100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 45 Days – No. 45, LB Josaiah Knight
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 freshman defender that could be a gem for State in the future.
100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 45 Days – No. 45, Fr. LB Josaiah Knight
Unforeseen circumstances had Knight joining the Bulldog class this year.
After a standout season for Gadsden County in Florida, Knight signed with the Illinois Fighting Illini. An issue with one of Knight’s credits kept him from landing in Illinois and his recruitment opened back up in February. Knight’s relationship with former State commit Jeramiah Cloud pushed the Bulldogs into the picture.
The 6’3, 230-pound edge rusher began to gain interest nationally after he had 56 tackles, 13.0 tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hurries and 6.0 sacks as a junior. He followed that up by making 36 tackles as a senior last year with 16.0 of those coming behind the line of scrimmage. Knight had seven pass breakups, 3.0 sacks, two fumble recoveries and a forced fumble.
In Starkville, Knight appears to be poised to play standing up in a JACK linebacker role. It won’t be known for sure just how he’s transitioning to this level until he gets going in the fall, but there is a lot to like about his game and his best football should be ahead of him.
