Former Texas transfer defensive lineman Jaray Bledsoe breaks down Mississippi State decision
Former Texas transfer defensive lineman Jaray Bledsoe will stay in the SEC after all. The rising junior announced his intentions on Saturday to transfer to Mississippi State and will have two years left to play.
The Texas native officially visited Mississippi State this past Thursday and Friday. During that visit, Bledsoe committed to the Bulldogs’ staff before going public with his decision on Saturday. He is the second transfer defensive lineman to choose State in this cycle, joining former N.C. State defensive end Red Hibbler.
“I was emotional at first,” Bledsoe explained. “Being able to go to Mississippi State’s program, it’s just a blessing for me. The coaches said they need me and I want to go somewhere I can play. I like the area there and it’s a place I can just lock in and go play.”
While in Starkville, Bledsoe and his family got a full view of his future program. That included a detailed look at the State facilities and surrounding area.
“Basically, we went to all of the facilities,” added the 6-foot-4 and 290-pound Bledsoe. “We went to the practice fields, the nutrition center, the weight room and met with academics. We went to eat at a couple of nice places, too.”
What caught Bledsoe’s attention the most was Mississippi State’s rich history of producing elite defensive linemen.
“I enjoyed everything,” Bledsoe recalled. “I enjoyed the coaches and being with the defensive line coach, Coach David Turner. What stood out to me was the history of the trenches as far as the defensive linemen that were there in the past.”
While he was around Turner, Bledsoe said the State defensive line coach was already giving him tips on the position. Bledsoe also recapped the feedback he received from head coach Jeff Lebby during his time on campus.
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“I really like Coach Turner,” mentioned Bledsoe. “He taught me a couple of things while I was there on my visit. He’s an old-school coach and I like that. I also talked to Coach Lebby a good bit. He wants me to come in and he sees me playing a big role in their organization.”
Also with Turner, Bledsoe learned what his role would be with Mississippi State defensive line next season.
“They talked to me about defensive tackle,” remarked Bledsoe. “I haven’t played noseguard so far but they want to move me around the defensive line to different spots. I feel good about it and it will be good matchups for me at noseguard or defensive tackle.”
After entering the transfer portal, Bledsoe noted that Baylor, Florida, Arkansas, TCU and Washington were also showing interest. He also took in an official visit to Washington last week.
While he will be in a different uniform next fall, he does get to remain teammates with one of his best friends. Just a few days ago, his Texas teammate and transfer linebacker Derion Gullette also signed with Mississippi State.
“We both like the way it worked out,” said Bledsoe of Gullette. “We kind of had plans to go to the same place when we entered the portal. So now we get to stay teammates and it’s going to be great.”
