STARKVILLE — Mississippi State offensive line coach John Hevesy called Justin Senior into his office Monday.
With the football team’s battle against Ole Miss in the Battle for the Golden Egg set for the regular-season finale, Senior thought Hevesy wanted to talk to him about the week of practice and what he and the other offensive lineman needed to work on.
But the senior right tackle received a pleasant surprise when Hevesy told him his play had been recognized and he was going to be rewarded with a trophy. The news became official Tuesday, when Senior was announced as the winner of the Kent Hull Trophy. The award is named after former MSU and Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Kent Hull. Since 2013, it is presented annually to the state of Mississippi’s most outstanding collegiate offensive lineman. The criteria includes an offensive lineman who displays the traits Hull had when he played in three Pro Bowls and was a part of four Super Bowl teams.
“He just told me not to let it get to my head and focus on this week. That’s what I’m planning on doing,” said Senior, who will lead MSU (4-7, 2-5 Southeastern Conference) against Ole Miss (5-6, 2-5) at 2:30 p.m. Saturday (SEC Network) at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
Although sworn to secrecy, the Montreal, Quebec, Canada, native decided he was going to tell his parents, Yvette Reece and Ricardo Senior.
“They were so excited,” Senior said. “They’re not really big football people, but anytime you get honored with something like this, it’s exciting for everyone. Even though they’re not big football fans, they congratulated me, too.”
Senior will be presented with the trophy at the C Spire Conerly Trophy banquet Tuesday at Clarksdale Country Club. Senior said his parents are planning to fly down and see him get his award.
Senior has been a three-year starter. He has started 37 games (36 at right tackle, one at left tackle) and has played in 47 games since redshirting in 2012.
This season, Senior has 11 starts at left tackle and has 27 knockdowns.
He attended Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia, and enrolled at MSU in January 2012.
“Justin has epitomized what Mississippi State football is about through his hard work and dedication,” said John Hevesy, who also is MSU co-offensive coordinator, in a statement released by MSU. “He’s been with us for five years and developed both on and off the field. He’s already earned his degree, and he’s been a leader on our offensive line at right tackle for us since 2014.”
A three-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll, Senior earned a degree in political science last summer. He is pursuing a master’s degree.
Senior said he began playing football because of friends. Growing up in Canada, Senior said he played hockey, soccer, basketball, and water polo, but he fell in love with football.
“Justin had a unique journey to Mississippi State from Canada, and we are proud of what he has accomplished both on and off the field in his five years,” MSU coach Dan Mullen said in a statement released by the school. “His leadership on our offensive line has been invaluable. He’s going to be successful in whatever path he chooses after football.”
Senior is the first MSU player to win the award since Gabe Jackson won the initial one in 2013. Jackson now plays with the NFL’s Oakland Raiders.
A panel of experts, which includes scouts and coaches, votes on the award. Senior didn’t know who voted on the award, but when he heard scouts had a hand in it, it made the award even more special.
“That just means I need to keep doing what I’m doing and even get better to live up to my standards,” Senior said. “If they think I’m pretty good, I think they’re going to be real impressed with what I’m trying to become.”
Senior said he didn’t know much about Hull when he first arrived at MSU. When Jackson won the award in 2013, he did a little bit of research. Since winning the award, he has heard stories about Hull and has liked what he has heard.
“I really hope I’m able to live up to his name,” Senior said.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Ben Wait on Twitter @bcwait
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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