Michigan State Spartans Football: Top 5 Impact Freshman for 2011
Michigan State went 11-2 last year in one of their best football seasons in theuniversity's storied history.
Returning 13 players, seven on offense and six on defense, they should pick up right where they left off. With the losses of some major defensive and offensive line players, their are a bunch of true freshman that have the opportunity for valuable playing time.
Luckily, the Spartans biggest commitments in their 2011 football class were on the offensive line and defensive side of the ball.
Michigan State should be very good next year with some much needed help from their incoming freshman.
5. Roger Williamson, Cornerback
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Every team could use a speedy, feisty cornerback. Roger Williamson is tall at 6'1" and seems to always play with a chip on his shoulder.
He has great control of his body and can vertically run with faster receivers. He played receiver and in the wildcat quarterback formation in high school, making him an athletic threat in the secondary.
He will not start this year at corner, but if he earns a spot as the nickel or dime corner, he could make their secondary even stronger.
He loves to watch the quarterback, leaving him vulnerable to double moves. But if he learns to be more disciplined, he could be a very valuable addition to the Michigan State Spartans next season.
4. Darien Harris, Linebacker/Strong Safety
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There is always a good chance that an athletic 6'1" linebacker that can run a 4.45 40-yard dash has a chance to make an impact as a freshman.
He played outside linebacker as a junior in high school, and then his senior year he moved to strong safety. He is known for his hit power and ability to knock opponents flat on their backs.
He is regarded as a strong downhill player with an uncanny ability to read the quarterback. He can sit back in coverage but also is very good against the run.
Both of Michigan State’s safeties graduated last season, making this position up for grabs this offseason. Even though there are players that are projected to start, it doesn’t mean that Darien Harris won’t see the field.
3. Donovan Clark, Tackle
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Only two of the five starting offensive lineman are returning to the Spartans for the 2011 season. Donovan Clark is a very big, strong offensive lineman at 6'4", 300 pounds.
He has a very low center of gravity, making him a very good run blocker. The Spartans don’t know who will be starting at right tackle and if nobody steps up and claims the position by summer, watch Donovan Clark try to make a push for the starting job.
He has the talent and size; he just needs to work on his speed and agility to be ready for 2011.
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2. Lawrence Thomas, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker
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Big Ten running backs should get used to seeing the last name Thomas, because he will be all over the field next year as a true freshman.
Lawrence Thomas is a freak athlete at 6'4", 230 pounds with 4.7 speed in the 40-yard dash.
He is strong enough to put his hand down in the dirt and rush the passer, and he is quick enough to play outside linebacker and drop back into coverage.
He is very tough and was highly recruited out of high school. He knew that Michigan State was his best option. He may not start this season, but he will definitely make some big contributions on defense.
1. Jack Allen, Center
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Jack Allen is Michigan State's potential starting center as a true center. He is incredibly smart coming out of high school with a 4.3 weighted GPA.
If he plans to start in his true freshman year, smarts and quickness are very important for a young offensive lineman.
He is decent size at 6'2", 275 pounds and has developed phenomenal fundamentals.
The center position is undecided after spring practices with Jack Allen currently working out in East Lansing. Watch out for this freshman to make a big impact for the Spartans
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