STARKVILLE – In what turned out to be an unexpectedly eventful March, Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott found himself at peace on Friday afternoon.
After all, on the football field surrounded by his Mississippi State teammates as the Bulldogs went through their fifth workout of spring football practice, Prescott was home.
“I feel peaceful when I’m playing football,” said Prescott, “no matter what adversity I’m going through.”
The scene Friday was a far cry from the viral video that made national news on March 12, when Prescott and two teammates were shown being involved in an altercation at Spring Break in Panama City Beach, Florida. In those three videos, ranging from 15-30 seconds each, Prescott and teammates Damian Williams and Torrey Dale can be seen after being attacked by multiple men, as many as eight at one point.
Though the incident drew national attention and left Prescott with a small, quarter-inch scar beneath his right eye, the quarterback declined to press charges and instead, immediately returned to Starkville. Two weeks later, after leading his team through a two-hour practice, Prescott met with local media for the first time since Spring Break.
“Anything can happen, I guess,” said Prescott of the altercation. “No matter what you’re doing. But I’ve moved on from that, and I’m concentrating on spring football.
“That’s life. There’s a positive side to it and obviously there’s a negative side to it. I’m just trying to be the best I can be and live the life I need to live.”
Prescott, who accounted for nearly 4,000 total yards and 42 touchdowns as a junior, is taking part in spring practice for the last time as a Bulldog. Just a few months removed from placing eighth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy, given annually to the nation’s top player, Prescott found himself in the midst of preparations for his senior season.
“It’s weird,” said Prescott. “It’s hard to believe that five years ago, I was starting off here. But it’s special to be out here as a senior.
“It’s been good. The tempo we’ve got going, we’re going fast. Young guys are stepping up, making plays all over the field.”
On Saturday, Prescott and the Bulldogs were back at work once again. And to MSU coach Dan Mullen, the senior quarterback is right where he needs to be.
“He’s fine,” said Mullen earlier in spring practice. “The thing you like to see is that not only is Dak out here playing well but he’s leading the guys. He’s talking to the young quarterbacks, coaching them up. That’s something you really want to see out of your quarterback or any of your older guys, really.”
Saturday’s practice, held late in the morning, was a big one for Mullen, who says the workout was about installing most of MSU’s playbook.
“Today was an interesting day because we had installs, which was a review of the first five practices,” said Mullen. “We saw some separation today, it was a great day for the young guys.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brandon Walker on Twitter @BWonStateBeat
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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