Michigan State Football: Winners and Losers from Spartans' 2016 Spring

The first step of Michigan State football's reloading year concluded Saturday, and a few players exited spring practice destined for meaningful roles in 2016.

Others, however, have an uphill battle toward earning a significant place on the depth chart. One positional unit took a notable hit, too.

Although the spring offers a far-from-definitive look at potential breakout candidates, new or inexperienced talents often receive praise during the workouts.

While each "winner" of the session must continue impressing throughout the summer and fall camp, few are locked into starting roles. There's still plenty of time to recover from a tough spring.

Winner: Tyler O'Connor, Quarterback

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Heading into spring practice, many considered Tyler O'Connor the favorite in the quarterback competition. He's leaving workouts the same way.

In mid-April, while appearing on 92.1 The Team, head coach Mark Dantonio said O'Connor was "a little ahead," according to Chris Solari of the Lansing State Journal.

"I feel very confidently about how I've played this spring," O'Connor said, per Mike Wilson of 247Sports. "I feel like I have played very consistent and that was my biggest goal going into the spring."

O'Connor finished 10-of-16 for 138 yards and a touchdown, adding a 27-yard run on Saturday.

Loser: Damion Terry, Quarterback

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When MSU seniors picked teams for the spring game, the Green team picked redshirt freshman Brian Lewerke over junior and presumed backup quarterback Damion Terry.

It could mean something, or it could mean nothing. Either way, fortunately for Terry, the coaches aren't rushing to a final decision.

"I think the one thing we've learned is patience," quarterbacks coach Brad Salem said, per Steve Grinczel of the school's official website.

The junior has four months to chase down O'Connor, but meanwhile, Lewerke and Messiah deWeaver are getting closer to catching Terry.

Winner: Cole Chewins, Offensive Tackle

Credit: 247Sports

Cole Chewins

Following the departures of Jack Conklin, Jack Allen and Donavon Clark, the Spartans must retool the offensive line.

Dennis Finley figures to start at tackle, though he must hold off David Beedle. But Cole Chewins has jumped into the conversation.

Granted, size is an issue. Right now, the 6'7" tackle is listed at just 265 pounds. Few starting-caliber linemen in the Power Five weigh less than the 300 mark, let alone 35 pounds.

However, the former walk-on has demanded a place in the competition. Even if he doesn't win the battle, Chewins is headed in the right direction.

Loser: Gerald Holmes, Running Back

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Michigan State has three capable starters at running back, but history suggests that means somebody will be left out. Running backs coach Dave Warner said the Spartans are looking for a clear-cut No. 1 guy, per Carlos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press.

After all, from Javon Ringer to Le'Veon Bell to Jeremy Langford, MSU has relied upon a featured starter. Most expect LJ Scott will be that guy in 2016.

Plus, Madre London returns. Though injuries limited him as a true freshman, he won the competition heading into the 2015 campaign. London is a potentially dynamic back with appealing upside when healthy.

Holmes will be a respectable option who rounds out an excellent unit, but Scott and London are safely ahead of the junior.

Winner: Donnie Corley, Wide Receiver

It's becoming increasingly difficult to temper expectations for Donnie Corley, a 4-star, in-state recruit.

The early enrollee has received plenty of attention since arriving in East Lansing, even garnering praise from a key defender.

"I think Donnie Corley has done a great job," linebacker Riley Bullough said, per Mike Griffith of MLive. "You can definitely tell he's a playmaker."

Corley, along with fellow true freshman Cameron Chambers, will attempt to help immediately replace Aaron Burbridge and Macgarrett Kings Jr. The duo combined for 51.2, 54.2 and 46.2 percent of MSU's receptions, yards and touchdowns, respectively, in 2015.

And if the hype matches reality, Corley will be on the field in a sizable role this fall.

Loser: Depth on Defensive Line

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Shilique Calhoun, Lawrence Thomas and Joel Heath each moved on from East Lansing after last season. Malik McDowell's versatility will ease the transition up front, but he can't do it alone.

The Spartans lost notable depth pieces, too. Craig Evans and Montez Sweat left the team. Evans provided a strong freshman season with 21 stops as a reserve tackle, while Sweat was a high-upside end with a couple of years of eligibility remaining.

Although neither lineman was a likely starter, younger players may now be thrust into action a year earlier than expected.

Michigan State will survive, but two of the D-line's most promising talents are gone.

All recruiting information via 247Sports. Stats from CFBstats.com or B/R research. Quotes obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.

Follow Bleacher Report CFB Writer David Kenyon on Twitter @Kenyon19_BR.