2025 juco offensive lineman Jakheem Shumpert discusses Mississippi State signing
After collecting numerous offers over the past couple of months, 2025 offensive lineman Jakheem Shumpert finally got the offer he was waiting to receive. That offer was from Mississippi State a couple of weeks ago and on Wednesday, the On3 three-star prospect from Northwest Mississippi Community College officially signed with the Bulldogs.
Shumpert also added Power 4 offers from Kansas State, Illinois and Virginia Tech last month. But with his connection with State offensive line coach Cody Kennedy and growing up a Bulldog fan, it made for an easy decision for Shumpert.
The former Shannon High School product is rated as the nation’s No. 3 juco offensive tackle and the nation’s No. 14 overall juco prospect by On3 composite rankings.
“Really it was about the coaches,” noted Shumpert. “It was just that bond I had with Coach Kennedy and the type of coach he is. I had that same type of bond with my Oline coach at Northwest, too. Plus, State is where I always wanted to be.”
All in all, the past couple of months have been a whirlwind for Shumpert on the recruiting trail. Now that he’s headed to the SEC in January, he called it a life-changing experience and for good reason.
“It was a crazy experience and it was life-changing,” Shumpert mentioned. “I didn’t get recruited much out of high school so it was great. I didn’t get many offers until this year and then I blew up. Coaches saw me get better each week and then State offered me and that was my dream school. So I am pleased with the way I improved to put me in this position.”
This past weekend Shumpert was able to get more of a glimpse of his State future during his official visit. To no surprise, the best part of his weekend was simply talking football with Kennedy and State’s staff.
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“That was like my second time to be over there,” Shumpert recalled. “My favorite part was just talking football with Coach Kennedy. That was fun. We were talking about the NFL and what it takes to get there.”
Shumpert also got to take advice from a current Mississippi State offensive line during his time in Starkville.
“Branden Jennings was my host but I was mainly with Albert Reese,” remarked Shumpert. “It was good with Albert and he was telling me about playing tackle and guard this year. He won the Kent Hull Trophy as the best offensive lineman in the state. So he did well this year.”
With his decision made, Shumpert will have three years to play two at the next level. He discussed his future on the offensive line with Kennedy and company, and he is expected to remain at his normal spot in the trenches when he arrives in Starkville.
“We talked about left tackle and I’ve been playing that spot for awhile now,” explained the 6-foot-5 and 325-pound Shumpert. “So it will be a good transition in the SEC. That is the most valuable position on the line and it makes for a bright future for me.”
