Mississippi State football's spring game on Saturday marked an important milestone for coach Jeff Levy. His first spring as head coach is over, and the scrimmage was his last chance to see where his team, and more specifically his roster, is heading into the summer.
If Levy had arrived at Mississippi State 10 years ago, there probably wouldn't have been much he could have changed given his evaluation. However, in the current climate of college football, it is possible for coaches to proactively address holes.
So when the game was over and Levy was asked where he would like to improve in the spring transfer portal window, he was able to give a direct answer.
“We're looking at a few different things,” Levy said. “We're keeping an eye on the running back situation. We probably have the ability to get another offensive lineman. We might bring in another edge player on defense and corner. That's where we're at. We want to do a great job of filling some needs and creating some great depth over the next 12 to 15 days.”
Let's take a look at who Mississippi State might target at these spots.
run back
MSU is pursuing Oregon State transfer Damian Martinez, who visited last weekend. He reportedly canceled a scheduled visit to Kentucky. However, Miami is still expected to be a candidate to add him.
In two seasons with the Beavers, he rushed for 2,167 yards and 16 touchdowns. He was named to the All-Pac-12 first team back-to-back.
MSU acquired Martinez after the Bulldogs acquired Rashad Amos from Miami (Ohio). Last season, he ran for 1,075 yards.
offensive line
Mississippi State advanced to the final four thanks to the performance of Illinois offensive lineman Anthony Johnson. The Bulldogs will play Michigan State, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Arkansas.
Johnson is in his final season of eligibility and was scheduled to spend the season with the Illini after transferring from Youngstown State University. However, coach Bret Bielema said Johnson believed he did not have a starting role and chose to transfer.
cornerback
Mississippi State acquired Memphis transfer cornerback Deago Brumfield on Saturday. He came to MSU after spending one season at Memphis, recording 42 tackles and one forced fumble in 13 games. Prior to joining Memphis, he spent two seasons at Campbellsville.
Brumfield becomes the second Memphis corner to transfer to MSU this offseason. He joins his Light in Traveon, who first arrived at the portal in his cycle.
They will work with assistant defensive coordinator Matt Barnes, who previously served as Memphis' defensive coordinator.
Bottom center:Blake Shapen is Jeff Levy's QB. Here's why it's good for Mississippi State football.
defense end
It remains to be seen who Mississippi State will target as an edge rusher in the spring portal cycle. The Bulldogs will enter the summer with sixth-grader Demonte Russell anchoring the group.
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.
