STARKVILLE — The first day of classes at Mississippi State on Wednesday came with schedule implications for the football team.
That being the case, MSU made the most of the final week before classes.
MSU coach Dan Mullen labeled it the team’s grind week. The team practiced for six consecutive days, the longest stretch in the preseason schedule.
“A little bit of installation, but a lot of grinding,” Mullen said. “This is going to be the mental, physical grind before the start of school.”
It was a departure from a preseason that started earlier than most other teams in an effort to give players more off days for recovery.
Wide receiver position battle
Donald Gray has been anointed as the heir apparent to Fred Ross, MSU’s leading receiver from last season who signed with the NFL’s Carolina Panthers.
Behind Gray MSU has several questions to answer before its season opener against Charleston Southern at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2, at Davis Wade Stadium.
The first intrasquad scrimmage gave MSU some potential answers.
“(Freshman) Osirus (Mitchell) made a couple of plays in the scrimmage,” Mullen said. “I’m waiting to see a guy that is consistent. (Freshman) Reggie (Todd) made a big-time play in the scrimmage, but I’m ready to see consistency. I want to see someone that can go make the play, then I want to see it on a consistent basis.
“Our veteran guys have been better, Donald and Gabe (Myles), Jesse Jackson, Deddrick Thomas, and Keith Mixon, you’ve seen the consistency you need.”
Smitherman impressing English
MSU safeties coach Ron English is teaching two players the position on the fly.
J.T. Gray is transitioning from a hybrid linebacker position, which is a smother move than most. It is a different story for Maurice Smitherman.
Smitherman, a sophomore, was a highly rated cornerback out of Minor High School in Alabama, but his move to safety has caught English’s eye.
“I think Smitherman is going to be a good player before it’s all said and done,” English said. “He can run. He gives us something a little different. Smitherman is explosive, and I think he’s only going to get better the more he plays. He’s getting better against the run, better against blockers and all of that, but he’s working at it, and I’m pleased with how he’s working at it.”
Fitzgerald earns another preseason honor
Quarterback Nick Fitzgerald added a Manning Award watch list nod to his list of preseason accolades Wednesday.
The list features 30 quarterbacks for a trophy that won’t be awarded until after the bowl season.
Fitzgerald also is on the watch list for the Davey O’Brien Award, the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award, and the Maxwell Award.
Fitzgerald was a second-team All-Southeastern Conference selection by the media.
Fan day coming Saturday
MSU’s annual chance for fans to meet football players and coaches and other MSU student-athletes will be Saturday at the Palmeiro Center. Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. Festivities will run from 4-6 p.m. Members of the women’s soccer, volleyball, and women’s golf teams also will be present.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett Hudson on Twitter @Brett_Hudson
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