100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 46 Days – No. 46, DL Joseph Head
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 defensive linemen who is looking to make a move this year.
100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 46 Days – No. 46, RFr. DL Joseph Head
While Head was going through his first season of SEC football last year, he was already turning some heads in Starkville.
Older defensive and offensive linemen as well as line coach David Turner didn’t have any issues bringing up Head as a young lineman to watch. He only got playing time in one game during the 2023 season, but Head was doing plenty of work in practices.
The 6’4, 240-pound Head arrived in Starkville after having a good career at Holmes County Central. Part of a Holmes County pipeline that includes three other former teammates already on campus in Corey Ellington, Khamauri Rogers and Terrance Hibbler.
As a junior, Head had 89 tackles with 13.0 tackles for loss, 12.0 sacks, three forced fumbles, two pass breakups and a forced fumble. That sparked an instate battle for Head that wouldn’t last very long as he committed to the Bulldogs shortly after his season.
The edge rusher went under the radar throughout the year and would finish in the ratings as a three star and the No. 15 player in the state of Mississippi. He followed that up with a nice senior season with 70 tackles, 21.0 TFL, 17 quarterback hurries and 10.0 sacks.
Now heading into his redshirt freshman season, Head looks to have a new role. The new defense from Coleman Hutzler has him moving to the JACK linebacker spot and doing some different things to get after the quarterback. While Head is not a big name to many people, he could help the Bulldogs this season.
