Mississippi State’s cornerbacks room, like the rest of the defense, was criticized for poor play in 2024. The team’s inability to stop the run put pressure on every other group, corners were asked to lock down their receivers longer without a pass rush to apply pressure, and the team wound up 104th in FBS in passing yards allowed per game with 244.7.
The Bulldogs also allowed an average of 8.43 yards per attempt, meaning teams were able to get more chunk yardage plays.
The corner room received some reinforcements through the portal and the JUCO ranks, and the unit as a whole needs more continuity to make an impact, with the rest of the defense – particularly the front seven – bolstered significantly.
Starters
Kelley Jones
6-4, 195 pounds
Redshirt sophomore from Clarksdale, Mississippi
Jones returns for the Bulldogs as the top corner, and it’s easy to see why. His physicality and his length are complimented well by his ability in man-to-man situations. He has the pace to keep up with some of the speediest receivers as well. Expect to see him on the outside working against the best the other team has to offer.
DeAgo Brumfield
6-0, 190 pounds
Redshirt senior from Cincinnati, Ohio
Another returner from a year ago, Brumfield missed much of the season after transferring from Memphis. He made two starts in four appearances and earned a role in the heart of SEC action before missing the remainder of the season with injury.
Jett Jefferson
6-1, 190 pounds
Junior from Tylertown, Mississippi
A product of Parklane Academy, Jefferson made a name for himself at East Central Community College before transferring to the Bulldogs. He impressed during fall camp and has earned a shared starting spot going into the first game.
Jayven Williams
6-2, 185 pounds
Redshirt junior from Mobile, Alabama
Williams arrived in Starkville after a standout career at Kennesaw State. He started 10 games in 2024 before joining the Bulldogs, and he is expected to get significant playing time. Listed as a starter going into Week One.
Backups
Elijah Cannon
6-0, 180 pounds
Redshirt freshman from Coconut Creek, Florida
Cannon made four appearances in 2024 but kept a redshirt. He recorded a pick against Eastern Kentucky in his collegiate debut, and his work in the offseason has led to him climbing up the depth chart in his young career.
Dwight Lewis III
6-1, 195 pounds
Redshirt senior from Fairborn, Ohio
Lewis arrives in Starkville after four years playing at NAIA Marian University, making the All-Conference team two years in a row. Brings two years of starting experience to the CB room.
Kyle Johnson
5-11, 185 pounds
Freshman from Cottonport, Louisiana
Johnson earned a backup role as a true freshman for the Bulldogs. The four-star Class of 2025 recruit was the 22nd-ranked corner in his class and chose MSU over Ole Miss, Houston and Baylor among others.
DK McGruder
6-2, 175 pounds
Junior from Natchez, Mississippi
Arrives after two years at Mississippi Gulf Coast CC and a year at Tulane. Redshirted in 2024.
Sean Pleasant
6-2, 170 pounds
Freshman from Austin, Texas
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