STARKVILLE — Former Alabama tackle and West Point product Scott Lashley has returned to his roots.
Per MSU Athletics, Lashley has enrolled at MSU for his final year of eligibility as a graduate transfer following four seasons in Tuscaloosa.
He also released the following statement via Twitter: “Coming home to Mississippi and being a Bulldog is special for me and my family. I am grateful to coach (Mike) Leach and the incredible Mississippi State staff for this opportunity. I am excited to get to work, create new relationships and join a football program I have so much respect for. I look forward to giving the Bulldog family my very best in my final collegiate season.”
A former four-star recruit, he played in a mostly reserve role for the Crimson Tide — totaling 19 appearances during his time in Tuscaloosa. Lashley did appear in three games during Alabama’s run to the 2017 national title.
With center Darryl Williams and tackle Tyre Phillips off to the NFL, he should add some major depth and experience to an MSU line that will desperately lack both in 2020.
Leach, who is entering his first year at MSU, made note at his opening press conference Jan. 10 that he anticipated looking into the transfer portal for potential upgrades.
“It’s a new resource nowadays,” he said. “It’s both positive and negative, but it can be a resource. I don’t think it can be ignored for any position. Football’s a competitive sport, and you’re always trying to upgrade. Of course, everybody, regardless of position, remembers somebody that played from whenever. But if you can upgrade, that’s the point of a team game.”
Ben Portnoy reports on Mississippi State sports for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter at @bportnoy15.
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