100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 47 Days - TE Jacorey Whitted and OL TJ Lockhart
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 introduce two newcomers on the defensive line.
100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 47 Days – No. 88, Fr. TE Jacorey Whitted
As the previous staff began to try to rebuild MSU’s tight end room, the big man from McAdory was at the forefront of Arnett’s plans.
Lucky for Lebby and his staff, Whitted was in place before they arrived and makes for a nice piece for the new staff to work with ahead of his freshman season. Whitted was rated as the nation’s No. 38 tight end by On3 with the network putting him at an 89 overall, one point shy of a four-star. He was the No. 27 player inside the state of Alabama.
The offer sheet was impressive for the 6’6, 265-pound Whitted. Alabama, Auburn, Texas A&M, Florida, Wisconsin, Tennessee and Michigan State were just a few that came calling early in the process. After going through the process, he decided to commit to the Bulldogs in September.
Whitted had 12 catches for 201 yards and two scores as a junior but he would become a much more product as a senior. Whitted caught 31 passes for 678 yards and nine scores last season as he impressed on his way out of the door.
State picked up three transfer tight ends out of the transfer portal over the last two seasons and those players are primed to lead the room this year. For that reason, it’s hard to imagine that Whitted moves towards the top of the depth chart right away.
This year could be big for preparing Whitted for his role next season, however, and he’ll get a chance to learn from some experienced players in front of him.
No. 58, Fr. OT TJ Lockhart
Before Lockhart could even truly go through the recruiting process, he was a Bulldog.
The mammoth 6’5, 380-pounder had picked up an offer from the Bulldogs and he didn’t mess around as he committed in the early spring of his junior year.
Lockhart and LB Fat Clark each picked the Bulldogs relatively early in the process before the two began what would become a magical senior season. Playing for a strong Winona football team, Lockhart paved the way for the Tigers’ first-ever state championship as they knocked off 2025 State commit KaMario Taylor and Noxubee County.
Lockhart was an anchor up front for one of the state’s best offenses helping the Tigers to 85 touchdowns and nearly 6,000 yards. He finished as a three-star recruit and the No. 25 player in the state and 77th best interior offensive lineman in the country by the On3 Industry Rankings.
While Lockhart’s addition was big enough, he also has a younger brother in the 2025 class for State fans to keep an eye on this summer. Four-star LB Tyler Lockhart was committed to Auburn but opened up his recruitment last month. The Bulldogs are in prime position to have both of the brothers on next year’s squad.
