Mississippi State Football: Three Players to Know from the Toledo Rockets
On Saturday, the Bulldogs will face a MAC school with some serious skill. Here are three Toledo players you should be familiar with…
Dec 3, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Toledo wide receiver Jerjuan Newton (1) makes a leaping catch for a first down against Ohio University in the second quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images / Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Mississippi State comes to Starkville trying to rebound from its Week 2 loss. They’ll meet the Toledo Rockets, who are rebuilding after losing several of their key players from an 11-win squad last season. However, there are still plenty of good players on the Toledo roster.
Wide receiver Jerjuan Newton
Toldeo’s powerful rushing assault must be rebuilt this season, but the receiving corps remains intact. And there is some good talent in that bunch, the best of which is wide receiver Jerjuan Newton. Last season, he had 52 catches for 696 yards and nine touchdowns. He’s off to a strong start in the 2024 season, with 138 yards and two touchdowns on just six catches. State’s corners haven’t been pushed yet this season, but Newton will present a serious test heading into SEC action.
Wide receiver Junior Vandeross III
Newton is not Toledo’s only great wide receiver. Junior Vandeross III, a slot receiver, might pose an equally significant threat to the Bulldogs. Last season, he had 47 receptions for 664 yards and four touchdowns. So far, he leads the Rockets in receiving with seven catches for 152 yards and two touchdowns. He and Newton are a powerful pair, and for all the discussion about State’s run defense, their pass defense must be on point Saturday.
Safety Maxen Hook
Despite some critical defensive losses, the Rockets still have enough star players to produce one of the best defenses in the MAC. Maxen Hook, one of their top defensive players, is on the back end. Hook was chosen first-team All-MAC in 2023 after recording 69 tackles, three interceptions, four passes broken up, and one forced fumble. He was a preseason first-team All-MAC selection and was named to the Thorpe Award watch list. We’ll see if he can help the Rockets defend State’s fearsome receiving corps.
