100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 50 Days – No. 50, RFr. LB Tabias Hinton
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 linebacker set to compete this season.
100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 50 Days – No. 50, RFr. LB Tabias Hinton
A product of the state of Mississippi, Hinton is hoping to follow in the footsteps of some great instate linebackers before him.
The Hattiesburg High School alum, Hinton had offers from Michigan, West Virginia and several others but the Bulldogs would grab his commitment in the summer of 2022. Hinton was a three-star recruit and the No. 14 player in the state while landing as the No. 54 linebacker nationally.
After making 88 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hurries, 7.0 sacks and four forced fumbles during his junior season, Hinton was named to the Clarion Ledger’s Dandy Dozen. He would follow up that season with 66 tackles, 19.5 TFL and 6.5 sacks his senior year and made the Mississipip-Alabama All-Star game. In the big game, Hinton showed out and made 3.0 sacks.
In year one in Starkville, Hinton learned from older linebackers Bookie Watson and Jett Johnson as he took a redshirt. A new defense presents new opportunities this year for Hinton as he cuts his teeth under Coleman Hutzler.
