STARKVILLE — Blake Shapen completed a 43-yard pass to Kevin Coleman. Late in the first half, he threw a 40-yard pass to Kelly Akalaii. He also threw a 60-yard pass to Coleman.
Spring games can only tell you so much, but Mississippi State football's scrimmage on Saturday made it clear that the Bulldogs have the right quarterback for new coach Jeff Levy's offense.
Chapen completed 18 of 22 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns in the first half. For a coach who has said he wants an offense that is fun and explosive on the field, it appears he has found the right person through the transfer portal.
“I'm proud of Blake's attitude, his toughness, his sharpness, his work ethic,” Levy said. “I love the fact that he took care of the football today. He has a lot of work to do. He's not a good player, but I think he has a chance to be a great player.”
Why Blake Shapen was Jeff Levy's portal target
While serving as Oklahoma's offensive coordinator last year, Levy helped develop Dillon Gabriel into one of the nation's top quarterbacks. He ranked ninth in the nation with 3,660 passing yards and 30 touchdowns.
So when Levy was hired by Mississippi State and Gabriel entered the transfer portal, the dots started connecting. Expectations that Gabriel would join the Bulldogs increased when it was reported in early December that he was scheduled to visit MSU.
Immediately after these reports surfaced, commitment declined. But it wasn't from Gabriel.
On Dec. 8, Mr. Chapen announced he was coming to Mississippi State. The next day, Gabriel decided to head to Oregon.
For a coach whose offense relies heavily on quarterback success, it felt like a disappointment. Instead, Levy has made it clear that Chapen is a priority.
“He's serious about being great,” Levy said. “That’s probably what I’m most proud of.”
Why Jeff Levy isn't worried about Blake Shapen's injury history
Shapen was a three-star prospect in the 2020 high school class and signed with Baylor shortly after coach Dave Aranda took over. His career with the Bears was promising, as he threw for 5,574 yards and 36 touchdowns in three seasons. He led Baylor to the Big 12 title in 2021.
However, Chapen's career has been plagued by injuries. He played in 13 games in 2022, but only 14 in the other two campaigns.
Report:Mississippi State football WR Justin Robinson enters transfer portal
But that background didn't factor into Levy's decision to bring him to Starkville.
“He's played a lot of ball. He's accomplished a lot,” Levy said. “He's had some really good times, but sometimes he's had some tough times for him. I love the fact that he has a story. I love the fact that he lived it and made it through. ”
Stefan Krajisnik is the Clarion Ledger's Mississippi beat writer. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on the X Platform, formerly known as Twitter. @skrajisnik3.
