Hard work eventuallly pays off for Mississippi State offensive lineman Albert Reese
This offseason Mississippi State brought in several new transfers to help replace experience along the offensive line. But there’s still a couple of familiar faces back in the trenches for the Bulldogs, including junior Albert Reese.
Reese has quickly earned the respect of Mississippi State’s new coaching staff, which was evident when he represented the Bulldogs last month at SEC Media Days. Reese has also proven to be one of the most versatile linemen on the team and that should benefit State up front this season.
Last weekend Reese met with media to discuss training camp progress and shared his thoughts on his side of the ball as well as the defensive line:
Q: How does it feel to be coming more into your role this season?
Reese: It feels great. All of the hard work is finally paying off and I’m just happy to reach the point where I can make more of an impact.
Q: You’ve shown the ability to play guard and tackle. How much does that add to your plate?
Reese: It’s a little bit normal but it’s good to have. The more positions you can play the more value you can bring to the table.
Q: With so many new transfers on the offensive line, how have you bonded with that group?
Reese: We’ve bonded very well considering we came in from basically everywhere. A bunch of guys left and a bunch of guys came in. But we’ve been doing well.
Q: What is Coach Cody Kennedy’s message to you guys?
Reese: Just the main three things: effort, physicality and execution. He keeps hammering those down each practice. Today it was very hot and everyone was tired. But we just kept going even though we weren’t feeling as fresh as Day 1.
Q: Have you had the chance to see some of the younger guys on the offensive line?
Reese: Luke (Work) has stepped up big time. Jimothy (Lewis) and both of our new tackles are coming along. They’re learning quickly for freshmen and they’re only going to get better.
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Q: How is center Ethan Miner handling that role of being the quarterback of the offensive line with making the calls and all of that?
Reese: He’s doing a great job. It’s no easy task to do what he does as the center. Mentally, it is definitely the hardest position on the offensive line. So he’s taken to it well.
Q: What’s the communication like when you’re beside a guy like Miner in a game situation?
Reese: Just like today we repped a lot of game situations and it was good. Everybody was talking and there wasn’t any quiet moments where the defense was moving around and guys weren’t saying anything. Everybody got their point across.
Q: Who are some guys on the defensive line that have given you good battles?
Reese: Definitely Branden Jennings. He’s fast. De’Monte (Russell) is good with his hands, which makes me good with my hands and that’s a good thing to bring to my game.
Q: Blake Shapen talked about how important it was to him to have a good relationship with the offensive line. What is that relationship like with him?
Reese: We love him just like a brother. The communication is great. He took us out to dinner and just a bunch of good guys hanging out.
Q: How did you let Grant Jackson beat you in the wings-eating contest?
Reese: I don’t know. That was an off day. He might be lying, too, because I wasn’t paying too much attention.
