With no Spring Game, what did we learn about the Spartan Football Team?
Michigan State completed its spring practices yesterday with the 15th and final session. They are now off until the preseason in August. Michigan State, like a number of other programs around the country, has decided to eliminate the Spring Game. Programs are citing the transparency it provides to players lower on the depth chart as to their standing on the team, and that has led to an increase in players leaving for the transfer portal post-Spring Games. Case in point, back in December, Purdue QB Ryan Browne transferred to North Carolina, participated in the Tar Heels’ spring program, and now is going back to Purdue because UNC also picked up another transfer QB who is set to beat him out in the quarterback battle. Browne only started two games last year for Purdue and has no guarantee of winning the job next season. I really wish there would be a rule to how many times you can transfer in one offseason.
Back to our Spartans, clearly it is harder for us in the media and the general public to draw conclusions from these practices in the absence of a Spring Game. Much of what we can learn has to be gleaned from Coach Jonathan Smith’s soundbites. Starting at the all-important QB position, the first thing Smith said when asked about incumbent starter Aidan Chiles is that he has transformed physically. “Heavier, stronger, faster.” Obviously, that does not guarantee improved on-field performance unless the plan is to have him run the ball more in 2025. Coach also cited new QB coach Jon Boyer as having helped Chiles improve his technique.
In 2024, one of the most troubled aspects of our roster was the offensive line, at least in some part due to injury, but also due to some inferior talent. This year, that front will see a number of new faces with an early projection featuring three new starters from the portal. Matt Gulbin should get the nod at center. Right guard should be manned by Luka Vincic. And right tackle will be Conner Moore, who was one of the top OTs in this year’s portal. The left side should feature some more familiar names. Stanton Ramil will take up the LT spot, while two of last year’s injuries, Gavin Broscious and Kristian Phillips, will try to win the LG nod. Between the influx of talent, return of injured players, and Ramil’s development, there is reason for optimism for this group. Smith had this observation to make about this unit. “Looking at the weight room, strength, size, that has taken a step.”
The other position group that struggled last year was the secondary as the CBs and safeties struggled in coverage. MSU has a couple of big names coming back from injury here, too. Chance Rucker and Dillon Tatum should be able to provide a boost to this unit if they stay healthy. Josh Eaton and Malcom Bell are new names that will be looking to earn a starting spot on the edge. The good news is that MSU returns their two guys in the middle, Malik Spencer and Nikai Martinez, who were among the best members of the DB room last year.
Speaking of the secondary, they should be facing some tough competition in practices this year. Last year’s rookie sensation Nick Marsh is back; Coach Smith said Marsh has been working on tightening up the details this spring. Newcomer Omari Kelly looks to have the inside track on starting on the opposite side. Smith mentioned that Kelly has hauled in some contested catches in practice and doing a good job in the air, not to mention also getting separation with his moves. Smith also credited transfer Evan Boyd for his consistency and said he has been good in his route running.
The run game will remain a mystery until the season begins, but for now, Elijah Tau-Tolliver, a transfer from Sacramento State, is expected to get the starting job. Of course, we are all excited to see true freshman and East Lansing native Jace Clarizio. How soon he can reach his ceiling could go along way for next year’s team.
When asked what a strength on next year’s team could be, Smith replied, “Inside linebacker, we’ve got a lot of guys that can play at a high level in that room. They stand out and it’s great because they can stay fresh. We’ve got some leaders in that room. Inside linebacker, we’ve got some depth there.” I was excited to read this quote as that had been the strength of MSU’s defense for a few seasons right before Smith came to town. Getting back to that will also be a difference maker in 2025.
Now, we wait for football to pick back up in August. Certainly, we will get more news from the portal, with players coming and going. I do not look forward to any of those articles.