2003 Statistics

Quarterback
The QB experiment with Kevin Fant (and his 21 INTs) has ended.. When a talent like Omarr Conner chooses your school, waiting until his second year to start him is about all fans will tolerate. Conner was named Mr. Football in the state of Mississippi following his senior prep season at the quarterback position. Omarr has to start with his level of potential, no matter how rough the break-in period. Good news is that he won the outstanding offensive player award in spring ball. He could easily be in the national spotlight by year's end. He can throw it (coaches swear) 80+ yards in the air! He isn't just strong-armed - he has a lightning-quick first step and a pension for the endzone. The rough edges will be evident, but the up side to his learning period will be well worth it. His "pocket presence" is uncanny, too. To paraphrase Kenny Rogers…Omarr knows when to hold it, and knows when to throw it. His health is essential for State to succeed. The drop off in depth is bad, as stated, for Kyle York has proven he can often be a liability and Aries Nelson most noted playing time has been on special teams while a shoulder injury has held him back during the off-season.

Running Back
Gone is highly touted and promising youngster Nick Turner, who was dismissed from the team by new coach Sylvester Croom, after he led the team in rushing just one season ago. Jerious Norwood will inherit the starting spot after splitting time with Turner last fall, but expect smallish senior Fred Reid to be tapped, too. Both saw plenty of action as the second and third backs, with 5.3 and 4.9 per carry averages, respectively. Though Norwood is taller, he isn't much stronger (in all-important hip power.) Expect new head coach Sylvester Croom to rotate size with RS-freshmen Carlton Rice and Jason Jude. Likely, too, is the utilization of the FB more, something the Sherrill days lacked. Fooling 18-22 year old kids with plays featuring FB-misdirection's keep defenses honest and flat-footed, and Croon is a master of this ploy. If the QBs prowess can be offset/complimented by such a dimension, the running game will produce more than the aerial assault. Watch for this, and more running than passing under Croon.

Receiver
This is an area mixed with size and speed, but will be lacking in experienced depth. NationalChamps.net has been waiting for senior SE Ray Ray Bivens to become the Bulldog's breakout receiver. Well, this is the last chance they have to capitalize on this burner. Counterpart McKinley Scott is a bit bigger and will start in front of Bivens. Sheesh, there has to be times with both on the field simultaneously if this unit is to reach its potential. RS freshmen Joey Sanders, starting at flanker, represents the Bulldog's future - he is one of several large underclassmen who are sure to see time, as Conners will wear these guys out. This unit will shine by campaign's end.

Tight End
Blake Pettit leads a group that is green enough to be a liability, if not fostered properly. Pettit is a sophomore, so he has been around longer than the other TEs. Look for these guys to stay home more often in the beginning. This is another area to watch as a barometer, for once you see the TE being utilized in multiple ways, the entire offensive squad will be making progress.

Offensive Line
Don't judge these guys on MSU's 2003 results. Too many variables have changed for the line to only be worth allowing 36 sacks and a modest 3.8 yards per try average. The Bulldogs return a strong unit that has two juniors on the left to go with two seniors on the right. RT Dave Stewart won the "Bulldog Award" this spring, given to the player most exemplifying leadership and work ethic. One concern here is mobility. The new QB needs quick-footed protection when moving, something Conner is sure to keep doing. Every one of the starters (and most of the second string) is 300+, so lateral movement here will be another critical development for balanced success on this side of the ball.

OFFENSIVE BREAKDOWN
Sylvester Croon is an offensive guru Mississippi stole from the NFL. He learned from Bear Bryant, and has championed a ground-oriented approach, as listed on his extensive résumé. This will translate into wins, period. Look for Croon to use the line's size in the running game. The option is something we will see, but Conner's health has to be protected. The running game's development will naturally open up the pass, and Conner has the weapons to hurt even the best SEC secondaries. Disparaging time-of-possession and third-down conversion rates will not be repeated.

Defensive Line
The inside of the line looks solid, literally. Corey Clark was redshirted (toe injury), but joins senior Ronald Fields to form one of the SEC's best tackle tandems. They will (eventually) penetrate and disrupt. Junior Willie Evans will make his rush end spot one that shines. Deljuan Robinson bookends well with Evans, for teams are foolish to run plays Robinson's way with his size and deceptive speed. But Robinson is young and rough still. The depth drops off somewhat, but will rotate in and learn. Only two upperclassmen means the front-four's ability to gel will go a long way in defining this defense. Allowing foes 4.3 yards per carry again would mean disaster.

Linebacker
This unit will be a marginal liability. We say that because the leader of the group, junior MLB Marvin Byrdsong, has been competent, but not spectacular. He is billed as a run-stopper, but only had two TFLs in his 55 tackles. MLBs have to do more, so it is up to his two smallish outside guys to cover (his proverbial butt and the actual butts of possible receivers). Byrdsong can tackle with competence, but obviously has to step up for this crew to hit its stride. Reserve Chris Swain will provide quality depth, but he too represents just how undersized the whole group really is. Quality SEC linemen should eat these guys up, though quality coverage underneath will make up for some of their lost battles in the trenches.

Defensive Back
This was, and still is, a work in progress, at best. MSU downright stunk up the field with their pass defense. Ranking next to last for all I-As, new coordinator Ellis Johnson brings much promise of a turnaround. With nowhere to go but up, junior Darren Williams will lead this fresh, regrouped group. Junior Kevin Dockery has been bumped up to corner, which will make a difference since he is a bit small for his old safety spot. Dockery tackles well, so this/any shuffle can only make it better, trust us. With talent and some experience, all these guys have to do is to keep the play in front of them to make their unit an asset.