Sports: 2005 Football Preview
2005 SPARTANS PACK OFFENSIVE FIREPOWER
Watch for offensive fireworks in Spartan Stadium this fall as Drew Stanton settles in as “triggerman.”
In his third season as MSU head coach, John L. Smith believes the football program has already improved dramatically in character and will be a contender. Still, he would like to improve the team’s athleticism.
“We’re getting better,” says Smith in his office, taking a break from summer camp duties. “We’re ready to challenge for a championship, but we need to be healthy and we need to be lucky.”
Smith believes you win with character, and that’s where he says the program has most improved. “We’re making a ton of progress. Our kids are fun to be around, are good-hearted kids, and for the most part regimented enough to do what’s right—go to class, meet with tutors, not miss workouts.
“Now,” adds Smith, “we have to increase the athleticism of the team. But you win with character first, then athleticism.”
The 2005 football team will feature a potentially explosive offense, backed by a serviceable but thin defense. “We’ll be able to pull enough rabbits out of the hat and put some points on the board,” he predicts.
“Our No. 1 weapon, obviously, is (junior quarterback) Drew (Stanton),” says Smith. “If he stays healthy, we have an opportunity to win. When you have a good triggerman, regardless of the opponent, you have a chance to win.”
Stanton, who emerged last season as a dual run-throw threat, can choose among many targets—including junior Jerramy Scott and senior Kyle Brown, who enjoyed productive spring practices, and Matt Trannon and Terry Love, who Smith predicts will be “improved.”
“We’re good, but we don’t have a standout like (Super Bowl MVP) Deion Branch,” says Smith. “That’s why we’ll spread it around.”
Sophomore tight end Kellen Davis could definitely add to the potential fireworks. “He’s a weapon in catching the ball and in running the ball,” predicts Smith. “He needs to be heavier and stronger and tougher to become the blocker we want him to be. He’ll be special before he gets done.”
Returning at running back are senior Jason Teague and sophomore Jehuu Caulcrick, two “solid guys who’ll bang for yardage.” Smith hopes someone will emerge to replace big-play speedster DeAndra Cobb. “Maybe (incoming freshman Javon) Ringer will have that type of burst,” says Smith. “We’ll have to wait and see.”
Although MSU lost two all-league offensive linemen, tackle Sean Poole and guard William Whittiker, Smith believes that “before this year is over we could have a better front than a year ago.” He touts the potential of young linemen like Peter Clifford, Mike Gyetvai, Roland Martin, Tom Kaczmarek, and John Masters, who have “the work ethic to succeed.”
Backing up Stanton are a couple of promising young players, redshirt freshman Bryan Hoyer and true freshman Dom Natale. “They’re two pups who will compete for a spot in the fall,” says Smith.
On the defensive side, MSU looks adequate but thin. “As the old cliché goes, until you get good on defense, you won’t win championships,” says Smith, a defensive specialist. “It’s been that way everywhere we’ve been.”
MSU will be relying on several junior college transfers on defensive, such as defensive back Demont Williams, defensive linemen David Stanton, Bobby Jones and Jonal Saint-Dic, and linebacker Steven Juarez. “All these guys will have to contribute,” says Smith.
MSU will field a front seven anchored by defensive end Clifton Ryan and linebacker Eric Smith, the standout safety who has been moved to the “bandit” position. The top prospects include defensive tackle Brandon McKinney and middle linebacker David Herron, who has made the transition from fullback to linebacker with flying colors. The defensive backfield has Cole Corey and Greg Cooper penciled in at safety, and Jaren Hayes and Ashton Watson at cornerback. Travis Key made some noise last spring and could contribute.
“Linebacker and cornerback are areas of concern,” admits Smith. “If one of them gets hurt, you might have to play!”
Smith believes special teams will be up to par, with long-booming Brandon Fields back for punting duties and John Goss replacing All-American kicker Dave Rayner.
“We’ll have to find someone to place (DeAndra) Cobb,” says Smith. “He was special back there. As far as punt return, I like what (Kyle) Brown does. Of course, you’re always looking for someone with more juke.”
Smith notes that MSU will begin to take fewer junior college transfers once the classes have stabilized around 17 players each.
In what might be deemed a credit to the program, three assistants left for other Big Ten programs. “The guys we got to replace those guys are quality coaches,” notes Smith. “They fit in and they’ll do a great job.”
Will MSU have to change its scheme, with three former assistants now part of rival schools? “No, the scheme will stay the same,” explains Smith. “They still have to defend it. What will change is our signaling system and our audible system. But we change that week to week anyway. It’s not a big deal.”
Smith says the new stadium addition will help recruiting and looks forward to more improvements in the facilities. “We have to improve the product on the field, and we have to improve the product off the field,” he notes. “We just have to get out and sell it.”
Obviously, a product that can put points on the board will be an easier sell. And that’s what Smith is counting on this season.
2005 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Sept. 3 Kent State
Sept. 10 Hawai'i
Sept. 17 @Notre Dame
Sept. 24 @Illinois
Oct. 1 Michigan
Oct. 15 @Ohio State
Oct. 22 Northwestern (Homecoming)
Oct. 29 Indiana
Nov. 5 @Purdue
Nov. 12 @Minnesota
Nov. 19 Penn State