STARKVILLE — Mississippi State junior wide receiver Kyle Roberts likes to be in game-like situations in scrimmages.
That”s because it gives the former East Oktibbeha and East Mississippi Community College player more chances to impress his coaches.
Roberts believes he continues to make strides since walking on to the program in the spring. He said he hopes to continue to take advantage of every opportunity afforded to him.
“It”s not a matter of where I am on the depth chart. It”s just about me getting better,” Roberts said. “I want to show the coaches I want to play and I know the plays. I want to show them I”m ready for this offense.”
Roberts provided needed depth for the Bulldogs in the spring when there were only two returning receivers from last season. One of those receivers — Brandon McRae — was recovering from a broken leg.
MSU coach Dan Mullen said the departure of receivers Delmon Robinson and Terrance Davis in the preseason gives Roberts a chance to figure into the team”s plans.
“He”s doing a good job and he”s still out there working every day,” Mullen said. “He”s going to play for us this year. How much is yet to be determined because there”s a long way to go, but he”s in the mix and will be in the rotation at the receiver position.”
Roberts, who credits God for putting him in a situation to play for the Bulldogs, used the summer workouts to get stronger and faster. He also has learning the spread offense and how to run his routes better.
Through that process, Roberts has developed a bond with Mullen.
“I”ve always wanted to build a relationship with (Mullen), and I”m starting to do that,” Roberts said. “I ask him questions whenever I want to know something.”
Mullen put MSU through a 120-play scrimmage Saturday with the pre-game routine of stretching, group warmups, and entrance onto the field.
The Bulldogs worked on short-yardage, full-field, goal-line, and two-minute situations.
Mullen said the execution on offense went from good to bad, then back to good.
“We executed pretty well in the two-minute drive at the end,” Mullen said. “That”s the best I”ve seen us execute that.”
Mullen said it was a plus not to report any new injuries.
Junior offensive tackle Derek Sherrod, of Caledonia, was back after missing the first scrimmage with a knee injury.
On Monday, the cast comes off the sprained ankle of redshirt freshman right guard Tobias Smith, of Columbus.
MSU will hold meetings this afternoon following chapel service. The Bulldogs will take Monday off and resume practice Tuesday.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.