STARKVILLE — The good times continue to roll in the early days of the Mike Leach era.
Just days after Leach was formally introduced as the 34th head coach in Mississippi State history, the former Washington State coach received news Wednesday that junior running back Kylin Hill and linebacker Erroll Thompson will return for their senior seasons.
Both players released statements over Twitter to declare their intentions.
Hill had previously declared for the NFL Draft but will now help anchor an MSU offense adopting a new identity. After leading the Southeastern Conference in rushing in 2019, the Columbus native figures to be a receiving threat out of the backfield in Leach’s new-look air raid attack.
“I hope he leads the SEC in all-purpose yards,” Leach said of Hill at his introductory presser. “In the Air Raid — one thing everybody forgets is the running back position gets most of the yards and gets most of the touches. They’re the closest to the quarterback — it’s easier to get them the ball than anybody.”
As for Thompson, a source with immediate knowledge of the situation told The Dispatch Jan. 3 he was leaning toward entering the draft in the wake of Joe Moorhead’s firing. Instead, Thompson will anchor the middle of the MSU defense after finishing the 2019 season with 84 tackles — including 3.5 fort a loss. He also served as a team captain last year.
“I’m thankful and blessed for these last three years at Mississippi State University,” he wrote. “But my story isn’t done being written, our story isn’t finished. There’s so much more to accomplish both as a player, student and teammate.”
The deadline for underclassmen to enter their names into the NFL Draft is Jan. 20.
Ben Portnoy reports on Mississippi State sports for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter at @bportnoy15.
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