Mississippi State Football

HEIGHT: 6'2"

WEIGHT: 188

HAND: 8 ⅞"

ARM: 32 ⅜"

WINGSPAN: 77 ⅞"

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40-YARD DASH: 4.34

3-CONE: 6.96

SHUTTLE: 4.26

VERTICAL: 35"

BROAD: 10'8"

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POSITIVES

— Great length for a NFL cornerback.

— Plays with good vision and awareness when playing in zone coverage.

— Great top-end speed once he gets going. Has the ability to run with nearly all of the receivers he will match up against.

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NEGATIVES

— Plays with high pad level at times.

— Lacks the desired short-area quickness.

— Average breaking ability. Has below-average burst out of his breaks. Slow to close ground.

— Allows separation at the top of routes. Inconsistent with contesting catches.

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2023 STATISTICS

— 12 G, 79 TOT, 1 TFL, 1 SK, 7 PD

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NOTES

— Born March 16, 2001

— 26 career starts

— 4-star recruit in the 2020 class, per 247Sports

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OVERALL

Decamerion Richardson is an intriguing prospect. The two-year starter has great length and size along with great top-end speed, but he isn't a complete cornerback.

Richardson played mostly out of zone coverage at Mississippi State. He did a good job of reading the quarterback's eyes and getting a good jump on the ball in the air.

When in his pedal, there were times where he showed hesitation getting out of his breaks. Though he has excellent speed to carry receivers deep, he struggled stopping and starting, along with sinking his hips at the top of routes. He often allows separation and struggles to contest catches. He reacts quickly to screens and short passes, taking on blocks with physicality and above-average strength.

When defending the run, Richardson does a good job of identifying the play and reacting. He is a willing tackler who wraps up ball-carriers, wrestling them down to the ground. He often shoots to take the legs out, occasionally taking the brunt of the collision. Richardson also does well playing close to the line of scrimmage, sifting through the trash and filling running lanes.

Ultimately, Richardson is a highly traitsy prospect. His length and speed will tempt many executives, although he will need time and a scheme fit to perform at his best in the NFL. He has the ceiling of a starter if all goes well for him, and he will provide good depth if not.

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GRADE: 6.0 (High-Level Developmental Prospect — 5th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 171

POSITION RANK: CB24

PRO COMPARISON: Deommodore Lenoir

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Cory Giddings

Visit B/R's NFL Scouting Department hub for scouting reports on all of the top prospects.

HEIGHT: 6'4"

WEIGHT: 301

HAND: 9½"

ARM: 33"

WINGSPAN: 77½"

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40-YARD DASH: 4.97

3-CONE: N/A

SHUTTLE: 4.66

VERTICAL: 29.5"

BROAD: 8'9"

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POSITIVES

— Good size and tested well with an 8.87 RAS out of 10.

— Has a nice burst off the ball, as evidenced by his 1.69-second 10-yard split.

— Good pad level/knee bend and physicality at the point of attack. Takes on blocks with good leverage. Also has a solid spin move to help get off blocks.

— Shows decent quickness as a pass-rusher and flashed the ability to catch guards off-balance as the penetrator in line games.

— High-motor hustle player.

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NEGATIVES

— Often plays with his hands down by his waist, allowing offensive linemen to get to his chest.

— Has a narrow base when taking on blocks, which leads to him struggling to hold ground against down blocks and double-teams.

— Below-average arm length leads to him getting stuck on blocks; offensive linemen with good hand placement can keep him from spinning inside to escape.

— Just barrels his head down into the offensive linemen when bull-rushing, which won't work in the NFL.

— Isn't accurate with his hands when he uses them as a pass-rusher.

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2023 STATISTICS

— 12 G, 35 TOT, 2.5 SK, 3.5 TFL, 2 PD

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NOTES

— Born July 30, 2000

— 4-star recruit in the 2018 class, per 247Sports

— Injuries: 2022 (Wrist, missed 8 games)

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OVERALL

Jaden Crumedy has the size and athletic testing numbers to be worthy of a late-round pick. He has a good get-off that can help him be disruptive, along with the movement skills and quickness to grow as a pass-rusher.

He does need to use his hands more often, but that could be tied to the wrist injury he suffered a few years ago.

Crumedy is an older prospect—he'll be 24 heading into his first training camp—which could cause NFL teams to view him as a low-ceiling prospect. However, he has upside as both a pass-rusher and run-defender to be a valuable backup/rotational 3-technique.

