After a devastating loss in the Big Ten Title game to
Wisconsin, the Michigan State football team rebounded with a triple-overtime
victory over Georgia in the Outback Bowl. After posting the first back-to-back
11 win seasons in program history, the Spartans are hoping to build on their
recent success. Let’s take a look at some of the battles/question marks as the
team gets into the heart of their Spring Practice.
Quarterback
Kirk Cousins will go down as one of the most successful
Spartan quarterbacks in recent memory. Not only did he put up impressive stats,
but he provided invaluable leadership. The overwhelming favorite to take over
for Kirk is redshirt junior Andrew Maxwell. A highly touted prospect out of
high school, Maxwell has been groomed to take over for Cousins since he stepped
foot on campus. From all reports, he has all the physical tools to be
successful, but his lack of game experience is the biggest question going into
next fall. Look for Maxwell to rely heavily on the running game early on as he
begins to develop a rapport with the receivers.
Wide Receiver
The top three receivers from last year have all graduated
after having very successful seasons last year. So who will step in to the fill
the void?
- DeAnthony Arnett (SO) - After spending his
freshman season at Tennessee, Arnett decided to transfer closer to home so he
could be with his ailing father. He posted 24 catches last year at Tennessee as
a true freshman and could step in and contribute right away. If the NCAA
accepts his waiver to play this season, expect Arnett to play a large role in
the offense this year.
- Tony Lippett (r-SO) - After spending his
redshirt freshman season primarily as the third cornerback, Lippett will move
over to the offensive side of the ball. He played sparingly at receiver last
year, but was listed as a starter on the depth chart released prior to the
start of spring practice. Lippett is out the rest of the spring with an ankle
injury, but should be fine by the start of fall practice.
- Bennie Fowler (JR) – After sitting out most of
last season with a foot injury, Fowler is actually the most experienced
receiver returning. He had 14 catches as a freshman in 2010, but only 2 last
year as he battled the foot injury. If he manages to stay injury-free, he could
be the most reliable target that Maxwell has this fall.
- Keith Mumphery (r-SO) – Mumphery was slotted as
the other starting wide receiver going into spring practice. He’s most notably
known for his speed, but has had limited game action.
Others to keep an eye on: Juwan Caesar (r-FR), Andre Sims Jr.
(r-FR), Aaron Burbridge (FR), Monty Madaris (FR), Macgarette Kings (FR)
Defensive Tackle
Jerel Worthy left early following an
All-American season last year. Along with Worthy, the Spartans also lose Kevin
Pickelman who proved to be a valuable contributor by the end of his senior
season. Similar to the Wide Receiver position, there are an abundance of
candidates to take over, but only one (Anthony Rashad White) has the game
experience to ease the minds of Spartan faithful. White played outstanding in
the bowl game vs. Georgia and should fill in admirably on the defensive line
for Worthy.
Along with Rashad White, Tyler Hoover moves to the defensive
tackle position after spending the past 3+ seasons at Defensive End. He’s added
some bulk and started the spring as the starter along with ARW on the inside of
the d-line. His biggest weakness could be his height. It’s not too often that
you see a defensive tackle that 6’ 7” tall.
Two other candidates likely to receive playing time this season
are James Kittredge and Micajah Reynolds. Kittredge is a transfer from Vanderbilt who will be
entering his redshirt sophomore season. He’s a bit undersized at 6’4” and 271
pounds, but will certainly be in the playing rotation this fall. Reynolds has
gone from defense, to offense, and is now back on defense. He has the size and
skill set to be a solid contributor on the defensive line, but the fact that
he’s floated back and forth between the offensive and defensive line leaves
some questions as to whether or not he will finally settle in on the defensive
line.
Safety
Isaiah Lewis is penciled in to start at the Free Safety spot.
Barring an injury, he will be the starter come August 31st when the
Spartans take on Boise State. There is however, a battle going on for who will
start along Lewis at safety. The candidates are redshirt sophomore Kurtis
Drummond, redshirt freshman RJ Williamson, and redshirt junior Jairus Jones.
From all reports, the leader right now is Kurtis Drummond.
Williamson is still learning the defense, though he was listed as a starter
going into spring practice. A quote from defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi
described Williamson as someone who is, “eating baby food right now who’s not
ready for whole food.” Needless to say, I think Drummond has a leg-up on
Williamson.
The wildcard in the defensive secondary is Jairus Jones. He is
currently listed as the backup to Lewis at the Free Safety position. He was
actually ahead of Lewis on the depth chart at this point last year, but blew
out his Achilles and came back to play late last season. If Drummond struggles
early on in the season, and Jones has proven to be fully rehabilitated from his
injury, don’t be shocked if Jones is starting alongside Lewis by the start of
Big Ten Play.
Top Ten Players Heading into the Spring Game
1.
William Gholston, DE- Gholston is an athletic
freak who has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his two years at Michigan
State. Look for him to build on his strong showing late last year. Don’t be
surprised if Gholston is preparing for the NFL Draft at this point next year.
2.
Le’veon Bell, RB- Bell is the unquestioned
starter at running back this year. At 6’ 2” and 238 pounds, Bell is a load to
bring down. He’s not just a power back though. He has a fantastic stiff arm and
can run through tacklers, as well as jump over them.
3.
Johnny Adams, CB- Adams is one of the biggest
trash talkers in the nation. He can pull it off though, because his play can
back it up. Known for being a great cover corner, Adams could very well be the
best at his position in the Big Ten next year.
4.
Max Bullough, MLB- Bullough stepped in last
season with huge shoes to fill. He was a consistent player all year in 2011 and
should be the leader of the defense next year.
5.
Denicos Allen, OLB- Allen put up staggering
numbers last year. He proved to be a pass rush specialist, posting double digit
sacks in his first year as a starter. Oh yeah, and he can fly.
7 6. Isaiah Lewis, SS
8 7. Chris Norman, OLB
6 8. Darqueze Dennard, CB
9 9. Marcus Rush, DE
1 10. Chris McDonald, OG
