Michigan State: A Look Ahead

After wrapping up the 2008 season with a tough loss out in Happy Valley, Mark Dantonio and the MSU football team now await their bowl assignment.  With a record of 9-3 (6-2), and New Year's Day trip down to sunny Florida all but assured, things could be a lot worse in East Lansing. 

While Spartan fans chat about which bowl MSU will end up in, or which SEC match up is a more favorable one (South Carolina), I would like to take a glimpse into the future. I'm looking at what a 2009 Michigan State team could look like.

OFFENSE

Starting off at quarterback, we know that someone new will be under center when the green and white take the field next August.  Brian Hoyer, while compiling a 16-10 record as a starter, has taken a lot of heat from fans and the media alike when it comes to his on the field inconsistencies. 

He has been a serviceable signal-caller for the past two years, and has done nothing but lead MSU to it's first back to back winning seasons since the early '90s.  He has been a vital part of how this team has bought into Mark Dantonio's system. 

Critics, mostly, are more interested in Brian's completion percentage, or how he has lacked in some big games.  What those critics don't always take into consideration is that his team leadership will be very hard to replace.

Waiting in the wings are two very capable gunslingers, in Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol.  Cousins, a three-star (Rivals.com rating) QB out of high school, has looked impressive when he has been on the field this fall. 

Seeing limited playing time against Eastern Michigan earlier in the year, along with mop-up duty in the team's blow-out losses to Ohio State and Penn State has, at least, allowed Cousins to get somewhat wet behind the ears before engaging in what should be a fun QB battle this spring.  The other gun in this fight is Oklahoma transfer Keith Nichol. 

Many remember the awful situation the football program was in back in the fall of 2006.  John L. Smith was slapping himself,  Ohio State was taking over Spartan Stadium, and overall, the program was falling apart. 

After Smith's dismissal, many of the Spartan's incoming verbal commitments for 2007 had to re-evaluate their decisions.  When a coaching change happens, other schools often look to capitalize on the uncertainty, and so when Bob Stoops swooped in and offered Keith, he did exactly that. 

Keith was an Elite 11 invitee, a four-star prospect, and Oklahoma had just lost Rhett Bomar to NCAA rule violations.  Nichol would have the chance to compete for the starting job at Oklahoma as a true freshman, with only a red-shirt freshman coming back to challenge him for the job.

Fast forward to 2007.  The red-shirt freshman that was to challenge Keith for the starting job, turned out to be Sam Bradford.  We all know how that turned out. 

Meanwhile, back in Michigan, a first year head coach in East Lansing was turning the Spartan program around, leading Michigan State back to the post-season.  Keith took notice, and when he decided to make a change, the choice was simple. 

There was familiarity with Dantonio and his staff from when they recruited Keith in their days at Cincinnati, and with his family close by, he decided to transfer.

Nichol brings more of a dual-threat possibility with him than Cousins does.  He reminds a lot of people of former MSU signal-caller, Drew Stanton.  The question that remains is whether Cousins is further along in learning the system than Nichol is.  One thing is for sure, this will be a heated battle all the way through fall camp.

Also, the Spartans will welcome a new face, in four-star (Rivals.com ranking) QB Andrew Maxwell.  While he is an obvious talent, Maxwell will most likely redshirt so he can better learn the system.  While it will be an open competition, Andrew may be in a situation where he will need to wait his turn.

Moving on to the backfield, where the Spartans have the unenviable task of replacing Doak Walker finalist, Javon Ringer.  Ringer did everything that was asked of him and more this season.  Leading the nation in rushes per game, and rushing touchdowns, he was an iron workhorse. 

Over the course of the year, he did wear down, and seemed to lose a step.  Unfortunately, the Spartans were unable to establish a reliable back-up to spell Ringer, and so he was asked to stay on the field repeatedly. Specifically in situations where he would have been better served catching his breath on the sideline.

The Spartans return five running backs and will have two heralded incoming freshman at the position as well.  They are not lacking depth. 

Returning will be senior A.J. Jimmerson, sophomores Andre Anderson, Ashton Leggett, and Glenn Winston, along with redshirt freshman, Caulton Ray. 

