STARKVILLE — Peter Sirmon knew it was going to be tough for the Mississippi State football defense.
The defensive coordinator and linebackers coach joined the program with three other new defensive coaches in the offseason, so he believed the spring was going to be a crucial time for everyone.
Two weeks into spring practice, things seem to be working out, as the defense made six interceptions Saturday and dominated the team’s first scrimmage at Davis Wade Stadium.
“These guys want to work, and they have a hunger for doing things the right way and trying to improve,” Sirmon said. “It’s always a challenge with new words and new expectations of the individuals. For them to be able to acknowledge what we want from them now, I’ve been real pleased.”
Sirmon, who coached last season at Southern California, replaced Manny Diaz, who left MSU to become defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Miami. Brian Baker was hired to be the new defensive line coach in March to replace David Turner, who took the same job at Texas A&M. Terrell Buckley became the new cornerbacks coach after Deshea Townsend left for the Tennessee Titans. Maurice Linguist was hired as the new safeties coach after Tony Hughes was selected to lead the Jackson State program.
MSU coach Dan Mullen is pleased with how the defense has progressed.
“They’re great coaches. You see they’ve got a lot of high energy out here coaching the guys,” Mullen said. “They’re learning some new things. We’ve tweaked the defense, doing things schematically, so there will be a couple of mental errors here and there. But I think overall they’re buying in pretty good.”
Rising sophomore Brandon Bryant had three interceptions, including a 97-yard return for a touchdown. He also had a sack. His coaches talked highly of him. Bryant also expressed confidence in his ability earlier in the spring. In Sirmon’s eyes, Bryant’s performance is what the Bulldogs need.
“That was encouraging because he’s taking on a leadership role in our practice segments and he’s becoming more vocal,” Sirmon said. “To see him produce while he’s taking on that role is going to benefit him, and it’s going to benefit us a lot.”
Redshirt freshman linebacker Tim Washington had seven tackles (three for loss) and an interception. Redshirt freshman linebacker Leo Lewis and rising junior linebacker Trevor Jung had interceptions. Walk-on sophomore Hayes Walker had a scrimmage-high nine tackles. Rising senior linebacker DeAndre Ward had seven tackles (three for loss) and two sacks.
Sirmon is working to install a 3-4 defense in the spring. The Bulldogs will still lean on a traditional 4-3 defense, but the variety gives the Bulldogs options that can keep offenses guessing.
Sirmon finally got to see it briefly in a game atmosphere.
“It was good,” Sirmon said. “I thought the ones and twos did a good job. Some of the less experienced guys, it’s a challenge.”
Elijah Staley threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to Keith Mixon to spark the offense. Dontavian Lee also had two touchdowns, while Brandon Holloway, Nick Gibson, and Nick Fitzgerald had touchdowns. Wes Graves made field goals of 35 and a 48 yards.
MSU has two weeks left of spring drills. Its annual Maroon and White Game will be Saturday, April 16.
“We’re not happy with where we’re at now,” Sirmon said. “We’ve really got to finish and get into the summer and really start building our identity.”
n In other news, Mullen reiterated what he said earlier in the week about needing more information before he makes a decision about Noxubee County High School standout and MSU signee Jeffery Simmons.
The Macon Police Department charged Simmons on Monday with simple assault and disturbing the peace. A video surfaced Saturday allegedly showing Simmons and another person striking a woman repeatedly while she was on the ground.
“We’re going to evaluate and we’ll let y’all know,” Mullen said. “Don’t expect anything in the near future.”
n Rising sophomore safety Jamal Peters took reps at wide receiver in the scrimmage.
The Bulldogs are down two receivers — Fred Ross and Donald Gray, who Mullen confirmed was done for the spring with a hyperextended knee.
Peters had two catches for 17 yards.
“He’s such a talented football player,” Mullen said. “We’re making sure we evaluate the right way here within our program and we put him in position he can be most successful.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Ben Wait on Twitter @bcwait
Ben Wait reports on Mississippi State University sports for The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.