The 2014 Mississippi State football roster captured a season of rising expectations in Starkville, built around a tough defense and a fast developing offense. That year marked a turning point for the program as head coach Dan Mullen led a young squad toward national attention.
Below is a detailed snapshot of the 2014 Bulldogs, highlighting key players, positions, and roles that defined the roster and set the stage for future success.
| Name | Position | Year | Hometown | Height / Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeff Driskel | Quarterback | Senior | Lafayette, Louisiana | 6'2", 215 lbs |
| Josh Robinson | Running Back | Junior | Greenwood, Mississippi | 5'11", 210 lbs |
| Dak Prescott | Quarterback | Sophomore | Sulphur, Louisiana | 6'2", 230 lbs |
| Laremy Tunsil | Offensive Line | Sophomore | Columbia, Mississippi | 6'5", 310 lbs |
| Sharrod Golson | Defensive Back | Senior | Fort Worth, Texas | 5'11", 185 lbs |
| Quincy Wilson | Linebacker | Senior | Columbus, Georgia | 6'1", 235 lbs |
| Jerald Brown | Defensive Back | Senior | Albany, Georgia | 5'10", 195 lbs |
| Johnthan Shunt | Defensive Line | Senior | Mobile, Alabama | 6'3", 285 lbs |
Bulldogs Quarterback Battle And Leadership
Jeff Driskel started the season as the established signal caller, bringing experience and poise to the offense. His presence helped steady the young unit during early season tests and provided a veteran perspective in the huddle.
Dak Prescott emerged as a dynamic option, showcasing arm talent and improvisational ability. His development throughout 2014 became a central storyline, as he challenged for snaps and delivered clutch performances when called upon in key moments.
The quarterback competition pushed both players to refine their mechanics and decision making, ultimately benefiting the depth chart and providing flexibility against varied defensive schemes in the SEC landscape.
Running Back Depth And Emerging Talent
Josh Robinson carried a significant load as the primary workhorse out of the backfield, using vision and power to move the chains. His consistency gave the offense a reliable foundation for controlling tempo and sustaining drives.
The backfield featured developing backs looking to make an impact, providing the coaching staff with multiple formations and personnel groupings. This competition elevated practice intensity and ensured that the running game could adapt to different defensive fronts.
By sharing carries and learning from one another, the group built chemistry that translated into efficient yardage gains and improved protection schemes when extra blockers were needed in pass situations.
Offensive Line Strength And Key Returns
Laremy Tunsil anchored the offensive line, using his size and technique to control edges and open lanes for the running backs. His leadership on the line was instrumental in protecting the quarterback and creating running opportunities.
The unit combined returning talent with new contributors, allowing for continuity in scheme execution. Coaches emphasized unit cohesion and disciplined run blocking, which proved essential in securing critical downfield positions throughout conference play.
Strong performances on the offensive line helped the offense sustain long drives, limit negative plays, and set the stage for scoring opportunities in tightly contested games during the season.
Defensive Backs And Secondary Contributions
The Mississippi State secondary blended veteran presence with athletic potential, led by stalwarts like Sharrod Golson and Jerald Brown. Their experience enabled them to read opposing quarterbacks and disrupt timing routes under pressure.
Ball skills and tackling fundamentals were prioritized in practice, resulting in timely interceptions and efficient support against the pass. The defensive backs frequently communicated coverages pre-snap, which allowed the front seven to disguise looks and generate pressure.
This group provided a critical edge in close contests, limiting explosive plays and forcing offenses to sustain long scoring drives, a key factor in several narrow victories throughout the campaign.
Building The 2014 Program And Future Outlook
The 2014 roster demonstrated the value of veteran leadership paired with emerging talent, establishing a competitive identity in the SEC that would influence program growth for years.
- Leverage veteran leadership to stabilize the huddle and develop younger players
- Emphasize competitive depth at key positions to handle injuries and varied game plans
- Prioritize ball security and disciplined play to control game tempo
- Invest in practice intensity to translate preparation into in game execution
FAQ
Reader questions
Who were the top returning starters on the 2014 Mississippi State roster?
Key returning starters included quarterback Jeff Driskel, running back Josh Robinson, offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil, and defensive backs Sharrod Golson and Jerald Brown.
How did the quarterback competition shape the season?
The competition between Jeff Driskel and Dak Prescott fostered growth in both players, allowing the offense to remain adaptable and execute under pressure in crucial conference matchups.
Which defensive players had the biggest impact in 2014?
Defensive backs Sharrod Golson and Jerald Brown were instrumental in creating turnovers and limiting explosive plays, while veteran leadership across the secondary strengthened the overall unit.
What role did the offensive line play in the team’s success?
The offensive line, anchored by Laremy Tunsil, provided consistent run blocking and pass protection, enabling sustained drives and giving the quarterback more time to make plays.