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State tight end Seydou Traore encouraged with new-look roster this spring

Paul Jones Mississippi State Bulldogsby:Paul Jones•03/22/25•

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Mississippi State TE Seydou Traore (Photo by Jared Thomas, Maroon and White Daily)

Rising senior Seydou Traore made his Mississippi State debut last season after a pair of previous stops at other programs. The Bulldog tight end was productive and ranked second on the team with 34 catches in 2024 and had 361 receiving yards and one touchdown.

These days, the England native is going through his final spring session with the Bulldogs and is looking for more production and success. Earlier this week, Traore met with the local media to discuss spring ball among other topics:

Q: How are things a little different for you this spring?
Traore: I mean, I think we’ve got a great addition of players. I think everyone’s learning the playbook better and have come together as a team more. It’s hard in the first year to really get guys to mesh so quickly. But I think everyone has done a good job with that this year.

Q: Your thoughts on the tight ends’ group this spring?
Traore: We got new players all over. We just brought in Emeka (lloh) from juco, and we have Cameron (Bal.) returning, and I think we have a great room.

Q: Speaking of Emeka, describe what his style of play is like.
Traore: I mean, you don’t miss him. He’s 6-9. As soon as he steps on the field you’re gonna know he’s on the field. That size, a lot of guys expect him to just be kind of one style, get his hands dirty and stuff. But he can run. I think it’s going to surprise a lot of people.

Q: Coming off last year’s struggles, what’s been the mindset of the team this offseason?
Traore: Everyone is here to work. What happened last year, no one wants to repeat that. And I think that in everyone’s mind is pushing everyone so much harder. The people that were here felt the lows and we don’t want to feel that again.

Q: What have you see from the defense so far, especially with the new guys over there?
Traore: It’s been great. I love to compete. We brought in a lot of great players on defense and they love to compete, too. So it brings out the best in everyone.

Q: How different is the quarterback room this year?
Traore: Of course, we got Blake (Shapen) back from previous injuries. But the quarterback room has been great with Kamario (Taylor), Luke (Kromenhoek). I’m just ready to work with everyone.

Q: Where do you feel you’ve made the biggest gains from last year?
Traore: I think that people will be impressed and surprised with the blocking that comes from me this year. I have always been one to stick my face in with effort and grind. I think this year I’m honing down a lot of the techniques along with putting on some size, as well.

Q: Any differences you see with Blake Shapen coming off injury?
Traore: Blake’s balling. That’s what Blake does.

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