Can The 2022 SEC Lead Tacklers Top Themselves In 2023?

The start of the 2023 season is just around the corner for the Mississippi State Bulldogs, and while they enter the year not widely talked about across the national media, there's a lot of reason for optimism.

In the 2022 season, MSU had the two leading tacklers in the SEC. Both are returning for the 2023 season to maintain that position and rise to new heights.

The linebackers room for the Bulldogs can be viewed as the best position group on the defense and even the team as a whole. 54% of the defense from the previous season is returning and that consistency is seen in this room.

State has one of the better run defenses in the country and that is why the Bulldogs consistently lead the SEC in tackles. The players leading the way including Nathaniel Watson, Jett Johnson, and the occasional J.P. Purvis are returning to man the middle of the field again.

Watson was named to the All-SEC preseason second team, and was the second leading tackler slightly behind Johnson who edged him out in the win over Illinois in the ReliaQuest Bowl. A friendly and competitive competition between this impactful duo will be something to keep an eye out for in their final season in Maroon and White.

Purvis and senior Deshawn Page will serve as the primary backups to the two veteran linebackers. Purvis and Page combined for over 55 tackles last season and bounced in and out of the defensive scheme that coach Zach Arnett drew up. They serve as viable backups and can be used in all aspects of the field.

The remainder of the room includes freshmen and redshirts and with their lack of experience, can use this season as a chance to study under the upperclassmen for their chance to take over in the upcoming years.

This room is one of if not the strongest position groups for the Bulldogs as well as the SEC. With Arnett’s defensive leadership, the first game against Southeastern on Sept. 2 can be a showcase for how talented this group can be.

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