The 2024 Mississippi State Football League football season begins in less than two weeks. The Bulldogs will usher in a new era of football under new head coach Jeff Lebby. Lebby brings an explosive offense to Starkville, but for that offense to play at a high level, he needs a quarterback he can rely on to run the show.
What does Mississippi State’s quarterback squad look like at the start of the season?
Senior Blake Shapen transferred from Baylor to lead the Bulldogs in their first year under Jeff Lebby. Shapen, who led the Bears to a Big 12 title as a freshman, has thrown for over 5,500 yards and 36 TDs in his career. Behind him are two young but talented passers: redshirt freshman Chris Parson and true freshman Michael Van Buren.
Blake Shapen has plenty of experience as a starting QB at the power conference level and has played in many big games. When healthy, he has shown he can play at a high level. Shapen’s arm talent and athleticism make him a great addition to Jeff Lebby’s offense, and Lebby is one of the best QB coaches in the country. If Shapen can quickly pick up the system, he should have a great season.
Shapen has battled injuries throughout his career, and if that continues in 2024, State has no experienced options behind him. Chris Parson and Michael Van Buren are both very talented, but neither is experienced. Parson played in two games last season, including a starting game at Texas A&M (which he wasn’t ready for), while Van Buren’s college career is just beginning. The ceiling for both is high, but they don’t seem ready to start as SEC QBs, so if Shapen were to miss time, it could prove costly.
