Ranking Mississippi State football's most important players in 2023, including Will Rogers

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football’s offseason has centered around changes on the coaching staff. From Zach Arnett’s promotion to head coach to the hiring of Kevin Barbay as offensive coordinator, plenty of questions surround the Bulldogs.
However, Arnett continues to stress his program isn’t about coaches. It’s about players in his eyes, and MSU has plenty of returning pieces to generate optimism.
Here’s a look at Mississippi State’s 10 most important players for 2023.
No. 10: Jordan Davis, defensive end
Davis showed promise in 2020 as he arrived in Starkville from the junior college ranks. However, a knee injury in the preseason eliminated him from the 2021 season. Last year, he appeared in 11 games but finished with just 2.5 tackles for loss.
Much of the hype surrounding his ability as an edge rusher has simmered. However, the potential still exists for a player with NFL aspirations. If he can be a game-changer on the defensive line, Mississippi State’s defense won’t need as much designed pressure.
No. 9: Jett Johnson, linebacker
Johnson returns for his sixth season after leading the SEC in tackles (116) last year. He’s the anchor and most consistent player on the defense, and Mississippi State needs him to continue his good fortune of staying healthy.
No. 8: Jo’quavious Marks, running back
Marks’ role will increase with Barbay’s more balanced attack compared to former coach Mike Leach’s Air Raid. A case could be made for the senior to be higher on the list, but Mississippi State has enough depth at running back and if Marks missed games it shouldn’t derail the offense.
No. 7: Kameron Jones, right tackle
Mississippi State returns four starters on the offensive line, but all five players started at least five games last year. Jones has quietly been one of MSU’s most consistent players the last two years. If he stays healthy, quarterback Will Rogers will have no problem staying upright.
As is the case with the entire offensive line, seeing how Jones transitions from a pass-heavy offense to a more balanced one will be interesting.
No. 6: Nathaniel Watson, linebacker
Watson is back for a sixth season after finishing second in the SEC with 114 tackles. He’s a more versatile linebacker than Johnson and can create some havoc with his quickness. If the two linebackers anchoring the defense stay healthy, Mississippi State’s defense should be fine.
No. 5: Decamerion Richardson, cornerback
With so much returning production up front, the only question on MSU’s defense is the secondary. Mississippi State lost its starting safeties and its top cornerback in Emmanuel Forbes. Richardson effectively stepping up from the No. 2 corner to the top spot will be crucial.
If he proves to be capable of playing on an island, it’ll make the secondary better.
No. 4: Lideatrick Griffin, wide receiver
Griffin may be the most discussed player on the roster during the offseason. His playmaking ability has been evident in the kick return game, but his potential has never been reached offensively.
He’s moving from outside receiver to the slot, and Barbay showed in the spring he wants to find ways to get the ball in Griffin’s hands. From direct handoffs to quick passes, Mississippi State wants Griffin to have a breakout year.
No. 3: Nick Jones, left tackle
On the opposite side of Kameron Jones will be Nick Jones. He moved from left guard to left tackle and provided a trustworthy piece in replacing NFL first-round draft pick Charles Cross. Mississippi State needs that level of consistency protecting Rogers’ blindside again.
No. 2: Jaden Crumedy, defensive tackle
Crumedy is the most valuable player on MSU’s defense. The stats don’t reflect it, but he changes the game with the attention offensive lines need to put on him.
An injury sidelined Crumedy for the first eight games last year. Mississippi State allowed nearly 23 points per game in that span. Excluding a blowout loss against Georgia, MSU allowed 18 points per game with Crumedy playing.
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No. 1: Will Rogers, quarterback
Rogers won’t throw the ball as much in Barbay’s offense, but he’s still the most important player to Mississippi State’s success. The Bulldogs need him healthy. Barbay needs Rogers to be his eyes on the field. He needs to play like a senior quarterback – make smart decisions and capitalize on explosive opportunities.
In a time of change, Rogers must give Mississippi State consistency.