North Carolina defensive lineman Kedrick Bingley-Jones talks decision to transfer to Mississippi State
Mississippi State added another piece from the transfer portal on Wednesday with the addition of former North Carolina transfer defensive lineman Kedrick Bingley-Jones. The Charlotte, N.C., native officially visited Mississippi State Tuesday and Wednesday, and signed with the Bulldogs after exiting that visit.
The 6-foot-4 and 305-pound Bingley-Jones redshirted last season with the Tar Heel and had two tackles recorded in four games played. The former four-star prospect will have two years of remaining eligibility.
“Just being able to get a fresh start and learn under one of the best in the business (Mississippi State defensive line coach David Turner) was a big deal,” noted Bingley-Jones. “I want to help Coach (Jeff) Lebby build a future there.”
Bingley-Jones got a first-hand look at his future in Starkville after arriving on campus Monday night before leaving Wednesday afternoon. And being able to soak up his surroundings put his mind at ease regarding his move to the SEC.
“The visit was really great,” Bingley-Jones added. “Just to see everything and to get a feel for the campus. I got to see the football side of things and everything else. So the visit was really great.”
Bingley-Jones had a previous relationship with Turner during his prep career before signing with North Carolina. And that bond played a factor in his decision on Wednesday.
“I feel like that helped a lot,” remarked Bingley-Jones. “With the way we knew each other it was like God giving us a message that this is the time to make it happen now. Having that prior relationship helped make my decision easier. I am healthy now, 100 percent, and I am ready to get to work with Coach Turner.”
Bingley-Jones also gained insight from his player host, who he will join in defensive line drills this spring at Mississippi State.
“Trevion Williams was my host,” mentioned Bingley-Jones. “He kept it real with me. He let me know what it is like to learn from Coach Turner. He really helped me make my decision and I am ready to get to work with all of them in January.”
Also during his visit, Bingley-Jones spent time with new Mississippi State defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler.
“It was good being around Coach Hutzler,” said Bingley-Jones. “We had a good time at dinner last night, too. He was able to give me a baseline of the defense and what things would look like. So I am excited to get to work with him, too.”
Bingley-Jones becomes the second transfer addition for the Bulldogs this offseason, joining former Baylor transfer quarterback Blake Shapen.
