Skip to main content
mississippi-state logo

Isaac Smith talks Bulldog defensive improvements in the offseason

3rupauk8_400x400by:Robbie Faulk•04/04/25•

RobbieFaulkOn3

isaac smith2
Mississippi State S Isaac Smith (Photo by Jared Thomas, Maroon and White Daily)

One of the only brights spots in a tough football season in 2024 was sophomore safety Isaac Smith.

The SEC’s leading tackler, Smith was a consistent force for a Mississippi State defense that really struggled to keep offenses from scoring. Instead of deciding to transfer and find a new home, Smith is sticking it out for another season and it’s his goal to bring the Bulldog defense back to prominence this season.

Part of that is going to be playing more linebacker this season instead of his traditional safety role. He discussed that move in a recent talk with media as well as his thoughts on some new faces on the team and the defense as a whole this season.

Question: You’ve been playing some linebacker in practices this year. What’s that move been like and what is your role this season?

IS: “It’s a lot similar to last year but just focusing more on linebacker. A lot of games last year, I played that outside piece a good bit and that middle safety piece. Right now, I’m just trying to learn as much as I can at any position I can because you never know.”

Q: What’s the differences of the defense this season?

IS: “I love the size that we brought in up front. The guys last year were pretty good and big, but these guys have something different about them. I love the fact that they’ve come in and are working hard. They know that we’ve got something to prove.”

Q: What have you seen from Jalen Smith at linebacker?

IS: “He’s been doing really good and is picking up on the playbook pretty quick. I’m pretty sure that Tennessee is an easy place to play defense at because it’s SEC. He’s learning and adapting well and fitting in perfect.”

Q: The defensive line has a lot of size and bodies that you guys didn’t have last year. What has stood out about them?

IS: “I think we only had like 8.0 sacks as a team last year. I’d love to see one of these new guys come in and make a name for themselves if they don’t have one. I know that we’ve got a lot of new coaches as well and I know that coach Dancy and coach Turner are going to do their part in making sure those new guys get in there, work hard and get after the quarterback.”

Q: Speaking of new coaches, y’all added two former head coaches as analysts in Paul Rhoads and Mike MacIntyre. What has been your thoughts on those coaches?

IS: “It’s just nice to have older coaches that have been around the game for a long time. If it’s on or off the field, they’re going to teach you. They’ve got so much IQ and knowledge that it’s always good to pick their brain.”

Q: What have you seen so far from Jahron Manning?

IS: “I really like him. He’s a smart player. I think he’s picked up on our playbook the best. Coming from Old Dominion, he’s played a lot of football. He’s one of the first ones in there, works hard every day and is going to contribute a lot.”

Q: What was the winter like and the offseason preparing for the season?

IS: “Mainly it’s our culture. When you get 40 something new players and a lot of new coaches on the team, you’ve got to start somewhere, and I think building that bond with each other first is going to play a bigger role on the season. Nobody wants to go 2-10, especially me and the guys that were here. Just preaching to the new guys that we’ve got something bigger to prove. They came in and worked hard in the winter and now we’ve just got to put a great spring together, great summer and fall camp and we’re right there.

“Everybody worked hard this offseason and the strength coaches put us through it this winter. Conditioning, weightroom wise and nutrition as well. That played a big part of it.”

You may also like