Jeff Lebby believes Blake Shapen can be a great player for Mississippi State

When Blake Shapen transferred to Mississippi State, he had an opportunity under Jeff Lebby to really excel.

He spent four years with Baylor and was up and down but there were certainly some great traits. Lebby saw those on display during the Bulldogs’ spring game.

Being a great quarterback for Mississippi State could set Lebby and crew up for a great debut season.

“Yeah it’s a huge deal for us and obviously as we move forward, quarterback play is gonna give us an opportunity to be in a bunch of football games and go win a bunch of games,” Lebby said. “And that’s, you know, that’s how I’ll always view it. Proud of Blake’s demeanor, his toughness, his edge, how his work and love the fact that he took care of the football today. 

“He’s got a ton of work to do. I think he’s got a chance to be, not a good player, but a great player. And I mean, he’s serious about being great and again, that’s probably what I’m most proud of.”

In eight games last season, Shapen threw for 2,188 yards, 13 touchdowns, three interceptions and a 61.7% completion percentage. Over the course of his career, Shapen had 5,574 yards, 36 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and a 63.7% completion percentage.

Shapen also had six rushing touchdowns over the last two years.

As a member of the Class of 2020, Shapen was a three-star recruit out of Shreveport (La.) Evangel Christian Academy, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 27 overall prospect in the state, the No. 46 quarterback in the class and the No. 654 overall prospect in the class.

Shapen was just one of the guys who stood out in the spring. Lebby was very pleased with the work ethic across the team.

“I think what stood out the most was our guys’ eagerness to go to work every day and their attitude and effort coming into the building,” Lebby said. “We’ve had great energy every single day. That’s been a huge stress of ours, it’s not just making sure it’s not just another Tuesday morning, it’s not just another Wednesday meeting, it’s not just another Thursday walkthrough. 

“Being incredibly present every single moment, being incredibly intentional, and finding ways to get better. So, that’s what I am most proud about.”