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GRADE: 5.7 (Backup/Draftable — 6th-7th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 211

POSITION RANK: DL22

PRO COMPARISON: Quinton Dial

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder

Visit B/R's NFL Scouting Department hub for scouting reports on all of the top prospects.

HEIGHT: 6'2"

WEIGHT: 233

HAND: 9⅞"

ARM: 32⅞"

WINGSPAN: 81"

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40-YARD DASH: 4.63

3-CONE: N/A

SHUTTLE: N/A

VERTICAL: 31"

BROAD: 9'3"

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POSITIVES

— Highly productive and a sure tackler with very few misses when tackling in the box.

— Physical run defender. Not afraid to throw his body around and has some pop behind his pads.

— Decent instincts versus zone runs. Will occasionally be quick to key and diagnose to help beat offensive linemen to the spot.

— Has some upper-body strength to get extension on blocks.

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NEGATIVES

— Subpar movement skills overall that affect his coverage skills and ability to cover running backs and tight ends. Will also get juked out by ball-carriers when tackling in space.

— Limited range versus outside runs due to a lack of speed and agility.

— Takes on blocks with high pad level, which can lead to conceding ground against good run-blocking offensive linemen.

— Isn't violent when trying to shed blocks. Often gets stuck even against tight ends.

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2023 STATISTICS

— 12 G, 137 TOT, 13 TFL, 10 SK, 1 INT, 2 PD, 2 FF

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NOTES

— Born Sept. 1, 2000

— 3-star recruit in the 2018 class, per 247Sports

— No major injuries

— Charged with felony assault in 2018 for allegedly street racing; crashed and caused injuries to the passenger, per Mississippi Clarion Ledger

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OVERALL

Nathaniel Watson is a highly productive linebacker who had 250 total tackles over the last two seasons combined. He also has an old-school mentality as a run defender, showing a willingness to throw his body around and be physical when coming downhill.

However, there are questions about how Watson's production will translate to the NFL, as he lacks a lot of desired traits for a linebacker. His movement skills are subpar, which impacts his ability to cover and his range against zone runs. He also isn't a violent block-shedder and gets stuck too often for someone with his size and upper-body strength.

Ultimately, Watson may need to have a good showing in training camp and make a name for himself on special teams to land on a 53-man roster as a rookie.

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GRADE: 5.5 (Backup/Draftable — 6th-7th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 223

POSITION RANK: LB19

PRO COMPARISON: Brandon Siler

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Matt Holder

Visit B/R's NFL Scouting Department hub for scouting reports on all of the top prospects.

Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby agreed to a five-year deal as head coach at Mississippi State, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported.

Sources: Oklahoma OC Jeff Lebby has agreed to a five-year deal to become the next head coach at Mississippi State. A deal is expected to be announced soon.

— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 26, 2023

Before joining Oklahoma in 2022, Lebby led offenses at Ole Miss and UCF.

He will replace Zach Arnett, who was fired November 13 after compiling a 4-6 record (1-6 SEC) in his first full season as head coach. Offensive analyst Greg Knox led the Bulldogs through the final two games of the season.

Leddy is set to take over the program as the SEC expands with the additions of Oklahoma and Texas in 2024.

On3's George Stoia III reported Lebby was offered the job Saturday night, the day after Oklahoma's 69-45 season-finale victory over TCU. He accepted Sunday afternoon.

Jeff Lebby was offered the job last night. Slept on it and accepted it late this afternoon, per sources. He informed the staff and administration moments ago. He’s expected to inform the players this evening and fly to Starkville. #Sooners

— George Stoia III (@GeorgeStoia) November 26, 2023

Lebby is set to arrive with his family in Starkville, Mississippi at 8 p.m. CT Sunday night, according to the university press release, which encouraged fans to greet him at the airport.

The team plans to introduce Lebby to the public with a Monday evening event.

The decision marks the first head coach hiring for Mississippi State athletic director Zac Selmon, who also worked for Oklahoma before he was hired in January. Selmon arrived after Arnett was promoted to head coach in place of the late Mike Leach in December.

Selmon wrote Friday on X, the day before Lebby was offered the job, that the "best is yet to come" for MSU football.

Jeff Lebby to Mississippi State is official.

AD Zac Selmon: "I am confident that Jeff is the perfect leader for the next exciting chapter of Mississippi State football. He will bring an exciting brand of football, elite student-athlete development, and a winning culture."

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) November 26, 2023

Lebby called the head coaching job "the opportunity of a lifetime" in a statement.

