Vanderbilt tight end Justin Ball recaps decision to transfer to Mississippi State
On Sunday, Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby dipped into the transfer portal again to add another veteran to the Bulldogs’ 2024 roster. Former Vanderbilt transfer tight end Justin Ball announced his intentions to transfer to Mississippi State following a weekend visit to Starkville.
Ball has one season of eligibility remaining and had 15 catches for 151 yards and one touchdown this past season for the Commodores.
“When I entered the portal, Mississippi State reached out and said they were interested,” Ball recalled. “They said they had a spot they needed to fill. They like that I am an SEC guy with experience. So it worked out well for all of us in that way.”
Of course, being able to stay in the SEC helped lead Ball to an easy decision. And facing the nation’s best competition on a weekly basis was another factor behind Ball’s decision.
“It’s SEC ball,” Ball explained. “It is the highest level and they care about it. They show you that they care about it at Mississippi State. It is the best competition in the world and you can’t beat that.”
As noted, Ball got a good look at his future home last weekend via an official visit. He has played at Davis Wade Stadium in the past but this visit gave Ball the chance to meet head coach Jeff Lebby and the new Mississippi State staff.
“Great visit, great visit,” said the 6-foot-6 and 230-pound Ball. “What stood out was just the people there. They really care about business and getting this program right. They are big on creating and building good relationships. So it was a good time to be around my new coaches.”
Regarding his player host, that was one relationship that Ball already had from his playing career at Vanderbilt.
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“I was with Mike Wright and he was my guy from Vanderbilt,” noted Ball. “He was my host so we spent a lot of time together and we already had a great relationship. Then I was around some of their other tight ends and they are all great guys.”
Before making his final decision, Ball did his homework on Lebby and the style of tight ends Lebby has coached in the past. From those observations, Ball believes he fits the description that Lebby wants at that position.
“A little bit of everything,” noted Ball of his role. “Looking back at Coach Lebby’s tight ends, they would get down some and run routes. So I can do everything they need me to do. Coach Lebby is a big pass guy so they will have 11 personnel a lot and he wants tight ends that can do a little bit of everything.”
In a few more weeks, Ball will make the move to Starkville for his final college campaign. While his uniform colors will change, the mindset remains the same.
“Different environment but the same goal,” Ball added. “It is the SEC so you compete your butt off. So nothing really changes except the environment and fans.”
Ball is the sixth transfer addition for the Bulldogs, joining Baylor quarterback Blake Shapen, North Carolina defensive lineman Kedrick Bingley-Jones, Memphis transfer offensive tackle Makylan Pounders, Memphis transfer cornerback Tre Wright and North Texas center Ethan Miner.
