The Maroon and White game is the biggest day in spring football, but it also marks the end of spring practices for Dan Mullen’s Bulldogs. The next time we see the Dawgs in action is months away, so let’s take a look at what we’ve learned from this spring.
Offense:
So far this spring, we have learned a lot at several positions. At quarterback, we have two serviceable players for the first time in a long time.
Chris Relf has an exceptional running game, and he has clearly worked on his mechanics and knowledge of the offense. He has shown leadership capabilities which are expected of a redshirt junior.
Tyler Russell has an NFL arm, make no qualms about it. The redshirt freshman has grown more comfortable as the spring has gone along, which only bodes well for the home team. In the spring game, look for one of the quarterbacks to step up and solidify themselves as a true No. 1.
At running back, no clear No. 1 has emerged. Robert Elliot, a redshirt junior, appears to be healthy and has had some good days. He needs to improve on his blocking and decisiveness as a runner.
Vick Ballard is a junior college transfer who led the nation in several rushing categories last year as a first-team JUCO All-American. He has shown completeness as a runner with some speed and an ability to run between the tackles, but his most impressive attribute has been his seemingly sticky hands.
Ladarius Perkins is a redshirt freshman who has solidified his role as the ‘scatback’, which is a smaller, faster back with good hands and an ability to hit the home run.
Montrell Conner was a highly touted back last year when signed, and he physically looks the part. Conner has been injured, and will need a solid summer to climb back into the running for the top spot. In the spring game, look for which back has the best blocking and catching day, and look for Robert Elliot to re-establish his burst at the line of scrimmage.
The wide receiver position has experienced some lack of depth, but the coaches have been pleased with what is there. Chad Bumphis and Leon Berry are the two returning with the most expectations. Both are in superb shape and have steadily continued as spring progresses.
Brandon Heavens and Chris Smith both got some experience last year, but were not in position to contribute the way they are now as both have made significant strides with their weight and their physical conditioning.
Ricco Sanders was a highly recruited wideout with speed to burn, and from all accounts is ready to contribute this year.
Look for Arceto Clark – recently converted from defensive back because of an injury to Sam Williams – to make an impact with his athleticism that once warranted him the title “secret weapon of the 2008 season.”
The offensive line returns all starters and even a few backups. This is the first time in years an MSU offensive line has had this kind of continuity, and the spring has mainly focused on developing a backup offensive line and a further understanding of the offense for the first team.
Defense:
The defensive line has a true two-deep set of players. MSU is returning only one starter in All-SEC performer Pernell McPhee, but there is enough talent to more than make up for the lack of returning starters. Fletcher Cox, Josh Boyd and Nick Bell round out the starters, while Johnathan McKenzie, big JUCO transfer James Carmon, Devin Jones and Sean Ferguson round out the second group. In the spring game, look for the impact Carmon has and look for McKenzie and McCardell to strut their stuff at defensive end. If McCardell can develop some support in the ground game, he can wreak havoc in the SEC.
The linebackers have a solid first group with K.J. Wright, Chris White and Cameron Lawrence. Wright and White both had solid seasons last year and are poised to do even better. Lawrence has serious athletic ability but must continue to grow into his newly-found linebacker position. Behind those starters is a cluster with Jamie Jones, Karlin Brown, Deontae Skinner, Brandon Wilson and Emmanuel Gatling fighting for time. In the spring game, look for the new pressure defense and what mismatches it creates for the defense when rushing the passer, but also look to see how the linebackers fare against running backs in the passing game.
The defensive backfield has used this spring to develop some serious depth. At cornerback, Maurice Langston has stepped up and had a wonderful spring. Arceto Clark was moved from cornerback, but it did not kill the depth as Johnthan Banks has played some at cornerback, in addition to safety.
The safety spot is one of the deepest spots on the team with Charles Mitchell and Banks returning, and Nickoe Whitley has emerged as a possible starter. Zach Smith, Wade Bonner and Dennis Thames all possess the athletic ability to provide quality depth and can make plays when asked to.
The crowd will be looking for a show Saturday, and the most exciting things to watch for will be the numerous position battles on both sides of the ball.