RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesSTARKVILLE – Phil Loadholt is hoping to slam some revolving doors shut.
With training camp just days away, Mississippi State’s second-year offensive line coach is trying to kickstart some much-needed improvement up front. The Bulldogs allowed 45 sacks last season, which were the most in the SEC and the fourth-most in America.
Loadholt’s solution for that? More cooks in the kitchen.
“I feel like we were able to build a lot of depth in the room and a lot of competition, which is what I'm looking for at all times,” he said regarding the offseason. “So I think we’ve got a lot more depth in the room, more competition going into the fall, which is going to be great.”
State brings back just one starter – senior center Canon Boone – but also welcomes five transfers from five different schools such as Miles McVay from North Carolina. They’ll join other returners such as Jakheem Shumpert-Perkins, T.J. Lockhart, Saquon Miles and Blake Steen, who suffered a season-ending injury in last year’s season opener.
Boone will more than likely be the foundation of whatever mix Loadholt feels will get the job done, either for that week's game or for the season overall.
“He's done a great job and become more of a vocal leader,” Loadholt said. “But just continuity playing with each other, which we've been able to build some of that throughout the spring. But then now just finding the right guys and the right mix there, and we'll get that done throughout this fall camp.”
As Loadholt looks to improve a unit that was a glaring weakness last season, he has a strong relationship with the head honcho to lean on.
Loadholt and Jeff Lebby have been on the same staff at four different FBS schools: Oklahoma (2022-23), Ole Miss (2020-2021), UCF (2018) and MSU for what will now be the second season. Because of those years together, Loadholt and Lebby know what to expect of each other. It also helps this particular case that both coaches are former offensive linemen.
“I think it's one of those relationships where you don't have to say nothing. We're just always on the same page already,” Loadholt said. “So that allows me to be able to coach fast, allows the players to be able to play fast and go from there. So it's great. It's been a great dynamic. So it's been good.”
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