STARKVILLE — For all the comfort that comes with going to college in one’s hometown, it could’ve easily come with just as much pressure for Kobe Jones. The ease of access due to proximity can lead to an exaggerated itch for early playing time, whether that’s the beneficial first step or not.
He didn’t see it that way.
Jones took on his redshirt year as a time to learn, in and out of football. Now armed with comfort in the grand structure that is a college football program of Mississippi State’s size, Jones feels prepared to battle for a spot in the rotation. Those around him think it’s a battle he can win.
“If we had to play a game tomorrow, he’d be playing,” MSU defensive line coach Brian Baker said in the spring. “Whether he’s the first one out of the tunnel, the first one off the bench or the second one off the bench, that’s kind of where we are. We have confidence in him and I think he’ll be able to play for us: where and how much, that’s what we’re trying to figure out with all of them (during spring practice).”
Truth be told, Jones thinks he would not be in striking distance of playing time in the fall if not for that redshirt year.
“I was very happy I redshirted. I got a chance to get bigger and stronger and kind of just watch, get more comfortable with the speed at the college level,” Jones said. “It gave me a display of knowing what I need to do to make plays. Knowing how strong and fast they are, it gave me a scale of competition.”
Baker saw the benefits, too: “I think our offense, especially last year with us having so many older guys up front on the offensive line, he gained an understanding of how a boy has to become a man quickly. I don’t see him having to catch up, now it’s a matter of what I need to do in particular with his skill set to do what he needs to get done.”
It also gave him a vivid visual of what it took to succeed against that competition.
Jones said he kept an eye on Jeffery Simmons as he tallied 3 1/2 tackles for a loss and four quarterback hurries. He also noticed some of the finer things in Nelson Adams’ game as he watched Adams finish tied for third on last year’s team with 2 1/2 sacks.
The tables turned in the spring: it was Jones impressing the ones that played last fall.
“Kobe, everything he does is with relentless effort,” Simmons said. “He’s a guy that’s going to give it his all, even if he knows he’s in the wrong. He’s going to be a big help for us, because that’s the kind of energy we need on the field.”
Some of that energy in practice could be attributed to simply to anxiety. Jones admitted while he made good use of the redshirt year, there were times where he got impatient.
He expects that pent-up energy to show in the fall, but admits he’ll have to control it. As he went through spring practice as a defensive end, he found the next step he needs to take as playing with better discipline.
“I plan on being a big playmaker and bringing a lot of energy to the defense.
The only thing left for Jones is to reap the rewards of choosing his hometown college.
“I’m just ready to rep my city. Anytime now.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett Hudson on Twitter @Brett_Hudson
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