"I couldn't be more thrilled to add our dynamic offensive scheme to an NFL powerhouse with a nationally regarded history of elite defensive play... I can't wait to lead Mississippi State football into the future, while competing in college football's premier conference," Lebby wrote.

Under Lebby's direction, the Oklahoma offense averaged 502.4 total yards per game in 2023 as quarterback Dillon Gabriel led the Big 12 in passing yards.

The Bulldogs will hope Lebby can now bring that productive offense to a Mississippi State team that averaged 328.6 yards per game in 2023. They may also be hoping Lebby's arrival could convince four-year starting quarterback Will Rogers, who announced his plan to enter the transfer portal Friday, to stick around in Starkville.

As the SEC coaching carousel continues, Mississippi State is expected to hire Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby as its next head coach, according to Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger.

Lebby, 39 has worked under several great offensive coaches over the course of his career, including Art Briles, Josh Heupel and Lane Kiffin. He's served as Oklahoma's offensive coordinator for the past two seasons under Brent Venables.

Although the deal with Lebby isn't done, the discussions between the two sides are expected to end in a hire sometime soon.

Since taking his first job as a coordinator at UCF in 2019, Lebby has been a bit of a rising star, quickly getting the attention of bigger problems like Ole Miss and Oklahoma.

And he's rightfully earned praise for the job that he's done with the Sooners, leading offenses that averaged 32.7 and 43.2 points per game, respectively, over the past two seasons.

The latter mark is ranked No. 3 overall in Division I this year.

Lebby's final performance as Oklahoma's OC was a memorable one as his squad hung 69 points on TCU in the program's final regular season as members of the Big 12.

Lebby would be replacing Zach Arnett, who was fired on Nov. 13 after a 4-6 start to his first full season at the helm. Arnett was the defensive coordinator under Mike Leach, who passed away last December prior to the Bulldogs' bowl game.

Mississippi State announced Monday it fired head football coach Zach Arnett.

The move comes two days after the Bulldogs suffered a 51-10 defeat to Texas A&M that dropped them to 4-6 on the season.

Arnett took over as head coach in December following the unexpected death of Mike Leach, signing a four-year contract.

"Zach took on an unprecedented and challenging situation last December," athletic director Zac Selmon said. "He provided the football program much needed leadership and stability during a tragic time. There is no question that he has made a positive impact on the lives of our student-athletes during his time here. We are grateful for his contributions to Mississippi State and wish him the very best both personally and professionally."

Given the situation he inherited, firing Arnett before he completed a full season is undoubtedly harsh. The length of his contract certainly seemed to indicate Mississippi State thought he could be a long-term solution.

But the Bulldogs' performances did him few favors. They're 1-6 in SEC play and they're averaging 266.7 yards per game on offense during their current three-game losing streak.

Mississippi State's defense getting trashed by Texas A&M's third-string QB. not sure what the over/under is on Zach Arnett's tenure but it's shrinking by the week.

— Matt Hinton (@MattRHinton) November 12, 2023

On Nov. 5, The Athletic's Bruce Feldman also reported Arnett was "working for an athletic director who didn't hire him and who I hear could be in the market to hire his own guy."

By moving on from Arnett now, Mississippi State is giving itself plenty of time to evaluate the coaching landscape before prospective candidates become available at the end of the year. Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger speculated on some who could be in play:

Some names to ponder for the opening at Mississippi State: Jamey Chadwell, Lance Leipold, Willie Fritz, Tom Herman, Jon Sumrall, Jeff Lebby and Rhett Lashlee.

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) November 13, 2023

Some things are clearly working against the Bulldogs. They aren't a premier program and their path in the SEC will only get more difficult with Oklahoma and Texas joining the conference. A road trip to Austin to play the Longhorns is in store for 2024.

But Dan Mullen turned Mississippi State into a consistent winner, and Leach guided the team to a 9-4 record and the No. 22 position in the final College Football Playoff ranking in 2022.

Expectations are also reasonably realistic in Starkville. Even with the expanded playoff, the fanbase won't be demanding the Bulldogs earn a top-12 finish every single season.

Selmon should have some worthwhile options from whom to choose when the coaching search fully kicks into gear.

Mississippi State announced former Bulldogs and NFL linebacker Johnie Cooks died Thursday at the age of 64.

The cause of death was not included in the announcement.

"Johnie Cooks is without question among the very best to ever put on the Maroon and White while also standing as one of the most decorated college football players of his era," Mississippi State athletic director Zac Selmon said.

