By Mark Pszonak
With the official firing of head coach Zach Arnet, Mississippi State players now have a 30-day window to enter the transfer portal. Numerous players will be contacted by other schools with the hope that they make themselves available, but here are the five who will be the busiest in the coming weeks:
WR Zavion Thomas
The skinny: In 2022, Thomas made a name for himself as a punt returner when he was named a Freshman All-American after averaging 13.5 yards per return. This season he has shown that he can also be a productive wide receiver with 31 receptions for 349 yards and one interception. His top performance came against Auburn when he finished with nine receptions for 112 yards and one touchdown. A player who has the versatility to contribute on both special teams and at wide receiver is always a hot commodity, and as only a sophomore, Thomas would draw plenty of attention in the portal.
Schools to watch: Louisville, Florida State, Ole Miss, Auburn
WR Creed Whittemore
The skinny: Currently in his true freshman season, Whittemore has played in ten games, including one start. While his overall stats aren’t eye-opening, he has flashed his athleticism and skillset this fall with 11 receptions for 102 yards and two touchdowns. Whittemore had plenty of options last year before choosing the Bulldogs and would once again have a long list of suitors if he decided to make himself available.
Schools to watch: Auburn, Florida, Penn State, Miami-Florida, Florida State
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DL Donterry Russell
The skinny: Russell was able to redshirt last season before starting five games this fall. During his time on the field he has totaled 19 tackles, four tackles for a loss and 1.5 sacks, including a five tackle, 2.5 tackle for a loss and 1.5 sack performance against Alabama. Every school is looking for young pass rusher with potential, which is what Russell possesses.
Schools to watch: Colorado, Arizona State, Ole Miss, Kentucky, Georgia Tech
K Kyle Ferrie
The skinny: A kicker will never be considered a glamour position, however when a few important kicks are missed suddenly every fan wants improvement. Ferrie would be able to provide this. As a true freshman this season he has made all 23 of his extra point attempts and 12 of 16 field goals, including two from 49-yards. Consistency and reliability are highly sought-after in the kicking game and Ferrie provides both.
Schools to watch: Kentucky, Alabama, South Carolina, Tennessee, Penn State
RB Seth Davis
The skinny: Another true freshman who has made his mark this season is Davis. Having played in every game, he is coming off his best performance against Texas A&M with 79 yards on 12 carries. Overall, he has 307 yards and one touchdown on the season, while averaging 6.4 yards per carry. Considering he has played behind Jo’quavious Marks for most of the season, he has already shown the potential to become a productive running back in the SEC.
Schools to watch: SMU, Duke, Missouri, Purdue, Kansas
