Great news from Starkville as senior quarterback Nick Fitzgerald took the field for Mississippi State’s first spring practice. Fitzgerald is still recovering from his devastating injury suffered in the Egg Bowl, but his progress appears to be on track for a complete recovery by the time fall camp arrives.

Following Joe Moorhead’s first practice as Mississippi State’s head coach, the former Penn State offensive coordinator was asked about the status of his star quarterback.

“He was limited. He did the seven-on-seven drills and the individual drills. We had some stuff where we just did scout team stuff,” Moorhead said. “You know, jog throughs. He did what he was capable of doing.”

While his participation may have been limited, it was a great sign nonetheless for a team that has big expectations in Moorhead’s first fall in Starkville. MSU’s coach was quick to point out he won’t rush his quarterback into a return, the presence of sophomore quarterback Keytaon Thompson allows the team to ease Fitzgerald back at his own pace.

“(Fitzgerald’s) going to be limited. We’ll ease him back,” Moorhead continued, “we don’t want to get out too far in front of our skis. But we’ll allow him to do the things he’s capable of doing.”

Fortunately for the Bulldogs, Fitzgerald has little to nothing to prove in terms of showing what he can do on the field. What will be more important this spring will be expanding the QB’s knowledge and grasp of the team’s new offense. Taking that into consideration, Moorhead had this to say about the plan for Fitzgerald’s participation this spring.

“I think just in the repetitions that he’s able to participate,” he said. “Just an understanding of the installation that we’re putting in on that day and as he continues to build up.”