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Jeff Lebby addresses if Mississippi State's slow start has negatively impacted recruiting

FaceProfileby:Thomas Goldkamp•10/01/24
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Mississippi State Athletics

The Jeff Lebby era at Mississippi State started with a lot of hype and promise, but a 1-4 start to the season and a four-game losing skid has dampened enthusiasm a good deal.

The first-year head coach believes recruiting is still going quite well, though, and he’s been actively taking steps to ensure the poor start on the field doesn’t hamper the program’s progress in building for the future.

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“Again, the results have not been anything that, one, that we expect or, two, that we want,” Lebby said. “But I think from a relationship standpoint and a connection standpoint the guys that we’re recruiting understand that there’s a realness in our building that people are going to want to be a part of.”

Mississippi State’s current recruiting class under Jeff Lebby ranks 25th nationally, featuring eight four-star prospects. That’s right in line with the previous few classes, which suggests a little forward momentum could really take things in the right direction.

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To that end, Lebby’s focus in recruiting has been on the messaging.

“I mean we’re trying to do everything we can to make sure that the guys that we are recruiting understand what’s going on in the building with the belief and buy-in and the energy and the culture that has been created and is going to continue as we’re in the building,” Jeff Lebby said.

One thing that could potentially juice recruiting efforts is a new, young starting quarterback.

Following a season-ending injury to Blake Shapen, Michael Van Buren has taken over. A freshman, he’s young enough that the program could really build around him for the future if he pans out.

His first start didn’t offer a clear picture on potential upside, nor did his relief efforts against Florida.

Through those two contests, Van Buren has gone 19-of-36 passing (52.8%) for 244 yards. He has thrown neither a touchdown nor an interception. He has also run for a touchdown.

In any case, Jeff Lebby is confident recruiting remains on the right track.