During his introductory press conference, Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby said he was going to address the game’s most important position via the transfer portal.
Less than two weeks later, Lebby and the Bulldogs have done just that. Baylor quarterback Blake Shapen announced his commitment to MSU on Friday night for his final season of eligibility.
In three years with the Bears, Shapen has completed 64 percent of his passes for 5,574 yards with 36 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He played in just eight games in 2023, with his best performance coming against Houston — he completed 29 of 37 passes for 263 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.
The Bulldogs may still add another quarterback in the portal and could also add an incoming freshman signal-caller, but as it stands, Shapen appears in line to be the starter.
Mike Wright, who transferred last year from Vanderbilt, is likely to return for his fifth and final collegiate season but is better used as a package quarterback in short-yardage and goal-line situations that call for designed runs and speed options. Chris Parson, who was named to the Southeastern Conference All-Freshman team earlier this week, appeared in just two games this fall but also figures to compete for playing time in 2024.
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