STARKVILLE, Miss. — The Mississippi State Bulldogs are transitioning into a new offense under first-year head coach Jeff Lebby. The shift in offensive scheme should excite Bulldog wideouts as Lebby scheme always produces 1,000-yard receivers.
Lebby also decided to retain the Bulldogs wide receiver coach Chad Bumphis, who also played in Starkville. This decision helped bring continuity even with a new staff, and the former Utah coach showed his recruiting prowess this past cycle.
Mississippi State veteran receiver Jordan Mosley explained the importance of keeping Bumphis.
“It was great for us,” Mosley said. “It's good to already know what to expect from your coach.”
Bumphis brought in a trio of consensus four-star receivers, who all enrolled in school in December. It was perhaps the best group of receivers the Bulldogs have ever signed from a recruiting standpoint, and the youngsters have come in with the right mindset.
“They came in and bought in,” Mosley said. “They just wanted to learn, grow, and develop.”
Those guys being able to go through spring practice is huge for the Bulldogs because they may be called on to play even as true freshman. A hyped-up group of high school recruits could rub some on the team the wrong way, but the Bulldog vets have welcomed the talented freshman with open arms.
“I love them,” Mosley said. “Stonka (Burnside) had a great day, and Mario (Craver)had a fantastic day.”
However, the Bulldogs did sign two difference makers out of the transfer portal to bring some experience and explosiveness to the position group.
Kelly Akharaiyi (UTEP) and Kevin Coleman (Louisville) came to Starkville after producing at their previous schools. Akharaiyi had a breakout season last year as a sophomore as the 6-1 194-pounder snagged 48 passes for 1,033 yards and seven touchdowns.
Coleman also produced in the ACC by putting up 362 yards and two touchdowns on 26 receptions. Both guys will provide immediate help for the Bulldogs, and both are only juniors, so they will also have a chance to develop for multiple years in Starkville.
This offense will attract many top receiver recruits and perhaps even get a Bulldog receiver drafted, which has not happened since Eric Moulds in 1996.
“As a receiver coming into this offense, it is everything you want,” Mosley said. “A lot of balls and major plays to be made… we are just gonna put a lot of points on the board.”
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