One of the biggest question marks for the Mississippi State Bulldogs’ football team this season has been the cornerback position.

While there is a considerable amount of talent within the unit, a majority of the players are relatively inexperienced. Now, those players will have to grow up quickly as injuries to senior defensive backs Tolando Cleveland and Cedric Giles could force them into the lineup .

Bulldogs’ head coach Dan Mullen announced Wednesday that Cleveland suffered a torn ACL and Giles has a broken arm.

Cleveland is expected to miss the entire season and Mullen said the team will consider using a medical redshirt and allowing him to return to the team next year.

The senior defensive back started 10 games for the Bulldogs last year.

Giles is expected to be out until October. He appeared in 12 games for MSU last year.

Mullen said he is expecting his players to step up to fill the void left by these players.

“Maurice Smithermann has played corner so he is rotating in there. Jamal Peters has the physical tools to go out there and play corner and other guys just need to step up and go for it,” the head coach said.

Co-Lin transfer Lashard Durr was already expected to see significant playing time this year, but his role is sure to increase.

Jamoral Graham made the move to corner from receiver last season and saw action in 12 games. Chris Rayford, Chris Stamps and C.J. Morgan should also expect to see some playing time at the position. The Bulldogs’ first game is Sept. 3 at home versus South Alabama.