Jimmerson and Winston were used primarily as kickoff return specialists this year, with Winston establishing himself as a legitimate threat on Special Teams. 

Jimmerson is reliable with the football, but doesn't appear to have the speed or the moves to be the featured back.  Winston wasn't used in the backfield until the season finale at Penn State.

At Penn State, he saw limited action in the backfield, and also lined up as a receiver.  He has a real burst of speed when he decides where he is going with the ball, and is certainly not afraid of contact.

Andre Anderson seemed to be the odds-on favorite to be Ringer's back-up coming out of spring practice, however, he had problems holding on to the football.  Ashton Leggett looked to be the perfect, short-yardage compliment to Ringer, with his 230-pound frame, but he too had ball-security issues. 

There is some serious buzz around the Spartan's two incoming freshman as well.  Edwin Baker, a four-star (Rivals.com Ranking) Army All-American running back prospect that picked MSU over offers from Florida, Michigan, & Texas. 

Larry Caper, also a four-star RB prospect, gained over 1,700 yards and scored 20 touchdowns in his senior season at Battle Creek Central High School (Michigan). Both will come into East Lansing ready to compete on day one. 

They both look to have all the tools, but potential is potential, and they will have to prove themselves on the field.

All of this seems to point to one thing.  The door is wide open for someone to step up and win this job. 

I would give the slight edge to Glenn Winston at this point.  He looked very explosive at times this season, and his "lower-the-shoulder" style of running (over people) seems tailor-made for Treadwell's offense.  His return against Northwestern, where he flattened kicker Stephan Demos, was a thing of beauty.

MSU also returns two veterans at the fullback spot in Andrew Hawken (Sr.) and Josh Rouse (Sr.).  Expect to see Adam Setterbo (Soph.) get reps as well, along with one other player to be named later. 

Dantonio likes to use "athletes" for the FB spot versus recruiting specifically to the position.  A player like Drew Stevens, or even Ashton Leggett could end up seeing playing time.

On the offensive line, Michigan State returns three starters on the left side in tackle Rocco Cironi, guard Joel Foreman, and center Joel Nitchman.  Outgoing senior guard, Roland Martin will be busy playing on Sundays, and leaves some big shoes to fill.  Jared McGaha was his backup at guard this season, and will likely be the odds-on replacement. 

Also leaving after the 2008 campaign is senior Jesse Miller.  Miller was a second team All-Big Ten selection during his senior year.  He did struggle in several games, but overall was a solid, reliable player. 

Brendon Moss looks to be next in line, however, possible incoming transfer D.J. Young may give him a run for his money if his academics allow him to play. 

There is also an outside chance that Army All-American David Barrent, an incoming 2009 recruit, could see time at the tackle spot in 2009. Although, I think he would be better served with a redshirt. 

Other lineman that could get a look at the two-deeps are Mike Schmeding (Sr.), Ethan Ruhland (RS Fr.), John Stipek (Sr.), Anthony Woods (RS Fr.), and Chris McDonald (RS Fr.).

At the end of the line, literally, comes this year's breakout star tight end, Charlie Gantt.  Gantt really stepped up in 2008, and gave Brian Hoyer an excellent passing option.  With his soft hands and great routes, Charlie was a real threat in space.  He showed himself to be a great run-blocker as well.  

The Spartans will also have a talented option at tight end in Brian Lithicum, a transfer from Clemson.  Michigan State will have additional able back-ups in Garrett Celek and David Duran.

At the wide receiver position, the Spartans look to be in great shape.  They lose a possession receiver in Deon Curry, who only saw limited action in 2008 after injuries took their toll.  They return their top three targets in Mark Dell (Jr.), B.J. Cunningham (Soph.), and surprise star, Blair White (Sr.). 

Along with those three, the Spartans will have an electrifying option in Keshawn Martin (Soph.) who many will look to have a breakout season.  Along with Martin is Fred Smith (Soph.), who came into his freshman season amidst much fanfare, but seemed to be a bit lost at times.  Incoming freshmen Donald Spencer and Bennie Fowler may also contribute.

