MSU’s Jackson Wins Inaugural Kent Hull Trophy

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI/MSU Athletics) – The accolades continue to pour in for Gabe Jackson.

On Wednesday, the standout guard was tabbed the first winner of the Kent Hull Trophy as Mississippi’s most outstanding collegiate offensive lineman.

(HailState.com)

Jackson will receive the Kent Hull Trophy at the C Spire Conerly Trophy banquet Tuesday night at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in Jackson.

Jackson, a fifth-year senior from Liberty, also has been named State’s finalist for the C Spire Conerly Trophy, while also being named the SEC’s offensive lineman of the week three times this season.

“It’s such an honor to be named the top offensive linemen in the state, and for the award to be named in honor of a Mississippi State guy is even more special,” Jackson said. “But I really have to give credit to my teammates and coaches. It’s all about team, and everyone works together to make sure we get better each day. That’s what has made this place special since I’ve been here.”

The Hull Trophy winner was selected by a panel of experts, including former professional scouts, former college players and former coaches, including Hall of Famers Jim Carmody, Tom Goode and Hamp Cook.

“Gabe Jackson was like a man among boys; he just dominated whomever he faced,” said Carmody, the former Southern Miss head coach, who also coached at State and Ole Miss and coached and scouted in the NFL.

Jackson has not allowed a sack all season and has graded out a champion (80 percent or above) in every State game.

“Gabe is the reason coaches come to work every day,” John Hevesy, MSU’s offensive line coach said. “In five years with Gabe, there has never been a moment he hasn’t given me and Mississippi State everything he has to give. He has worked relentlessly to become a great player. There is no doubt he is one of the best offensive linemen in the country and very deserving to be the first recipient of the Kent Hull Award. You are going to see a lot more of Gabe Jackson on Sundays.”

Said State head coach Dan Mullen: “Gabe has been a special player from the first day he stepped on campus. Every day at practice, he gives us everything we ask of him and more. He never takes a day, off and he always strives to get better. I can’t imagine anyone more deserving of this award than Gabe. He’s certainly earned every recognition he gets.”

Ole Miss freshman offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and Belhaven senior guard Matt Hall both received strong consideration for the award.