Mississippi State tight ends looking for more production

Over the last four seasons, Mississippi State’s tight ends position has offered little to no production. Of course, that was not a major surprise in the Mike Leach era since the Bulldogs did not have the position in the air-raid offense.

But the Bulldogs are looking to change that under head coach Jeff Lebby and his offensive scheme. Tight ends coach Jon Cooper has also added more talent and depth to that room and has high expectations for his group this fall. Earlier this week Cooper met with the media to discuss his position and his journey to Starkville:

Q: You brought in a couple of guys from the transfer portal. What’s it been like with your room this spring and offseason?
Cooper: It’s been good and we’ve got a good room. We’ve got some older guys that have been here with Seydou (Traore) and Nick Lauderdale. Then obviously bringing in Justin and Cam (Ball) in December was great because they’re all learning it together. So it’s not like any of these guys were trying to teach somebody and they were learning together. They’ve really done a great job of helping each other on and off the field.

Q: How versatile can you be with a guy like Seydou Traore?
Cooper: Very because he can do a lot of different things. He’s really changed his body this summer. He’s gotten bigger, he’s gotten faster. He takes ownership in everything he does. He’s with JMo (Jordan Mosley) and (Blake) Shapen and those guys are out there non-stop. We have to kick them off the field sometimes. He brings a different element to the offense.

Q: What is it about this offense that makes the tight end so valuable?
Cooper: We put a lot on their plate, mentally. We ask them to do a lot of things without necessarily telling them what to do. We ask them to block the same defensive end that left tackles block and we’re asking them to go win against the same corners our best receivers do. So we’re asking them to do a bunch and have a lot on their plate, mentally. So when those guys are operating like a quarterback at a high level, they can really help the offense play with the type of tempo we like to play with and it does make us versatile.

Q: Last year was tough with little tight end production and offensive tackles having to play tight end. How pleased were you to restructure that room?
Cooper: We’re happy with where we are at in that room. Man, I’ve been part of those offenses, too, where we used receivers or offensive linemen because it’s a tough position to find. Just like anybody else, it is hard to be three or four deep. At that position it is hard to play 85-90 snaps a game, especially with the tempo we play at. We feel like we’ve got four or five guys that can go in there and play and contribute, and not miss a beat.

Q: What was it about the opportunity to coach at Mississippi State?
Cooper: It’s always about the people. Coach Leb (Jeff Lebby) and I have a great relationship and I trust him. That is what this profession is all about – trust. We just talked about my one-year-old going to school. I trust him with my kids and it’s not just about the job or the SEC or salary or title. Man, this is who I want to be around. I do want to go compete against the best and that’s what we’re going to do every single Saturday. But it is about people and it’s obviously a great opportunity. But I was going to go wherever (Lebby) went.

Q: With Cam Ball and Justin Ball, have you ever coached brothers before on the same team?
Cooper: I have not, I really haven’t. So it’s been interesting. If you’ve ever been part of a locker room, it’s not that different. It’s funny and we give them a hard time. Shoot, when they start changing their hair up, they’re both big dudes and I’m like ‘is that Justin?’ when we are watching film. But it’s been good. Justin has done a great job of bringing Cam along. Justin being in the SEC before and being a captain and graduating from Vanderbilt is a huge accomplishment. So he’s done a lot already and he’s done nothing but help bring Cam along.

Q: You know center Ethan Miner well since y’all were both at North Texas. What is the offensive line getting from a guy like Miner?
Cooper: They are getting someone that is going to be very consistent and very stable. He’s always asking the right questions that centers should ask. I’ve been there so I understand. He is very (aware) of himself and everyone around him. He’s not just worried about his job but us as an offense and the guy to the right and left of him, and making sure we are all on the right page. It’s our job to let him go play free and fast and not having to worry about some of that other stuff. That’s for us, as coaches, and let him go play. He will do a really good job of bringing continuity to that group.

Q: What kind of leadership have you noticed from Miner?
Cooper: Ever since I’ve known him, he’s been a very mature guy. He fits great in the locker room. He’s not like this 20-year NFL vet that you see at the next level but he is very mature. He goes home and has a wife and three dogs. He’s great in the locker room. His leadership has really grown and he’s grown a voice. He’s never been vocal, rah-rah guy. But he’s earned that trust and he’s starting to develop that voice. With Coach Leb and the D.A.W.G. program, it is starting to show what kind of leader and what kind of influence he really does have.