STARKVILLE — It’s not easy to forget former Mississippi State wide receiver Fred Ross.
“It’s different not having that blond hair out there,” MSU wide receiver Donald Gray said.
Ross’ production also is unforgettable. His 72 catches for 917 yards and 12 touchdowns accounted for 31, 33, and 50 percent of the team’s 2016 production in those categories. Life without Ross in 2017 will be difficult on multiple fronts, but it won’t be lonely because the Bulldogs return multiple players at the position and will have several more coming off redshirt seasons to compete for playing time as Ross’ successor.
“They’re doing a pretty good job,” MSU coach Dan Mullen said. “The great thing is one guy leads, but a bunch of guys that have played are back. Even though there might not be the big name at the receiver position, there’s experience at the receiver position with guys that have played some football. I think we’re going to have the opportunity to be deeper at that position this year than we were last year.”
If there is a leading candidate to take over Ross’ role as the “big-name receiver” it is Gray, who was second to Ross in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns last season. A year after starting at X receiver, Gray remains comfortable without Ross.
“I just trusted in the knowledge he left me with,” Gray said. “It’s a lot easier because you still have other guys, so my comfort level was there.”
Gray isn’t the only Bulldogs who feels the offense will have comfort in numbers.
“We have some young guys that got a lot of reps last year that could move into leadership roles and starting jobs,” MSU quarterback Nick Fitzgerald said. “I feel really good about them.”
Malik Dear and Keith Mixon figures to compete with Gray for catches. Dear is set to return for his junior season, while Mixon will be a sophomore. Dear appeared to injure his left leg in practice Thursday, but there wasn’t an update on his condition.
Reggie Todd, who gained 15-20 pounds in his redshirt year, according to Mullen, and Osirius Mitchell will compete for playing time after their redshirt seasons. MSU also has early enrollee freshman Austin Williams in spring drills.
“I believe they all can, it’s just whoever wants it the most,” Gray said. “You’ve got a lot of guys that are kind of in the shadows. I think we’re all in the same level, each and every one of us is capable of coming out and having a big game. Each and every one of us, we all have the same play-making ability, and I think any one of us can bust on the scene.”
Senior Gabe Myles figures to add versatility to the receiving group. Gray said Myles knows the offense at the X, H, and Z receiver positions, so he could play any of them if needed.
“Gabe is another reason why I push myself (because I am) trying to match what he brings, the spirit he brings, the attitude he brings,” Gray said.
Returning quarterback Nick Fitzgerald is confident he and all of the receivers will be on the same page for the season opener against Charleston Southern.
“We worked all last year on timing with them,” Fitzgerald said. “Through the offseason, we kept working an hour-and-a-half a day after everything we did. We’d throw and make sure we’d be ready for these practices. It’s been great having that chemistry already built and keep building on it.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett Hudson on Twitter @Brett_Hudson
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