100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 35 Days – No. 35, So. DT Kalvin Dinkins

Jeff Lebby’s era of Mississippi State football has arrived.

The Bulldogs are on their third coach in as many years as Mike Leach’s tragic passing opened the door for defensive coordinator Zach Arnett’s debut as head coach last year. That experiment failed before the year even ended for State and now it’s Lebby’s turn to take the wheel.

While there is always a risk in hiring first time head coaches, Lebby brings to Starkville an exciting offensive scheme that has been productive everywhere he’s been. The coach has also brought with him some swagger that has the fanbase ready to see what’s next.

Over the course of the next 100 days, we will take a look at Lebby’s roster and even some fun historical rewinds that will bring back memories for Dawg fans of all ages.

Today, we look at a young defensive tackle the Bulldogs expect big things from this year.

100 Day Bulldog Countdown: 35 Days – No. 35, So. DT Kalvin Dinkins

Dinkins’ first big development as a college football player was supposed to be last year as a redshirt freshman but an injury took that away.

After getting some major reps in the first game of the season at nose tackle and making three tackles, Dinkins went down with an ankle injury in practice the following week. State coaches felt that he would return at some point later on in the year, but Dinkins never suited up for Arnett’s team again last season and was put on the shelf the rest of the way.

That came after Dinkins missed all of his true freshman season due to a redshirt and he’s now awaiting his first full season on the field this year as a third-year sophomore. It makes for a player that should be pretty motivated heading into the 2024 season.

Dinkins was a late get for the Bulldogs back in the 2022 class when he exploded late in the recruiting process. A freak of an athlete in the weightroom, the powerlifter was a little under the radar at Class 2A Lake High School.

It was a hectic final few weeks for Dinkins as he picked up some late offers from Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Florida to go along with Baylor and the Bulldogs had a fight on their hands in the final day. In the end, he would only visit Starkville before signing with State and a high-upside player was on the roster.

Dinkins was a three-star recruit mostly due to the fact he was a relative unknown for recruiting services. Despite that, the talent level is quite apparent with some agility in his 6’2, 315-pound frame and the obvious strength that he possesses.

The sophomore also dealt with another lower body injury during the spring but should be ready for the start of training camp in the coming days. He will be competing for reps at the nose tackle again and will be a factor if healthy.

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