STARKVILLE — Bob Shoop’s mind was in a lot of places in April, when Mississippi State’s defensive coordinator was learning his new roster and installing his system to a group of players that have been through this process five times in as many years.
In that madness, a first impression of defensive end Kobe Jones came, one that he has not been able to shake.
“When I think of Kobe, I think of the spring game, the fact that we divided the teams up and he wanted to be on the other team, to play against the starters and did really, really well,” Shoop said.
In moments like that, the Starkville native proves he is acting like the star many think he can become.
No. 25 MSU (6-4, 2-4 Southeastern Conference, No. 21 College Football Playoff) is already benefitting from defensive line dominance on the first team, with Jeffery Simmons and Montez Sweat among the top 10 in the SEC, but Jones has proven himself as a worthy successor. His 18 tackles, five for a loss, and two quarterback hurries have given him a reputation even in limited snaps.
That reputation can only grow from here, beginning 11 a.m. Saturday (ESPN) against Arkansas (2-8, 0-6 SEC).
“I think Kobe’s a guy that (defensive line coach Brian) Baker and the defensive staff are really excited about,” head coach Joe Moorhead said. “Not only does he possess the physical tools that are required to be successful in this conference, but he’s a student of the game: high IQ, knows the fundamentals, knows the technique and always does it the way Coach Baker instructs him to do so. He very rarely finds himself in the wrong position.”
One has to consistently do right in order to produce as he does on so few snaps.
Jones’ spot in the rotation was solidified after Marquiss Spencer’s season-ending injury, but he is still behind Sweat and Gerri Green on the first-team and Chauncey Rivers is getting the most production out of the second unit.
Jones is far from buried on the depth chart, still fourth among MSU defensive linemen in tackles, but it’s still a stark departure from his norm: he was a standout at Starkville High School and a four-star prospect according to 247 Sports and one of the top 10 in-state prospects in his class.
“It has its positives, but at the end of the day I’m not used to being in this kind of role,” Jones said. “These couple of years, I’ve had to adapt to being behind the scenes. It’s a process, but I’m adapting to it.
“I feel like I kind of instill the personality of the defense. I’m the guy that keeps everybody going, thinking positive, reminding people of who we are, our identity. I feel like it’s my job to exemplify that all times: always be the one going the hardest, being the toughest and taking the lead sometimes.”
Jones said he feels that need most when a team is challenging them with the run — “When teams try to bow up and be aggressive with us, that’s an opportunity to show our strength.”
A mind-set like that one is eerily similar to that of asking for the best competition in the spring game. The mind-set that has Shoop excited for the years to come.
“You’re not supposed to play favorites, but he always has a great demeanor going into meetings and going to practice,” Shoop said. “He’s got a positive attitude, got a great work ethic and very competitive.
“He recognizes Chauncey and Montez get a little more recognition than him, but per snap, he might be as productive a player as we have. Before it’s all said and done, he’s going to have a great career here.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett Hudson on Twitter @Brett_Hudson
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