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All-SEC safety Isaac Smith talks spring ball and defensive changes

Paul Jones Mississippi State Bulldogsby:Paul Jones•03/23/25•

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Mississippi State S Isaac Smith (Photo by Jared Thomas, Maroon and White Daily)

Isaac Smith had a breakout season in 2024 and also stepped up as one of the team’s top leaders. In that sophomore season, the former Itawamba AHS standout led the SEC in tackles (127) and also earned second-team All-SEC honors.

This spring Smith continues to embrace his leadership responsibilities while looking to shore up the defensive struggles from last year:

Q: The spring is usually about doing different things from a position standpoint. What’s your role been this spring?
Smith: It’s a lot similar to last year, focusing a little more on linebacker. A lot of games last year I played the outside piece a good bit and that middle safety piece. But right now, I’m just trying learn a lot, as much as I can really at any position I can. You never know. May play linebacker, down or safety, just learn it all and hope for the best.

Q: What are some of the differences you see with the defense this spring?
Smith: I would say definitely the culture. I love the size we brought in up front. Which I mean, the guys last year were pretty good and big, but these guys have something different about them. Everybody is different. But I love the fact they came in and are working hard. They know we all got something to prove and they’re doing right along with us.

Q: Your thoughts on Tennessee transfer Jalen Smith?
Smith: He’s been doing really good. He’s picked up on the playbook pretty quick. I’m pretty sure Tennessee isn’t an easy place to play defense at either because it’s SEC. He’s learning, adapting well and fitting in just perfect really.

Q: What’s your reaction to having those bigger bodies on the defensive line this year?
Smith: Me personally, I think we only had eight sacks as a team last year. I’d love to see one of these new guys come in here and make a name for themselves, if they already don’t have one. I know we’ve got a lot of new coaches as well, and I know Coach (Vincent) Dancy and Coach (David) Turner will do their part, making sure those new guys get in here and work hard and get after the quarterback.

Q: How’s it been with the two new defensive analysts in Paul Rhodes and Mike MacIntyre?
Smith: It’s just nice to have older coaches that have been around the game for a long time. On the field, off the field, they’re going to correct you and teach you, especially on the field. They so much IQ and knowledge. It’s always great to pick at their brain.

Q: What have you seen so far from transfer safety Jahron Manning?
Smith: I really like him. He’s a smart player. I think he’s picked up on the playbook the best. Coming from Old Dominion, he’s played a lot of football, as well at a couple of places. But he’s one of the first ones in here and he works hard every day. He’s gonna contribute a lot.

Q: What was the winter like for you and the defensive guys after what happened last season?
Smith: I’d say mainly like our culture. We get 40-something new players, a lot of new coaches on the team, you gotta start somewhere. I think building that bond with each other first is gonna play a bigger role this season. Nobody wants to go 2-10, especially me and the guys that were here. Just preaching to the new guys that we have something bigger to prove. They came in and worked hard this winter. Now we have to put a great spring together, great summer, and fall camp and hey, we’re right there.

Q: It seems this team looks stronger and quicker in practice.
Smith: I would say everybody worked hard this off-season. Strength coaches put us through it this winter. Conditioning wise, weight-room wise and nutritionally, Miss Pam (Bartz) and her team has done a great job, staying on us about eating and just doing the right things. I feel that played a big part in it.

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