How a Mike Leach mantra sparked spring momentum for Mississippi State football's secondary

Stefan Krajisnik, Mississippi Clarion Ledger
·2 min read
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STARKVILLE — The final play of the ReliaQuest Bowl was thrilling for Mississippi State football, excruciating for Big Ten foe Illinois and noteworthy for the gambling community. With an inconsequential scoop-and-score off a failed last-second series of laterals from the Illini, MSU defensive back Marcus Banks sealed a 19-10 win.

The only thing on Banks’ mind as he ran toward the Raymond James Stadium end zone was a message from his former coach Mike Leach who died three weeks before the game.

“Play until the clock hits 0:00,” Banks told himself.

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Banks’ secured a crucial victory amid difficult circumstances and gave his program a much-needed boost into the offseason – particularly in the secondary.

The game’s conclusion marked the end of cornerback Emmanuel Forbes’ career in Starkville – one which featured him breaking the FBS all-time interceptions returned for touchdown record. For the second straight year, MSU was losing its top player in the secondary to the NFL and needed players to step up.

Getting that late spark from Banks, who moved from corner to safety in the early part of spring practice, was a welcomed sign.

“It’s good to have momentum coming into the spring,” Banks said Tuesday.

Mississippi State cornerback Marcus Banks (1) runs a fumble back 60-yards for a score against Illinois during the second half of the ReliaQuest Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Mississippi State cornerback Marcus Banks (1) runs a fumble back 60-yards for a score against Illinois during the second half of the ReliaQuest Bowl NCAA college football game Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Banks joined MSU last year as a transfer from Alabama. He spent three seasons with the Crimson Tide where he saw little playing time before appearing in 13 games for the Bulldogs − primarily on special teams.

However, Banks is suddenly one of the veterans in the secondary alongside sixth-year safety Shawn Preston Jr. and senior corner Decamerion Richardson. They'll look to fill the voids left by Forbes and safeties Jackie Matthews, Collin Duncan and Jalen Green who are taking part in Tuesday’s Pro Day.

MSU overhauled its secondary in the transfer portal, highlighted by corner and former four-star Khamauri Rogers from Miami. He’s accompanied by safeties Ja’Kobi Albert (Kentucky) and Chris Keys (Indiana).

While the newcomers sort themselves out, Richardson, who was the No. 2 corner behind Forbes, is expected to step up in a way Forbes did when Martin Emerson left before last season. Though he may not have the record-breaking numbers, continuing a culture at the position sits on his shoulders.

“I’m taking a big leader(ship) role because we’ve got a whole bunch of young guys who came in,” Richardson said.

Stefan Krajisnik is the Mississippi State beat writer for the Clarion Ledger. Contact him at skrajisnik@gannett.com or follow him on Twitter @skrajisnik3.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: How Mike Leach sparked momentum in Mississippi State football secondary