Sports: 2010 Football Preview
MSU EXPECTS TO VIE FOR BIG TEN TITLE
This fall, expect the Spartans to be young but very talented, especially in the skill positions.
What can we expect in year four of Mark Dantonio’s rebuilding program?
“I feel we’ll compete for the Big Ten championship,” says Dantonio. “We did that in year two, stepped back in 2009. But things are promising. We’re getting very good leadership right now and we’re very optimistic.”
Based on the Green and White game last spring, MSU will feature significant talent in the skill positions on offense—quarterback, wide receiver, running back and tight end. The Spartans will also boast plenty of talent in the trenches—but the talent is relatively young and inexperienced. On defense, All-American Greg Jones returns for his senior season to lead a talent-laden linebacking corps.
“Quarterback is a strength,” says Dantonio, noting that both Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol, who has moved to wide receiver, have proven experience. “(Redshirt Freshman) Andrew Maxwell shows great promise. And with (true freshman) Joe Boisture, this is the first time we’ve had four quarterbacks on scholarship—which is by design.”
Dantonio believes MSU’s running backs are solid. “We have extremely bright, confident and self-motivated young men there,” he says. He is referring to sophomores Larry Caper, who scored the winning touchdown in overtime against Michigan last season, and Edwin Baker, who made an electrifying 46-yard touchdown run against Texas Tech in the Alamo Bowl. “They are also extremely gifted. They have speed and power. The two freshmen have also been impressive (Le’Veon Bell and Nick Hill, who played in the spring game).”
MSU boasts a bevy of talented wide receivers like B.J. Cunningham, Mark Dell, Keshawn Martin and also Nichol, who showed in the spring game that he can excel in his new position by making some acrobatic catches across the middle. Dantonio notes that newcomers like Bennie Fowler and Donald Spencer also emerged during spring practice.
“Tight end continues to be a strength with four established players there,” says Dantonio of Charlie Gantt, Brian Linthicum, Garrett Celek and Dion Sims.
Blocking for them will be an offensive line anchored by two upperclassmen who combined for 15 starts—Guard Joel Foreman, Honorable Mention All-Big Ten, and Center John Stipek. Others competing for playing time include Nate Klatt at center, D.J. Young, David Barrent, Henry Conway, John Deyo, Jared McGaha and J’Michael Deane at tackle, and Ethan Ruhland, Chris McDonald, and 360-pound behemoth Antonio Jeremiah at guard.
“I feel good about our offensive line,” says Dantonio. “I feel we have more depth there and that we’ll gain experience early in the season. I see us beginning to answer a lot of questions there.”
Competing at fullback are Adam Setterbo, Drew Stevens and Josh Rouse, who returns from an injury last season.
On defense, First Team All-American Greg Jones anchors a group of experienced linebackers including Eric Gordon, Jon Misch and Chris Norman. In the spring game, Denicos Allen stood out as a dynamic prospect as well. Many fans are eager to see Max Bullough and William Gholston, two highly-touted true freshmen who Dantonio believes might get playing time.
MSU’s defensive line is anchored by sophomore tackle Jerel Worthy, who earned Freshman All-American honors last season. Other defensive linemen with experience include Senior Colin Neely, juniors Kevin Pickelman and Johnathan Strayhorn, and sophomores Tyler Hoover and Blake Treadwell. Adding depth will be newcomers Denzel Drone and Corey Freeman at defensive end, and Dan France and Micajah Reynolds in the interior.
Senior cornerback Chris L. Rucker returns to anchor the cornerback position, along with sophomore Johnny Adams. Newcomers Dana Dixon and Mitchell White will also compete for playing time. Senior Marcus Hyde and junior Trenton Robinson will be at safety, along with senior Jesse Johnson and newcomers Jairus Jones and Patrick White.
Veteran senior punter Aaron Bates returns, as does Senior Long Snapper Alex Shackleton. Sophomore Dan Conroy and freshman Kevin Muma will compete for kicking duties, along with incoming freshman Mike Sadler. Dell and Martin return as kickoff and punt returners.
The coaching staff returns fairly intact, with Don Treadwell and Pat Narduzzi as offensive and defensive coordinators, and assistants Dan Roushar, Mark Staten, Harlon Barnett, Ted Gill and Mike Tressel. Brad Salem replaces Dan Enos, who became head coach at Central Michigan.
Looking out the window of his office, Dantonio can see both the basketball and ice hockey facilities. “I always say, we don’t have to look but 300 yards to see excellence,” he says, motioning in that direction. “We certainly hope to emulate that.”
If things hold together and the team stays healthy, MSU should be headed to its fourth straight bowl under Dantonio.