A Transfer Quarterback Has Earned Respect From His Teammates

STARKVILLE, Miss. — The Mississippi State Bulldogs are in the dog days of Spring practice and are just nine days away from the annual maroon and white Spring game on Super Bulldog Weekend. MSU head coach Jeff Lebby is getting his first look at his roster for next season, and there are a lot of new faces on that roster. 

Baylor transfer quarterback Blake Shapen is the most crucial new guy on the roster. Over the past four years, Will Rogers has been the quarterback for the Bulldogs, but when the Brandon native entered the transfer portal, it assured some new blood would be at the helm in Starkville. 

Shapen is a veteran in his own right, as he was the primary starter in his last two seasons. Last season, the Louisiana native sustained an injury but started all eight games he was healthy for. 

The 23-year-old played well, throwing for 2,188 yards and putting up 13 touchdowns and three interceptions. When Shapen hit the portal, Lebby knew he had his guy because the 6-1 210-pounder is athletic with a strong arm. 

"I watch him (Shapen) and say that is my kind of guy," Lebby said. "He can make every throw on the field and keep plays alive with his feet." 

It is always crucial for a transfer to win over the coaching staff, but especially at the quarterback position, where he is expected to be a leader, he must build relationships with his teammates. Luckily for Shapen, one of his top targets, Kelly Akharaiyi, was transferring to Mississippi State from UTEP. 

The two worked out over the break and spent as much time as they could trying to build a rapport. 

"It's great (the chemistry)," Akharaiyi said. "Working out every chance we get will get us a step further in the right direction on where we need to be for the fall." 

Another receiver the Bulldogs will lean on this fall is sophomore Creed Whittemore. The Florida native quickly became an MSU veteran in the receiver room and said Shapen arrived early to Starkville and went to work with his receivers. 

"He injected himself as a leader early," Whittemore said. "We are confident in him right now; he throws a really pretty deep ball."

The offensive line and quarterback bond is sacred in football. It was important for Shapen to build a connection with the guys protecting him, and like various position groups, the offensive line has a lot of new faces. 

Makylan Pounders is a big-time transfer from Memphis and is someone the coaching staff expects to protect the blind side for Shapen. Despite only being in Starkville for a few months, it is good to see Shapen build a bond with this team's transfers and veterans. 

"I love Blake," Pounders said. "He is gonna be one of those guys who will make plays for us."