The Michigan State Spartans are entering a new chapter in their wide receiver room, having lost star receiver Nick Marsh to Indiana and returning only two players from last season's roster. This significant turnover has prompted the coaching staff to focus on rebuilding the receiving corps as they prepare for the upcoming season.
MSU wide receivers coach Courtney Hawkins expressed optimism about the team's potential, stating, "Guys are eager to prove themselves; I think it will be more of a collective deal. We don’t have the so-called big superstar… yet. But what I have challenged our guys with is this is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the world." This mindset will be crucial as the Spartans look to fill the void left by Marsh, who recorded over 600 receiving yards in both of his seasons with the team.
One player to keep an eye on is Chrishon McCray, the only returning wide receiver from MSU's top five receivers last year. Hawkins highlighted McCray's commitment to improving his game, noting, "He’s done a tremendous job of attacking drills, watching film, asking questions, wanting to know the why now." This shift in focus from relying solely on athletic ability to honing his route-running skills will be essential for McCray as he faces tougher competition in the Big Ten.
The Spartans' wide receiver room is notably young, featuring eight freshmen who have yet to experience significant playing time at the Power Four level. In an effort to bolster the group, Michigan State added two transfers from other Power Four schools: Frederick Moore from Michigan and KK Smith from Notre Dame. This influx of new talent will be vital as the coaching staff navigates the challenges of integrating inexperienced players into the lineup.
Hawkins indicated that the team is still determining its depth chart, but he anticipates that seven or eight receivers will see action during games, depending on the flow and situation. While the official starting lineup has not been finalized, Hawkins mentioned that the starters are likely to rotate frequently to keep players fresh and engaged.
In addition to McCray, Hawkins pointed out other players who have shown promise during training camp. Bryson Williams has reportedly had an impressive camp, while Rodney Bullard Jr. has worked diligently to overcome eligibility issues that had sidelined him for months. Charles Taplin, known for his speed, has also made strides after adding weight since arriving on campus.
As the Spartans prepare for the upcoming season, Hawkins and head coach Pat Fitzgerald have emphasized the importance of effort and commitment from all players. With plans to utilize a deep receiving corps, those who fail to put forth the necessary effort will find themselves on the sidelines. Hawkins stated, "Blocking for us is 95% want to. I think I got a bunch of doers in my room that are going to get it done in the run game. They know if they don’t, they’ll sit by me on the sideline, because we stand on no block, no rock." This mantra underscores the team's determination to build a competitive and cohesive unit as they head into a challenging season ahead.
Leave a Comment