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SEC Football: Most important newcomers for each team in 2021

By Dante Pryor

A welcome message for the new University of Tennessee football coach, Josh Heupel on a billboard on Alcoa Highway in Knoxville, Tenn., on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021.Coach Josh Heupel 2021 125333
A welcome message for the new University of Tennessee football coach, Josh Heupel on a billboard on Alcoa Highway in Knoxville, Tenn., on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021.Coach Josh Heupel 2021 125333 /
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Dec 31, 2020; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Mike Leach walks the sidelines during the first half against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2020; Fort Worth, TX, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Mike Leach walks the sidelines during the first half against the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Mississippi State Bulldogs

If you know anything about head coach Mike Leach’s track record, the first year is usually a zero year. This was true of Mississippi State’s 2020 season. Combining a completely new offensive philosophy and COVID-19 guaranteed the Bulldogs would have their struggles last season.

The season did not look that way from the first game, however. Graduate transfer quarterback KJ Costello threw for 623 yards and five touchdowns in a 44-34 win against the LSU Tigers. The Bulldogs would lose four games in a row, not scoring more than 14 points in any game. Costello did not work out at all for Mississippi State.

The six touchdowns Costello threw in the season opener were the only six he threw all season. Costello is now gone along with running back Kylin Hill. This season the Bulldogs should look more like what Leach wants. Here are three players that will help that transition.

  • Sawyer Robinson, QB: Will Rogers is the only scholarship quarterback on the roster with any significant game experience. Though he flashed at times last season, Leach brings in two high school recruits and three transfers. Leach has always thought that the quarterback was interchangeable in the Air-Raid offense. Of all the quarterback’s Leach is bringing in, Robinson is the highest-rated recruit. Robinson, a four-star from Texas, has a big arm and could challenge Rogers this spring or summer.
  • Nick Jones (JUCO), OT: The Bulldogs are thin up front and need depth along the offensive line. Nick Jones, a junior college transfer, is someone who could start immediately. He is not long, so there is the possibility the Bulldogs kick Jones inside, and he plays guard. That versatility gives Mississippi State much-needed versatility.
  • Carson Williams (JUCO), OT: Much like Jones, Williams adds depth to the depleted offensive line group. Williams also can play guard or tackle for the Bulldogs as well. If the offensive line does not block well, it is difficult for the Air-Raid to run well. Willams gives the Bulldogs a good athlete who can move people off the ball and block the interior and exterior.
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