Trio of Bulldogs earn All-SEC football honors
It was a tough season for Mississippi State football in every way, but the Bulldogs still saw some postseason accolades come their way with the All-SEC teams on Tuesday.
State put three players on the list voted by SEC coaches. S Isaac Smith, WR Kevin Coleman and RB Davon Booth would all earn a selection on a list that included three different teams.
Smith was the highest selection among Bulldogs as the sophomore from Fulton took a major jump this season. After playing in a reserve role a season ago that was made up of mostly special teams reps until late in the year, Smith entered the starting lineup on defense and was State’s most steady defensive player all season long.
The Itawamba AHS alum would lead the SEC with 127 tackles and added three pass breakups in coverage with 1.5 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. He led the SEC in stops despite missing the Texas game due to a concussion that occurred a week prior against Florida. He is the third-straight Bulldog to lead the conference in tackles and follows linebackers Jett Johnson and Bookie Watson as the tackle leaders.
The jump in Smith’s leadership was the biggest area of growth.
“I’ve always had that role growing up in high school. Last year seeing a bunch of the older guys do it, it prepared me for this year especially being able to lead the guys,” Smith said this season. “I feel like if I come and lack some days, it’s not going to be good. But if I come every day with the same energy, never change and be myself, I’m perfect for that role.”
Top 10
- 1Live
SEC Football Schedule
Week by week schedule revealed
- 2
Rich Rodriguez
WVU expected to hire former HC
- 3New
Belichick contract
Details out on UNC deal
- 4
Garrett Nussmeier
LSU QB announces 2025 return
- 5
Bill Belichick
UNC finalizing deal with legend
Coleman and Booth grabbed third-team honors by the conference after having big seasons offensively. The former Jackson State and Louisville standout Coleman was one of the SEC’s top pass catchers in his first year in Starkville as the junior hauled in 74 passes for 932 yards and six touchdowns. He added 14 punt returns for 153 yards as he averaged 9.56 yards per return.
Booth added All Purpose third-team honors as the Utah State back became one of the Bulldogs’ most valuable pieces. He started his senior year slowly but eventually led State in rushing with 152 carries, 759 yards and five touchdowns. Booth added 13 catches for 164 yards and four touchdowns and returned all 12 of State’s kicks on the year for 308 yards, a 25.67 average.
“I’m hard on myself so I feel like I left a lot on the field,” Booth said. “My coach thinks that I did pretty well, so I’ll go with what he says.”
