Trio Of Senior Bulldogs Make Use of Extra Eligibility, Coming Back To Mississippi State

The extra eligibility given to college football players is going to make a significant difference for teams like Mississippi State. That's at least one positive takeaway from the coronavirus pandemic.

On Saturday, Steve Robertson of Gene's Page with 247Sports reported that three Bulldogs would use the rare opportunity. Those players include offensive guards Scott Lashley and LaQuinston Sharp, as well as wide receiver JaVonta Payton.

Those three join safeties Fred Peters and C.J. Morgan, giving Mike Leach a lot more talent to work with in 2021.

Lashley and Sharp could very well act as Mississippi State's two starting guards next season. Payton should also see an increased role after posting 19 catches for 225 yards and a touchdown in nine games.

The production and team wins weren't there for the Bulldogs this year, but there is reason to believe that a major jump is coming from Leach's offense next year.

If you think about it, it probably has to show significant improvement. That is the entire reason Leach was brought to Starkville from Washington State. The SEC is filled with offenses beginning to take the next step. Mississippi State's has to do the same.

Keeping those three guys above will contribute in that department -- hopefully.

Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.