DEFENSE

The defense in 2008 was vastly improved over 2007, though still susceptible to big plays, which was well documented in the Ohio State and Penn State debacles.  They will look to take another step forward in 2009, as they will only lose three starters, two from the defensive line and one safety.  

Speaking of the defensive line, why don’t we start there?  This group had their moments, although proved to be inconsistent, as injuries really plagued them throughout the year.  On the interior, they will lose team captain Justin Kershaw, and on the outside, Brandon Long.   

Replacing Long is one of the biggest question marks on this team.  Colin Neely played in spurts this fall, and at times played well.  He will battle Tyler Hoover (RS Fr.) and most likely Ishmyl Johnson for Long’s spot. 

Trevor Anderson was a solid addition on the other side. He will need to step up his play next fall, as he did struggle against better offensive lines like Cal, Ohio State, and Penn State. 

In all of those games, the lack of pressure on the quarterback haunted the secondary. 

A wild card may be Jahmir Williams (RS Fr.).  Williams was recruited at the mike linebacker spot, though his size and speed may translate to more of a speed rush-end type of player.

On the inside Oren Wilson and Antonio Jeremiah will continue to split time at nose tackle.  They both played well, with Jeremiah really starting to come into his own later in the season. 

Who replaces Kershaw at the defensive tackle spot is also up for debate.  Michael Jordan may be the favorite entering the spring, but Kevin Pickelman (Soph.) and Jerel Worthy (RS Fr.) may have something to say about it.

The linebackers return all starters, but do lose quality depth with the departure of Ryan Allison.  Allison proved to be a great situational player, whose motor always seemed to be running at top speed. 

Greg Jones is the undisputed leader of this group.  He will most likely continue to play on the outside, as well as the middle against spread teams.  Adam Decker, who certainly gave the fans one of 2008’s more memorable moments with his tackle of Iowa’s Shonn Greene, will also return at the Mike position. 

Eric Gordon returns on the outside as well, along with Brandon Densen who will provide quality depth.  David Rolf (Soph.) will continue to back-up Decker and Jones at middle linebacker, with redshirt freshman Steve Gardiner hoping to make an impact as well. 

On top of all of this depth, the Spartans have two high caliber freshman that could see action in four-star (Rivals.com ranking) Chris Norman and hard-hitting TyQuan Hammock.  This group, with its youth, looks to be a strength for years to come.

In the defensive backfield, Michigan State loses only one player.  Unfortunately, that player is All-Big Ten safety Otis Wiley.  While MSU is very deep in the secondary, there is some uncertainty surrounding the safety position. 

There are big questions that are yet to be answered. 

For instance: Will Roderick Jenrette rejoin the team?  Will Kendell Davis-Clark graduate on time and then come back for his final year of eligibility?  Will Charles Burrell be able to contribute after this season?

Assuming Davis-Clark is back, he will start at free safety, leaving Danny Fortener as the likely replacement for Wiley at strong safety.  Marcus Hyde (Jr.) has shown that he can lay the wood with the best of them. 

Also, look for redshirt freshman Brynden Trawick to see extensive playing time after learning the system for a year.

At the cornerback position, the Spartans return everyone.  Ross Weaver and Chris L. Rucker will likely start, although Johnny Adams (Soph.) is going to be a star, and will continue to see many reps.  Jeremy Ware has continued to improve under this staff and provides great depth, along with veteran Ashton Henderson. 

You can also add true freshman Patrick White to this mix as well.  White has been hailed by many as one of the best prospects in the state of Ohio this year, and will likely contribute right away.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Brett Swenson will return as place kicker for his senior season, although he may very well take on a new role.  Todd Boleski, who had been the kick-off specialist for MSU, will have moved on, therefore Swenson will likely assume his duties as well.   Aaron Bates will also return for punting duties, along with the long-snapper, Alex Shackelton.

Look for Keshawn Martin to take on an expanded role in punt return situations, as well as kickoff returns alongside Glenn Winston.  Winston looked to be the biggest threat for the Spartans this year on the return team.