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STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football defensive back Hunter Washington says he and his defensive teammates coined a phrase brought in by coaches in the offseason: Chew the elephant.
The statement is described as taking one bite at a time — in this case, on the field.
“Just taking it one day at a time,” he said. “Just focus on one part and build it as as we go.”
MSU and Washington are abiding by that expression as the Bulldogs approach their season opener at home Aug. 31 (5 p.m. CT, SEC Network+) against Eastern Kentucky.
Last season, MSU ranked sixth in total defense in the SEC, averaging 350.58 yards and 35 touchdowns allowed per game.
MSU defensive backs see solid secondary
Washington had a sense of realization after the Bulldogs finished the 2023 season 5-7 and missed a bowl game for the first time since 2009. He took a step back and understood his role in the secondary: focusing on the team more than himself.
“To help my team to a higher standard and pushing my teammates to the next level,” he said. “I’m here to help people out and also focus on me, but I put the team before me.”
Washington is entering his third season at MSU and has nine tackles in 14 games combined — he was injured the second half of last season — after transferring from Florida State in 2021.
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With transfers and newcomers, he has lauded the improvement in the secondary from the spring.
“I like to praise the young guys because it was hard when you first get to college and stuff like that,” he said. “But they really took a step forward, coming up to this fall camp. So I’m really proud of them.
“All (the defensive backs) been better. We’ve been coming in as one group, and our goal is to go to the best.”
Washington said that across the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/outlook-next-generation-mississippi-state-012235353.html
Author : The Clarion Ledger
Publish date : 2024-08-04 01:22:35
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