Blake Shapen poised to lead Bulldogs in 2024
DALLAS – Blake Shapen and Mississippi State were meant to be.
A day after Mississippi State hired Jeff Lebby as its new head coach, the Baylor quarterback entered the transfer portal. With State in the market for an experienced and versatile quarterback for Lebby’s offense and Shapen looking for an offense to bring out his strengths, the Bulldogs were a clear match.
Shapen’s commitment to State in early December came as a surprise to many when it happened, but Lebby couldn’t have been more confident in his pick. Likewise for Shapen.
“I knew that if I got in the portal and coach Lebby called my phone, that would be a spot that I would want to go to. The first day I got in the portal, he called me and just happened to be hired at Mississippi State. I’ve wanted to play in the SEC my entire life so I’m excited for the opportunity.”
Six months in at Starkville, Shapen fits like a glove.
A Shreveport, La., native, the former Baylor frontman isn’t far from his stomping grounds. Getting up to speed has been smooth as well and Shapen showed that in an impressive spring game performance.
“It’s been awesome. I’m blessed to be here. This is an opportunity of a lifetime and something that you grow up wanting to be a part of,” Shapen said. “For me, it’s been great being a part of Starkville. It’s a great community. Great people. I’ve loved every minute of it so far.”
Shapen brings ‘energy, toughness and passion’ to Bulldogs
The first signs from Lebby that he had his guy came from what the coach had seen coaching in the Big 12. Injuries kept Shapen from fully reaching his potential but his quick release, strong arm and ability to use his legs were noticeable right away.
Lebby shielded Shapen during spring practices as he kept a low profile and began to build his relationships with his teammates. After the spring game showing and a trip to Manning Passing Academy, Shapen emerged as State’s unquestioned leader and starter at quarterback.
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The unofficial stamp of approval from his coach came on Tuesday morning when Shapen joined teammates Albert Reese and John Lewis as the Bulldog representatives as SEC Media Days. His leadership and experience was prevalent.
“Been more and more comfortable and more and more confident in the day to day and understanding he’s the guy for us to get it done,” Lebby said of Shapen. “Love the energy, his toughness, the passion and how he goes about the day-to-day. Proud of him and excited about his year.”
Away from the spotlight, Shapen has earned the trust and admiration of his teammates.
He spends a lot of time throwing with wide receiver Kelly Akharaiyi, Kevin Coleman and Creed Whittemore, among others. Shapen also just took his entire offense line unit out to dinner to continue to strengthen bonds – although he won’t share the price of the bill.
All of the work on and off the field is going to pay off in his mind. Lebby’s offense has been successful everywhere and the quarterbacks have reaped the rewards. In nearly two months, Shapen will have a chance to cement his own legacy.
“I think it’s going to be fun. Toughness is going to be a big thing – we’re going to be physical,” Shapen said of State’s offense. “The biggest thing is we’re going to have fun. You’re going to see a lot of guys celebrating and having fun. The game of football is something we grew up loving to play and it’s been a blessing for all of us.”
