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Mississippi State

100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 29 Days - No. 29, S Jatavious Johnson

3rupauk8_400x400by: Robbie Faulk08/01/25RobbieFaulkOn3
jatavious johnson
Mississippi State safety Jatavious Johnson

Year two of the Jeff Lebby era has arrived and the Mississippi State coach is back to work.

After a disappointing first season, the coach and his staff are doing what they can to get things back on track in Starkville. The players on the field will be the difference for State this season if they are to make a return and we’re going to discuss every single one of them over the course of the next few months.

As we do every year, we’re counting down 100 days until State’s first game at Southern Miss in Hattiesburg on August 30. Over this period of time, we’ll breakdown every scholarship player on the roster, look back at great moments in MSU history and even talk about legends that have come before the current Bulldogs.

Today, we look at a young safety entering year two in the system.

29 Days: No. 29, RFr. Safety Jatavious Johnson     

State fans got a little bit of a surprise on signing day two years ago.

Johnson would commit to the Bulldogs over an offer from Colorado State and bring some athleticism to the secondary in Starkville. At Hooks (Texas) High School, Johnson would play both sides of the ball. He hauled in 100 catches, 1,627 yards and 21 touchdowns at receiver and racked up 152 tackles with eight interceptions four fumble recoveries.

As a senior, he had 43 of those catches for 849 yards and 12 touchdowns while making 80 tackles, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries. It would lead to him picking up the offers from CSU and with the Bulldogs after State’s new class would come to town.

The year in college has already paid dividends for Johnson as he’s put on 20 pounds of muscle during that time and is now 6’2, 200 pounds. This year will be another year of growth as Johnson has a chance to play under older safeties and perhaps get some time on special teams.  

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