Projecting The Starters At Every Position For Mississippi State Football Ahead Of The 2023 Season

Looking into who is most likely to start at each position for Mississippi State football in 2023.

The start of the 2023 season is just around the corner for Mississippi State football as the Bulldogs open up the action against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions on Sept. 2.

There have been multiple ongoing position battles throughout the offseason, but several have been resolved while some others will continue into the first weeks.

Here's a look at the projected starters at every position:

Quarterback- Will Rogers

This is year four for the veteran quarterback. This is his team, and while Michael Wright will have some packages as head coach Zach Arnett indicated, Roger has been publicly declared the starter and it's his job to lose.

Running Back - Jo'quavious "Woody" Marks

Marks was a team player who always did his job in an Air Raid offense. Now, with a more running back-friendly offense, he will become a feature back.

Left tackle - Percy Lewis

It has been a battle all during camp for left tackle, but the edge goes to the former JUCO star.

Left guard - Nick Jones

After starting at left tackle last year, Jones will slide inside for his final year in Starkville.

Center - Cole Smith

After playing as a guard these past couple of years, the veteran will move to center. Smith is a vocal guy, which is a perfect fit for center.

Right guard - Steven Loyosa

A former transfer who didn't have a lot of hype coming into Starkville exceeded all expectations last year. Losoya will move to the right side after nine starts at right guard.

Right Tackle - Kam Jones

Jones missed the Spring due to injury, but he earned his spot back this Fall. He is the lone Bulldog offensive lineman who will not be changing positions.

Wide Receiver -  Justin Robinson

After impressing in the bowl game, Robinson has continued his hot streak into camp. He shows excellent size and solid hands and will be the main goaline target for the Bulldogs.

Wide Reciever - Lideatrick "Tulu" Griffin

Aside from being arguably the best return man in college football, Griffin will be moving into the slot this year. With the new offensive scheme, expect him to get the ball in various ways.

Wide Reciever - Zavion Thomas

He is another return specialist, but Thomas will get his first starting experience at receiver. As with Griffin, expect Thomas to get the ball in various ways.

Tight End - Geor’quarius Spivey

After a three-year hiatus, tight ends are back in Starkville. Spivey decided to return to Starkville, and after two years at TCU, he will get the first reps at tight end.

Defensive Tackle - Jaden Crumedy

After missing over half of last year due to injury, Bulldogs fans were glad to hear he decided to return. It was a different defense with him on the field, and he is back for his last year.

Nose Guard - Nathan Pickering

A once highly-rated recruit is back for his last run. Pickering has been solid his whole career but has never fully reached his potential. Maybe this is the year.

Defensive End - Deonte Anderson

This was a long shot going into camp. Anderson has impressed coaches all camp with his abilities as a pass rusher. SELA could be his first start.

Weak Side Linebacker - Jett Johnson

On a roster full of veterans, nobody may be more consistent than Johnson.

Middle Linebacker - Nathaniel "Bookie" Watson

Watson is another seasoned veteran and guy who decided to return for his last year. He is the leader of this defense.

Strong Side Linebacker - John Lewis

Lewis is a young guy with a lot of expectations. A once four-star recruit from Germantown finds himself in the starting lineup as a redshirt Sophomore.

Cornerback - Hunter Washington

The Florida State transfer came out of nowhere late in camp to grab the starting role. Washington is moving from safety to corner, and he must play well for this inexperienced Bulldog secondary.

Cornerback - Decamerion Richardson

If there was one guy who could be a first-round pick on this team, it is Richardson. He is long and tall with speed but has big shoes to fill, replacing first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes.

Free Safety - Marcus Banks

The former Alabama transfer is moving to safety after playing sparingly at corner last year.

Boundary Safety - Jordan Morant

Another transfer is projected to start in the backend of the defense. Morant, a Michigan transfer, is entering his second year in Starkville.

Dog Safety - Shawn Preston

The most experienced member of this safety group. Preston has SEC starts under his belt at safety so he will need to lead that group.