Three Questions Surrounding The Mississippi State Defense Ahead of the 2023 Season

Mississippi State football faces some adjustments replacing several starters on defense.

The Mississippi State defense was aggressive last year under now-head coach Zach Arnett, featuring several talented members like cornerback Emmanuel Forbes.

Moving into the 2023 season in the midst of a new era for MSU football, there are questions abound as to how the team will perform and make changes after losing five starters.

Here's a look into three questions surrounding the overall unit:

1. Who will replace Emmanuel Forbes?

Forbes holds the FBS record for most pick-sixes and has left big shoes to fill. Esaias Furdge, a sixth-year player, took the first-team reps this spring. 

Furdge has been a depth piece for MSU and is now tasked with replacing Forbes. However, the Bulldogs have options, as they have signed a couple of corners out of the transfer portal between Khamauri Rodgers and Radar Jones.

2. Who will be the starting safeties?

State is looking to replace all three of its starting safeties ahead of the season, something that's going to be a task of its own.

Marcus Banks, the former Alabama corner, is moving to field safety. Corey Ellington, a junior, will likely be the starting boundary safety for MSU.

Ellington started in the Liberty Bowl in 2021 and has been used primarily as a depth piece. Shawn Preston, the most experienced member of the safety core, got the first team reps at the Bulldog safety this spring. Preston has made fourteen starts in his Bulldog career and is now looking to become the leader of this group. The wildcard is Issac Smith, the highest-rated recruit in the Bulldogs freshman class. Smith was out during the Spring due to injury, but it will be interesting to see where he fits in come Fall.

3. Who will replace Tyrus Wheat?

Wheat was a three-year starter at Mississippi State, leading the team in sacks in 2021 and 2022. So, who is set to replace State's best pass rusher? 

J.P. Purvis and John Lewis will get their crack at the Sam linebacker position. If Purvis sounds familiar to fans, he replaced Bookie Watson in the Texas A&M game after being ejected for targeting. Purvis played most of the second half in that game, along with getting the start in the Arkansas game. Purvis played well in his short stint in the starting lineup, recording 13 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Purvis will be asked to play a different position this year, but he has shown he can be a playmaker for the Bulldogs. John Lewis was a 4-star recruit in the Class of 2020. However, Lewis has battled injuries during his first two years on campus. This spring was the healthiest Lewis had been here in Starkville. Lewis is not the most experienced, having mainly played on special teams, but there is no doubt the tools are there for Lewis to be an All-SEC type player.