100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 51 Days – No. 51, Fr. OT Luke Work
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 lineman getting his start this year.
100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 51 Days – No. 51, Fr. OT Luke Work
It didn’t take much to convince Work to be a Bulldog.
Being a State fan most of his life, an offer was already big for him. He picked up some offers from Missouri, Purdue and his hometown team, Memphis, but Work wouldn’t waste much time. The Lausanne Collegiate School blocker chose the Bulldogs over those schools and more during the summer last season and he would end his recruitment there.
Rated as a three star and the No. 90 offensive tackle in the country, Work was No. 40 in the state of Tennessee. He committed to the last staff with Arnett and line coach Will Friend gaining his pledge last June, but the new staff has brought him even more excitement.
Lebby’s offense and Cody Kennedy’s coaching on the line immediately intrigued Work last offseason when he first got to know the coaches. He was able to come in early for school as well and he got a head start on some of his peers.
Work is a player that will benefit from a season in the weightroom and learning behind a veteran group of blockers. He is projected to be a left tackle according to Kennedy and will get his first opportunity to move up the ladder next month when fall training camp begins.