100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 31 Days – No. 31, So. LB Javae Gilmore
Jeff Lebby’s era of Mississippi State football has arrived.
The Bulldogs are on their third coach in as many years as Mike Leach’s tragic passing opened the door for defensive coordinator Zach Arnett’s debut as head coach last year. That experiment failed before the year even ended for State and now it’s Lebby’s turn to take the wheel.
While there is always a risk in hiring first time head coaches, Lebby brings to Starkville an exciting offensive scheme that has been productive everywhere he’s been. The coach has also brought with him some swagger that has the fanbase ready to see what’s next.
Over the course of the next 100 days, we will take a look at Lebby’s roster and even some fun historical rewinds that will bring back memories for Dawg fans of all ages.
Today, we look at a linebacker looking to take a step up in 2024.
100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 31 Days – No. 31, So. LB Javae Gilmore
As year three arrives for Gilmore, the Louisiana native is following the path of progression for a college athlete.
He started his career redshirting in 2022 after playing in just one game and then Gilmore became a player that cut his teeth on special teams. Gilmore had a chance to play in every game last year on special teams and now he gets a shot at helping State on the field defensively.
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A native of Amite, La., Gilmore was a player that was on the radar of nearly every SEC program. Early offers rolled in from Ole Miss, LSU, Kentucky and Arkansas in this conference with other offers coming from Florida State, Virginia, Georgia Tech and others.
Most of these offers came after he helped lead his team to the quarterfinals in the Class 2A playoffs when he had 54 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. As a senior, he had 69 tackles, 12.0 TFL, 4.0 sacks, a fumble recovery and 45 catches as a wide receiver with 754 yards and nine scores.
Gilmore was rated as the state’s No. 20 player overall and was the No. 435 player overall and the No. 40 linebacker. After committing to State right before his senior season, Gilmore came to Starkville and bulked up. He has put on 35 pounds since his senior year and is ready to contribute for Coleman Hutzler’s defense this fall.
