Injuries are a part of sports, and Mississippi State University football (3-2, 1-2 SEC) is no exception. However, instilling a “next man up” mentality allows the Bulldogs to play through adversity.
Starting defensive tackle Cory Thomas suffered a foot injury in MSU’s game against Louisiana Tech University on Sept. 9 and has missed every subsequent game. While far from ideal, MSU’s defensive coordinator Todd Grantham said injuries like Thomas’ have a silver lining.
“Injury always creates depth,” Grantham said.
Grantham said sometimes talent is hidden and injuries force you to find it.
“You might be afraid to play a guy because you have an older guy, but then all of a sudden a guy steps in and does a really good job,” Grantham said. “Now when the starter comes back you have more depth than you had before.”
The void on defensive line allowed defensive lineman Braxton Hoyett to step up and fill the starting position. His first game as a starter was against LSU. Not one to shy away from the spotlight, Hoyett put constant pressure on the quarterback and helped solidify the run defense.
Defensive line coach Brian Baker said becoming a starter is often the catalyst that elevates a good player into a great player. He said when players stop preparing as a backup, they mature and grow mentally, which advances their play on the field.
In addition, Baker said Hoyett inadvertently set the tone in the locker room.
“This year Braxton has learned the difference between going hard and going hard as you can,” Baker said. “He set a tone for the other guys too. You never know when your number is going to be called to start and you have to be ready.”
The junior from Pelham, Alabama, is a prototypical defensive lineman, measuring 6 foot 3 inches and 304 pounds, with strong legs and quick feet. However, Hoyett is anything but prototypical in his attitude.
The often-smiling communication major enjoys spontaneous selfies with his teammates and cracking jokes during media interviews. Hoyett’s gregarious personality often attracts people, as he can turn a mundane story into a stand-up comedy routine. However, the outgoing Hoyett remained humble as he reflected on his growth throughout the season.
“I just try and keep my head on straight every day and try and get better and make someone beside me better,” Hoyett said. “As a starter, you are held to a higher standard. You have to stay focused throughout practice and work on fundamentals, so, when it is game time, you are ready.”
Fellow defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons said Hoyett has the ability to be a game changer. Simmons said he also values the leadership Hoyett brings to the young defensive line unit.
“We know Braxton [Hoyett] is capable of making big plays like the big tackle for a loss against LSU,” Simmons said. “His role is coming in and stepping up as a leader because he is an older guy and knows the standard for our team.”
The Bulldogs will have a tough test on the line of scrimmage Saturday against the veteran-filled BYU offensive line.
Coach Baker said this week’s practice emphasized creating more pass rush to hinder opponent’s passing game.
The game will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in Davis Wade Stadium and SEC network will televise it.