Mississippi State Bulldogs Defensive Players To Watch vs. Texas A&M
It's always a good thing when you have a pair of 100-tackle linebackers in your lineup right?
Well, that's what the Mississippi State Bulldogs are on the verge of fielding this season, with two elite players anchoring the middle of their defense.
With Zach Arnett promoted to the head coaching position this fall, the Bulldogs elevated linebackers coach Matt Brock to the defensive coordinator position.
However, the overall results have not been exactly stellar for the unit, with the Bulldogs sitting at 68th overall in the nation in total defense, and 59th in the country in scoring defense.
That said, there is talent on at all three levels that the Aggies should keep their eyes on.
Here are the three players Texas A&M will need to circle in the offensive meetings before they face Mississippi State on Saturday in College Station.
Jett Johnson (right) and Nathaniel Watson (left)
USA Today Sports
LB Jett Johnson
Let's start with tackling machine No. 1: linebacker Jett Johnson.
Johnson led Mississippi State in tackles last season, bringing down 115 would-be ball-carriers in 2022 which ranked top 25 in the nation.
He has been on that same pace, if not better this season, sitting with 92 tackles, which is 13th best in the country. Johnson also has a team-high 11 tackles for loss and is second on the team with four sacks. He is also second on the team with two interceptions.
Against Texas A&M last year, Johnson had 10 tackles and two hits on Aggies quarterbacks.
LB Nathaniel Watson
Now, moving on to tackling machine No. 2: linebacker Nathaniel Watson.
Johnson's partner in crime was right on his heels with 113 tackles last season. However, Watson was dialed up in some of the Bulldogs' blitz packages with six sacks, which is the most of any returning Mississippi State defender.
In 2023, Watson has been all over the field yet again, sitting with 87 tackles in nine games, which is 19th best in the country. Watson also has a whopping eight sacks, which is a team-best, and 10 tackles for loss, which is second only to Johnson. He is also just one of three players on the team with an interception.
Compared to his 17-tackle performance against Kentucky, Watson was relatively quiet against the Aggies with six tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble in 2022.
SAF Shawn Preston Jr.
Shawn Preston Jr. is the playmaker in the Bulldogs secondary that Max Johnson will have to find before every snap.
Preston currently leads the Bulldogs with three picks on the year and has 44 tackles to go along with 4.5 tackles for loss.
He also has two forced fumbles, a QB hurry, and a pass breakup.
