Isaac Smith continues to see progress from Bulldog defense

Just two weeks before kickoff, Isaac Smith and Mississippi State are putting in the final touches of football training camp.

The Bulldogs will start things off with Southern Miss on August 30 in Hattiesburg and it will be Smith and the State defense’s chance to show a vast improvement. After the first few weeks, Smith believes that major progress is being made.

As training camp rolls on, Smith had a chance to talk to the media recently about the improvements of his group, what his role has been positionally and more.

Question: What did you take away from the first scrimmage last week?

IS: “It was fun. We got to go out there, compete and just fly around. Back in Davis Wade again, it was the first time for some guys. Just trying not to be different in there than we are out here and getting comfortable with plays on the sideline coming from the box. It’s just being able to go play football.”

Q: What is your take on the defense?

IS: “We’re 100% better than we were last year. We finished last in just about every category. The coaches have done a great job of recruiting players in and coach Hutzler has done a great job getting those players ready. This camp has been crucial for us and we’re starting to look really good.”

Q: What has stood out to you about both sides of the ball?

IS: “Mainly just the offense being able to fly around and play fast. Our tempo has been great and seeing them be able to click together has been fun to see. Defensively, guys knowing what to do. I’ve said in a lot of my interviews that I feel like that’s what we lacked a lot last year was execution. Just being able to see a lot of guys execute and play fast, that’s a big stride for us.”

Q: What kind of role have you taken on this year with the defense?

IS: “Just being a guy that was here last year, knowing the defense really well and keeping everybody’s energy up. Being that guy that can go make the play when someone else is tired. Just being a leader on the defensive side is the main thing.”

Q: How did the offense responded on Monday after you guys got the better of them in the scrimmage?

IS: “We were back and forth. I think they responded really good and that’s how the game of football goes. You don’t want to see offenses going down so it was good to see them come out and compete hard today.”

Q: You’re playing both linebacker and safety, how do you split your practices up?

IS: “Just whenever the coaches tell me based on call and scheme. I just move freely, really and go where coach Hutzler tells me to go. It’s helping my IQ a lot and I know once I’m ready for the next level, that will play off well.

“It’s really the call. Coach Hutzler does a great job with the guys in the box. It’s really just based on call and how I play.”

Q: The tight ends are raising their game this year…

IS: “They’re really good blocking. We’ve got Seydou (Traore) and Cam Ball back from last year and some big time transfers. They’ve proven that they can block and run routes at the same time and that fits well with (Jeff Lebby’s) offense. I can’t wait to see what they do to other people than those in maroon and white.”

Q: Who are some of the freshmen that have caught your eye in camp?

IS: “KaMario (Taylor) has done a great job offensively. Really all of them. They’re learning. It’s a process. A lot of those guys, you’re just trying to keep them up because it’s different being at a school where you’re playing a lot and then coming to college. We all go through it not being able to play a lot your freshman year. Just having your role and doing your job is the main thing and a bunch of them have bought into that and are ready to keep competing, earn a spot and winning.”

Q: How has Stonka (Burnside) been doing in his transition to safety?

IS: “He’s doing good. He’s physical, smart and has a nose for the football. It’s going to be fun. Last year on special teams he was killing folks out there on the field. So it’s going to be fun to see him fly around from his safety spot this year.”

Q: How much improvement has Blake Shapen made from last year?

IS: “This is his second year in Leb’s offense so I feel like he can command it a lot better than he did then. Probably for him, that time being down helped him grow as a leader as well. I feel like that’s helped him being a quarterback. Now he’s back second year ready to go compete. I put my trust in him and I hope he does the same for me.”

Q; This is when camp becomes a grind, how do the veterans keep the younger guys going?

IS: “You’ve just got to keep reminding them of their why and their role. Everybody has a role on the team and we’re going to need every player that we have from week one to week 12. That’s how we’re going to win a bunch of games this year is leaning on each other and coming out and competing every day and keeping those guys ready at all times.”

Q: Coach Lebby said the entire defense decided to walk to the stadium from here. Whose idea was that?

IS: “It was originally Hutz’s idea and we just got the speakers and just walked together. We keep preaching that it’s a brotherhood and I love it to death. All the new guys, we’ve bonded and built a culture and quite frankly it’s going to be fun on August 30. I can’t wait.”