100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 29 Days - No. 29, Fr. S Jatavious Johnson
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 young freshman defensive back that the Bulldogs are hoping will be a steal for the team.
100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 29 Days – No. 29, Fr. S Jatavious Johnson
Dating back to last December when the new State staff arrived, Johnson has been a bit of a mystery.
He carried his business under the radar despite doing some great things for his Hooks High School team in Texas and his recruitment wasn’t much for fanfare. With Johnson looking to likely head to Colorado State for his college career, Co-Defensive Coordinator and safeties coach Matt Barnes from State came in late and offered him a scholarship.
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On signing day, Johnson would sign with the Bulldogs and join the 2024 class.
At 6’2, 190 pounds, Johnson is still adding weight and will be a work in progress with MSU, but his athleticism stood out to Barnes and the State staff. He played wide receiver and defensive back for Hooks and would make 152 career tackles, pulled down eight interceptions and force four fumbles while hauling in 100 passes for 1,627 yards and 21 touchdowns.
A large portion of that came during his senior season last year as Johnson managed to make 80 tackles with three interceptions and two fumble recoveries while grabbing 43 passes, 849 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Expectations for Johnson aren’t high right away, but if he buys into the Bulldog plan he could find himself making a difference down the line in his career.
