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Mississippi State’s defensive back depth took a hit as two senior corners are injured.
With rumors flying around about the possibility of a couple of key defensive backs in Tolando Cleveland and Cedric Jiles being injured, there was a growing amount of concern and interest in the defensive backs and whether or not the rumors were true. Well, as it turns out, Tolando Cleveland is going to be done for the year and Cedric Jiles will miss what could be the entire first half of the season.
Senior cornerback Tolando Cleveland is out for the season, Dan Mullen announces. Torn ACL. Cleveland started several games last year.
— Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) August 24, 2016
Senior corner Cedric Jiles broke his arm and is out the first half of the season, Mullen also announces
— Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) August 24, 2016
Cedric Jiles; Right arm broken. Tolando Cleveland: left knee
— David H Murray (@DawgsBiteMag) August 24, 2016
This is the last thing that Mississippi State needed, but the Bulldogs might be able to turn to the deep pool of young safety talent to overcome the depth issues at corner this season. The Bulldogs have a few options in Jamal Peters, Lashard Durr, Maurice Smitherman, among a couple of other guys but losing Cleveland and Jiles certainly hurts.
It is possible that Cleveland can redshirt this season to extend his college career if he so chooses, but nothing has been set in stone so far. Hopefully Cleveland and Jiles are both able to heal up and stay healthy going forward.