Jeff Lebby’s era of Mississippi State football has arrived.
The Bulldogs are on their third coach in as many years as Mike Leach’s tragic passing opened the door for defensive coordinator Zach Arnett’s debut as head coach last year. That experiment failed before the year even ended for State and now it’s Lebby’s turn to take the wheel.
While there is always a risk in hiring first time head coaches, Lebby brings to Starkville an exciting offensive scheme that has been productive everywhere he’s been. The coach has also brought with him some swagger that has the fanbase ready to see what’s next.
Over the course of the next 100 days, we will take a look at Lebby’s roster and even some fun historical rewinds that will bring back memories for Dawg fans of all ages.
Today, we take a look at a freshman lineman that has potential for some big things in Starkville.
100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 90 Days – No. 90, Fr. DL Kai McLendon
He was a bit of a late surprise for the Bulldogs late in the process, but the Gulfport native has some big upside.
The 6’3, 290-pounder is a late bloomer and started playing defensive line in the last couple of years after spending time on the offensive side of the ball. Playing both ways for Gulport, McClendon worked his way into the Mississippi-Alabama All-Star game this past season.
He had 63 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks and a forced fumble despite garnering a whole lot of attention from opposing teams up front. As his film made the round, McClendon went from Group of 5 opportunities to picking up offers from Arizona State, Georgia Tech and then then the Bulldogs.
On3 was among the highest on McClendon rating him as the No. 77 defensive lineman in the country and the 27 best player in the state of Mississippi. A plus for the talented lineman is he was able to get on campus for the spring semester and spend time working with coach David Turner.
This year is likely to be a learning season for McClendon as he prepares to hit the field and compete next year, but he will have his chances to move up the ladder.
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