebels won 31-17. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports /

Impact Freshmen

Although there will be several new starters on both sides of the ball, the majority of these replacements will be upperclassmen. There may not be more than one or two positions in which a freshman could potentially start, however that doesn’t mean freshmen won’t make an impact in 2016.

Defense appears to be the more likely side of the ball in which a freshman can make an impact. Switching to a 3-4 defense means the addition of an inside linebacker to the starting rotation. After spring ball, it’s a freshman who is atop the depth chart at the position. Leo Lewis, the projected starter, was the top ILB prospect in the class of 2015, according to 24/7 Sports.

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Lewis chose to enroll at Mississippi State despite offers from several other SEC schools. He redshirted last season, but will be thrust into a starting role in 2016. As the only freshman projected to start when the season begins, a lot will be expected of Lewis this season.

If a freshman other than Lewis is going to make an impact on defense, it’s going to be defensive end Jeffery Simmons. Simmons was rated as a top-10 defensive line recruit by several scouting services and has a chance to see significant playing time this season. He’ll push senior Torrey Dale and could join Lewis in the starting lineup sooner rather than later.

Offensively, it’s less likely a freshman will be a significant contributor. If everything goes according to plan, there won’t be a single freshman playing a ton of snaps. The offensive line is one area a freshman could contribute, as Michael Story, Harrison Moon and Darryl Williams are all backups on the two-deep depth chart. If there’s an injury or the line continues to allow numerous sacks per game, any one of those three could step into a starting role at guard or center.

Wide receiver Jamal Couch is also a potential breakout candidate. On one hand, the true freshman could very easily redshirt this season. On the other, his size his exactly what the Bulldogs are lacking with their current group of wideouts. At 6-foot-4, he possesses the size and length that made De’Runnya Wilson and Darrion Hutcherson easy targets in the passing game.

Next: Key Starters

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