Sophomore WR Creed Whittemore talks spring practice, Bulldog receivers, Jeff Lebby's offense and more

It’s day three of spring football for Mississippi State and players are already seeing a major difference in how coach Jeff Lebby operates with his program.

Creed Whittemore is one of those that was quick to talk about the excitement building around the program. The talented sophomore wide receiver made a difference for the Bulldogs in year one last season but his role looks to be increasing in year two.

Lebby’s offense brings plenty of opportunities that Whittemore didn’t have in last year’s offense and the first few days of practice and install have been fun.

On Saturday, the Florida native discussed the early returns, his position group, coach Chad Bumphis and more.

Question: What was it like being able to go out there in pads today?

CW: “It’s always fun. It’s usually a defensive thing – they get all hyped up. Coach Lebby focused on emphasizing physicality, especially in the run game. For a receiver, we’ve got to be able to block well and run physical routes so it was fun.”

Q: You’ve played in a couple of different offenses now the last two seasons, what’s this one feel like early?

CW: “Coach Lebby is all about scoring and you can see that’s what we’re going to do. We throw the ball deep and his scheme and plays are set up to push the ball down the field. It’s one of a kind, nobody does it. We snap the ball fast and run a lot of plays so it’s going to be fun.

“We sometimes get tired, but for us we’re going to sub in and out, we’re going to run deep balls, catch the ball deep and score.”

Q: What are your impressions of Blake Shapen so far?

CW: “We got to throw with him all offseason. He got here early and injected himself as a leader. He was getting us out here and we were throwing so we’re pretty confident with him right now. He throws a very pretty deep ball and is on time. He almost throws it like he plays baseball – which he did for a little bit – and in this offense it’s a good thing. He gets the ball out quick and is on time for us.”

Q: How much different do you feel this spring as opposed to your freshman year last season?

CW: “I was just talking about that with my brother last night. I just feel so much more comfortable out there. I can feel myself relax and I’m not thinking as much, I’m just going out there and playing. The jump from freshman to sophomore is bigger than I expected. I just feel so much more relaxed and am able to just go out there and play. It’s awesome.”

Q: Thoughts on the younger quarterbacks Michael Van Buren and Chris Parson?

CW: “They’re both great quarterbacks. It’s going to be a competition. Chris spins it really well and we have a great connection because we used to throw to each other all last year. I love Chris. Mike’s played very well. He’s a kid that learns plays fast and gets the ball out of his hands quick so they’re coming along well.”

Q: What do you make of the freshmen receivers?

CW: “Mario Craver plays my position and he’s one of a kind. He made a couple of plays today that you can’t teach. It’s stuff that you either have or you don’t and he has it. He’s a great player. Stonka (Burnside) can go up and get the ball and he’s a big, physical guy. He’s coming along really well. JJ (Harrell) will be out here in a little bit. He’s a hard worker, I love that kid.”

Q: What do you like about the slot?

CW: “I like having the space to work. Coach Lebby gives us options on a lot of routes so I like being able to use my mental ability, being able to read the defense and get open.”

Q: What’s the difference with you physically this year?

“I’m a little bit heavier right now. I think our strength staff has done a great job with speed. We’re all so much faster than last year which I really like.”

Q: You’re really racing the clock to get to the spring game for installation.

“There’s 14 practices, 15 counting the spring game. Spring is this huge learning curve for young guys and right now we’re learning the offense. But I think it gives you the ability to come out and mess around with it. It’s never going to be perfect in the spring. You try to perfect it in the fall. The spring you’re just meant to get out here and run around, make sure we’ve got everything clicking and be able to learn your teammates. We’ve got transfers and a new offense.”

Q: What has your experience been like the last two years with the coaching changes and new offenses along with moving to a new state?

“I’ve loved it. Starkville is an amazing city and we have really good fans. A community of people that support us and love having the Dawgs around. The jump from our previous coach to coach Lebby is one of the best things that’s happened to me. Coach Lebby is someone I was wanting to play for and was hoping he’d come so I was stoked when he got the job. Everyone has been happier. I think we’ve felt a joy in our facility so I think people are loving coach Lebby.”

Q: We hear coach Chad Bumphis is trying to outrun the receivers out there. Can he still do it?

CW: “Coach Bump is awesome. He’s somebody that did this at a high level. He did it here so he knows how to do it and when to do it. Learning from him is something I’ve enjoyed because we can watch his film. We can go in the meeting room and he can show us how he did it. It’s an interesting dynamic but we love it.”