"He truly did it all in his career, from earning accolade after accolade as a Bulldog, to winning a Super Bowl in the NFL. Johnie will be remembered forever in Starkville as he is cemented as an MSU legend. We extend our deepest condolences to Johnie's family, as well as all who knew, loved and admired him."

Mississippi State head football coach Zach Arnett also commented on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/CoachZachArnett/status/1677133369564622848

Cooks was one of the best players in Bulldogs history. He was a three-time All-SEC selection who finished his career fourth in program history with 24 sacks and fifth with 392 total tackles. He posted more than 100 tackles in 1978 and 1981 as the team's leading tackler both seasons.

The Baltimore Colts selected him with the No. 2 overall pick of the 1982 NFL draft.

Cooks played 10 seasons in the NFL with the Colts, New York Giants and Cleveland Browns and finished with 32 sacks, five fumble recoveries and four interceptions across 128 games.

He was also a champion on the Giants thanks to their Super Bowl XXV win over the Buffalo Bills.

Mississippi State elected him to its Ring of Honor in 2011. Cooks is also a member of Mississippi State's M-Club Hall of Fame and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

HEIGHT: 6'1"

WEIGHT: 166

HAND: 8 1/2"

ARM: 32 1/4"

WINGSPAN: TBD

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40-YARD DASH: 4.35

3-CONE: TBD

SHUTTLE: TBD

VERTICAL: 37.5"

BROAD: 10'11"

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POSITIVES

— Boasts great length for the position. Uses his long arms well in coverage and when playing the ball.

— Outstanding long speed. Long strides easily cover ground. Effortlessly able to carry receivers deep.

— Plays with good timing to swipe through the catch point and dislodge balls. Very good hand/eye reaction. Opportunistic player who has strong hands and good ball skills. Plucks balls out of the sky.

— Triggers quickly to run and screen game. Uses length to control receivers and shows flexibility to dip and rip past blockers.

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NEGATIVES

— Undersized, thin frame that lacks ideal strength. Can be pushed around on the edge.

— Tackling is a question. Often drops head and dives at the ball-carrier's legs.

—Below-average weight distribution. Too often has feet and balance outside of his frame, causing him to be slow dropping his hips to redirect.

— Too aggressive in zone at times. Allows receivers to get on top of him.

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2022 STATISTICS

— 12 G, 46 TOT, 1 TFL, 6 INT, 10 PD

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NOTES

— DOB: 1/13/2001

— 34 career starts

— 2020 Freshman All-SEC

— 2022 second-team All-America (AP)

— FBS active career leader in pick-6s (6)

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OVERALL

Emmanuel Forbes is a long, lean cornerback with excellent speed and ball skills. He's an opportunistic player who puts himself in the right position to capitalize on over throws and dropped passes.

Although Forbes is very undersized in terms of his weight, he has room to add to his frame. At the combine, he was able to show his explosiveness by running a 4.35-second 40-yard dash and jumping 10'11" in the broad jump.

During his career at Mississippi State, Forbes put his full range of ball skills on display. He is an opportunistic player who puts himself in the right position to make plays on tips and errant throws. He reads the quarterback and attacks the ball in the air by catching the ball with his hands, away from his body.

When he isn't able to make a play on the ball, Forbes does a great job of showing the timing necessary to punch and rip through the catch point. Though he has the speed to carry receivers deep, he often struggles to sink his hips and cleanly get out of breaks. While in zone, he often looks to gamble on throws, pulling him out of his apex point.

Though Forbes is undersized weight-wise, he is a willing tackler in the run game. As he triggers quickly to both the run and screen game, there are times where he can struggle defeating blocks. He does a good job of taking on blockers with his length and occasionally uses his quickness to beat blocks, but he's often overpowered by strength on the edge.

When tackling, Forbes looks to be more comfortable when filling a running lane than when he is asked to tackle in the open field. A wrap-down tackler, he often drops his head and dives at the legs of ball-carriers when in the open field.

Forbes had consistent ball production throughout his career and has the speed and length to continue it in the NFL. The big questions are how he'll handle the run game when asked to tackle bigger running backs and how he matches up against bigger, more physical receivers.

Forbes has the frame to add weight, but he'll need to quickly do so within the first couple years of his career. He is a potential role player who has the ability to become a starter down the road.

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GRADE: 6.8 (Potential Role Player/Round 4)

OVERALL RANK: 103

POSITION RANK: CB14

PRO COMPARISON: Jalyn Armour-Davis

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Cory Giddings