Former Grenada High School football standout Emmanuel Forbes continues to add accomplishments to his growing resume as a starting cornerback for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
After a record-setting freshman season, Forbes was recently named, along with teammate Charles Cross, to the 2021 All-Southeastern Conference coaches team as a sophomore.
“I feel honored to be recognized by the coaches of the league,” Forbes said. “I have worked hard to improve my game with each practice and each game.”
As with any player making the jump to Division 1 football, the biggest adjustment was the speed of the game. Forbes feels good about his improvement.
“No question, the speed of the game is much different than high school,” he said. “It was an adjustment period early in my career. Now, I feel like the game has slowed down for me.”
Forbes finished the regular season leading the team with three interceptions and was tied for fourth with 53 tackles. The 6-foot, 180-pounder also added 4.5 tackles for loss, one sack, five pass breakups and a forced fumble.
Forbes’ eight career interceptions are tied for the second-most in the SEC and his three career pick-6s are tied for the national lead and is the only underclassman among that group. He is the first MSU corner selected as an All-SEC performer by the coaches since Darius Slay in 2012 and was also named a Freshman All-SEC performer by the coaches last season.
This season, he was named to the Chuck Bednarik Watch List and a Conerly Trophy Finalist. Forbes was also recognized to the Phil Steele Second Team All-SEC list. He set the MSU and Armed Forces Bowl record with a 90-yard interception return for a touchdown in a 28-26 decision over Tulsa in the bowl played at Fort Worth last season.
The Bulldogs finished the 2021 regular season at 7-5 and lost to Texas Tech in the Liberty Bowl Tuesday.
