Kelly Akharaiyi back in action and ready to make plays for Bulldogs
At long last, Kelly Akharaiyi is playing football games again.
The Irving, Texas native has lived and breathed the game since he was a little kid. He proved to be an impact player at UTEP and his impact at Mississippi State has been anticipated for months.
After a strong spring and early summer, however, Akharaiyi encountered a setback. He sat out the last few weeks of training camp and was scratched from game one of the season due to precaution. Last week, he made his return.
“It feels great. It’s been a long time coming trying to get back on the field and getting right in the training room, so I’m happy,” Akharaiyi said. “Ain’t no rust. It’s just one of those things where you’ve got to take care of your body and go out there and make plays. That’s what we do here.”
Akharaiyi ready to break out inside Davis Wade Stadium
Akharaiyi didn’t get quite the production he wanted with just one catch for 18 yards, but it was a start. Just being able to be back on the field with teammates and playing the game he loved was enough for the first game back.
Even when Akharaiyi was out, though, the talented playmaker was doing his part to lead. In the Bulldogs’ 56-7 blowout win, Akharaiyi was one of the most active of the Bulldogs on the sidelines. He celebrated with teammates and stayed present among his receiver group.
“Obviously I wanted to play but my brothers were having fun and making plays and that’s going to turn me up,” Akharaiyi said of his game-one attitude. “Nobody wants to be on the sideline – I’m trying to play. But it was great watching them do what they’ve got to do and taking care of business.”
In the first two contests, State receivers have been getting their share of opportunities.
Akharaiyi’s teammates Kevin Coleman and Jordan Mosley have been the beneficiaries of the most production with nine catches each and 392 yards and three touchdowns combined. The Lebby offense has given chances to multiple players and Akharaiyi knows he’s next.
“With Lebby’s offense, everybody’s going to eat. Everybody’s going to get fed,” Akharaiyi said. “I’m not selfish. If my brothers are making plays and having fun, I’m going to enjoy it with them.”
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The next chance to big things comes this Saturday for Akharaiyi and his brothers.
The Bulldogs host Toledo (2-0) on Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. Akharaiyi and the wide receivers have done an extensive study on the Rockets and see a challenge in the secondary.
“We can’t take away from what they’ve been doing historically,” Akharaiyi said of the Rockets. “They’ve got the accolades and have been here before, so they’re going to be ready to play and we’ve got to be ready to play too.”
Consider Akharaiyi ready too. The senior wide out has been waiting a long time to walk out of the tunnel and play in front of a symphony of cowbells.
This Saturday is the first shot at Akharaiyi doing it in a game that counts. Keeping the smile off of his face will be a difficult task.
“When we were walking out that first game, I was like ‘man I can’t wait to be back,’” Akharaiyi said. “That atmosphere felt crazy. Putting on my pads and playing right by my teammates is going to feel great.”
