WATCH: Mississippi State receiver Kelly Akharaiyi talks leadership, offense and spring practice
Former UTEP transfer receiver Kelly Akharaiyi joined Mississippi State’s program back in January and has quickly made himself comfortable in his new surroundings. After totaling over 1,000 receiving yards last season, Akharaiyi is ready to make a name for himself in the SEC, as well.
Following Tuesday’s spring practice session, Akharaiyi met with the media to discuss spring practice and his role with the Bulldogs:
Q: Being a senior and older guy, how have you handled that role so far?
Akharaiyi: I feel like we’ve handled the role great. Coach (Jeff) Lebby has put us in great position to make plays. That’s what we came here to do, just make plays.
Q: You are a guy that can move around to different spots. What is your role at receiver right now?
Akharaiyi: Right now I am at the four, the outside receiver. I just go out there and dominate the person in front of me. They look to me to make the big plays down the field. That’s why we brought me in here and that’s what I am going to do.
Q: What appeals to you about this offense and how excited are you to be in Coach Lebby’s offense?
Akharaiyi: How much he throws the ball (laughing). With the (UTEP) offense we didn’t really throw the ball that much and here, he told me he’s going to throw the ball. I’ve got great weapons around me. I love it.
Q: What kind of leadership role have you gained since being here?
Akharaiyi: Just make sure everybody is on the same page. If everybody ain’t on the same page you can’t get things moving. So once everybody is on the same page and everybody knows their role and know what they’re doing, we make sure we are all good. You can’t play this game by yourself.
Q: What are your thoughts on the freshmen receivers?
Akharaiyi: They are great. You got JJ (Harrell), Stonka (Burnside) and Mario (Craver), and they can all run. Anyone can just hop in and play. Today Stonka normally plays the outside but somebody subbed out and Stonka went in at slot. So they are versatile and do what they do.
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Q: With so many options in this offense, how are you adjusting to that so far?
Akharaiyi: Options, well, when I was at UTEP we were pretty much in 12 personnel. So it was me and my right-hand man and that was about it. Maybe I saw this many options in juco but I’m not sure if you want to count that. But I like this offense, though.
Q: Even before you enrolled at State, you worked out with quarterback Blake Shapen. How’s that chemistry between you two guys?
Akharaiyi: It’s great, working out every chance we get. Just taking it a step further in the right direction we need to be at and where we need to be at in the fall. You can never get enough work between you and your quarterback, and we are going to continue to do that.
Q: You got to know Chad Bumphis well in recruiting. How’s it been with him coaching you now?
Akharaiyi: I love it. He is really what I was looking for in the portal and what I needed out of a coach. And he’s given me what I need.
Q: How have things been with you and fellow transfer receiver Kevin Coleman?
Akharaiyi: Yeah it’s one of those little bro, big bro things and we’re trying to decide who is little bro and who is big bro (laughing). But yeah, he makes plays I am hyping him up and if I make plays he’s hyping me up. Like I said, you look at all the great receiver rooms, you can’t just have one. You need more than one.
