Like most of Mississippi State's other linebackers, Matthew Wells rose to stardom in high school playing another position.

Wells was a Dandy Dozen running back at Lawrence County (Miss.) rushing for 2,402 yards and 33 touchdowns his final two seasons there.

The Monticello native moved to safety after arriving in Starkville during his redshirt season and has spent the last two years at linebacker for the Bulldogs. Although he has embraced his new role on defense, Wells cannot help but reminisce on his days in the backfield.

"I do miss having the ball in my hands," Wells said. "But like I said when I came here, I'm going to do what's best for the team and do whatever I can to help the team out the most. I think it's a greater challenge for me. It's made me work harder to get the ball. I'm the type of player that wants the ball so that gives me a little more adrenaline."

When Wells made the move to linebacker in the spring of 2011 he admitted it was quite and adjustment from playing safety in the secondary.

"To me it's a great difference," Wells said. "I wasn't used to being in the box in there with some big guys, spiking gaps and being that close to the run."

At 6-foot-2, 215-pounds, Wells is a little on the light side as a linebacker. But he believes his speed and athleticism gives him an added advantage in some aspects on the game.



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