STARKVILLE — Jett Johnson had excellent advice for all NFL Draft prospects who have finished their college football careers and are solely focused on training for the next level.
Mississippi State’s former standout linebacker spent most of the winter training in Miami, a city known for its vibrant nightlife and multitude of potential distractions, but he offered an important bit of wisdom for those in his position.
“For three months, just eradicate distractions,” Johnson said. “Really lock in. Don’t be drinking, chasing women and all that. It can really change our life if we just lock in for three months.”
Johnson was one of 15 players from the 2023 Bulldogs who worked out at MSU’s Pro Day on Tuesday at the Palmeiro Center in the hopes of hearing their names called in next month’s draft. Scouts from all 32 NFL teams were present, leading the players through speed, strength and agility drills.
Along with fellow linebacker Nathaniel “Bookie” Watson and defensive lineman Jaden Crumedy, Johnson spent six years with the Bulldogs’ program, playing under four head coaches and three defensive coordinators. That constant change can be difficult to deal with, especially in the age of the transfer portal, but the trio has become familiar with all kinds of defensive schemes and formations, which should help each of them adapt quickly if and when they reach the pros.
Johnson played in just two games as a true freshman in 2018 and did not see any action the following year, then made five appearances in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season before becoming a regular in 2021. He led the Southeastern Conference in tackles in 2022, then finished second to Watson in that category this past fall.
Watson, too, made just two appearances in his first season before working his way into the starting lineup and ultimately enjoying an explosive final season, earning all-SEC First Team honors and leading the conference in both tackles and sacks. He has already met with the Cleveland Browns and has visits scheduled in the coming weeks with the New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks.
Crumedy also played in only two games in his freshman season but made 47 starts between 2019 and 2023.
“Just a brotherhood between me and (Johnson),” Watson said. “With NIL and stuff coming around, everybody is hitting the transfer portal, me and him and (Crumedy), we all stuck it through. We stayed here and wanted to finish the job. We waited our turn and we’re here, so you just have to take advantage of it.”
Linebacker DeShawn Page, lineman Nathan Pickering and defensive backs Marcus Banks, Shawn Preston Jr. and Decamerion Richardson were also working out Tuesday. Richardson, the Bulldogs’ top cover cornerback in 2023, had initially transferred to rival Ole Miss for his final year of eligibility before deciding to enter the draft instead and go through his pre-draft workouts at MSU.
On the offensive side of the ball, linemen Kwatrivous Johnson, Nick Jones and Kameron Jones all went through their Pro Day drills, as did tight end Geor’quarius Spivey, who did not play last fall after being declared ineligible due to a transfer technicality mere days before the season opener.
Punter Andrew Osteen and wide receivers Lideatrick “Tulu” Griffin and Freddie Roberson rounded out the group. Griffin, also a prolific kickoff returner, has visits scheduled in early April with the Browns and Minnesota Vikings.
With his special teams prowess, Griffin potentially stands to benefit from a new rule the NFL approved Tuesday regarding kickoffs that is designed to both increase the number of kickoffs that are returned and reduce injuries on such plays. No players other than the kicker and the returner(s) are allowed to move until the ball either hits the ground or is touched by a player inside the “landing zone” between the goal line and the 20-yard line.
“I’m a very versatile player. I use my speed, I know the game very well,” Griffin said. “It’s just a matter of time before they see me in an (NFL) uniform. I always talk about both (receiving and returning) because I can’t leave one out.”
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