Mississippi State Football Has Several New Faces in the Trenches, Including One from The Hardwood

Spring football is rolling along for Mississippi State.

Mar 20, 2024; Charlotte, NC, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Jimmy Bell Jr. (15) during / Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

STARKVILLE, Miss. — The Mississippi State Bulldogs are inching closer to the annual Maroon and White spring game in two weeks. MSU is working on developing some continuity between its veterans and their new faces. 

The offense line is undergoing the most change as Bulldog head coach Jeff Lebby signed four instant impact transfers in December.

These guys have done exactly what we have asked them to do," Lebby said. "I like the fact that we have guys who have played a lot of football… they have done a really good job, but we got a lot of work to do."

 However, there is a new face, not from the portal or the high school ranks but from the hardwood. 

Jimmy Bell Jr. will join the football team this spring after finishing a basketball season two weeks ago. The Michigan native has a little experience on the gridiron as he practiced a bit at West Virginia, his previous school. 

"He has joined us, which is exciting," Lebby said. "We will take baby steps with him and make sure we set him up for success. "

At 6-10 280, the size is noticeable and something that cannot be taught. He will likely work on the offensive line with his size and footwork. 

The defensive line is also bringing new guys up to speed as the Bulldogs signed Wilky Denaud (Auburn), Sulaiman Kpaka (Purdue), and Kedrick Bingley-Jones (North Carolina). All three guys come from the Power Five level, but none played extensive snaps at their respective schools. 

"They have both done a really good job," Lebby said. KJ (Bingley-Jones)has had eight really good practices, and Pac (Kpaka) has done a good job."

However, they will provide much-needed depth upfront as Kalvin Dinkins and Trevion Williams are the likely starters, but the Mississippi natives have struggled with injuries. When the two are healthy, they can wreck the opposing team's run game, says junior linebacker Ty Cooper. 

"They are like some hogs," Cooper said. "You can't move them; they are going to stop the run every time. "

There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding the defensive line, but the talent is there; they just need to grow up fast. The offensive line looked to be in disarray when Lebby arrived, but that group has a chance to be good this fall.