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Former Purdue transfer offensive lineman Jaekwon Bouldin breaks down Mississppi State decision

Paul Jones Mississippi State Bulldogsby:Paul Jones•about 9 hours•

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jaekwon bouldin
Jaekwon Bouldin (Photo by Mississippi State Athletics)

Turns out, the second time around was the charm for former Purdue offensive lineman Jaekwon Bouldin. After being recruited by Mississippi State following his juco career at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Bouldin will end up in the Bulldogs’ program after all.

The Canton native announced his decision on Tuesday and did so after redshirting last season at Purdue. During his previous recruiting process, Bouldin officially visited both Mississippi State and Purdue before eventually enrolling at Purdue.

“It’s not just because it is close to home although that is good, too,” mentioned Bouldin. “They do have some new faces on the staff but there are people I know there. I know a lot of people there and it feels like a family-oriented team. It is a good and new opportunity for me to come in and help the program.”

Also aiding his decision was a return to campus last weekend for an official visit. The 6-foot-7 and 350-pound Bouldin was able to get a better understanding of State’s daily operation this offseason.

“I thought the visit went really well,” Bouldin recalled. “I got to see them showcase their spring game and I got to know the strength staff better. Of course, I got to see how they operate and what they need and all of that.”

Of course, Bouldin saw some familiar faces on that visit due to his previous recruiting process. And some of those relationships remained in good standing, as well.

“They still have some of the same coaches from last year that I remember well,” added Bouldin. “Of course, Coach Lebby is the same and they have a lot of familiar faces there. I still had a good relationship with several of them and that made things easier for me.”

What was new, however, for Bouldin was Mississippi State’s offensive line coach. Former Colorado offensive line coach Phil Loadholt joined State’s staff this offseason and replaced Cody Kennedy in that role. Bouldin enjoyed his time around Loadholt last weekend and also noted of Lebby’s message during that visit.

“Coach Lebby told me we got it get it right the second time and the second time is the best time,” explained Bouldin. “I told him it was the best time, too. They have a new offensive line coach now and Coach Loadholt is an outstanding coach. He likes the way I play and he believes I can come in and play for him. He liked my juco film and my film from this spring.”

Like most transfers, Bouldin is eager to get started in his new surroundings. But for Bouldin, he is also beyond ready to contribute on the field. Last year a preseason injury forced him to redshirt in his one and only season at Purdue.

“It was big for me to develop during that time,” Bouldin remarked. “I broke my hand before the season, though, so I had to take a medical redshirt. But then I got back into a groove and I was down for like three months because of my hand. Now I am ready to go again and I look forward to a fresh start with Mississippi State.”

Bouldin is the first transfer commitment for the Bulldogs in the spring transfer portal window. Per Lebby, State still wants to add more offensive linemen, a tight end and defensive back among other needs.

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