1. Even if Ed Davis hadn't suffered a season ending knee injury, there was a plan in place to play multiple players at all positions and that hasn't changed. The rotation of players is something MSU has embraced as a way to keep the players on the field fresh and to make sure the best players for a given situation are on the field. That is one of the reasons MSU has been susceptible to high paced offenses, because they limit substitution patterns. Which gets me back to Davis. I don't think there will be a single guy replacing him, but, rather a committee of players depending on down and distance and other factors. For example, I can see a rotation of Chris Frey on early downs and Drake Martinez on obvious passing downs. MSU was going to do some of that even if Davis were healthy. A Frey/Martinez combination might prove to be very productive. Now, I am not trying to argue that Davis' injury won't hurt. I am arguing that its overall impact on the defense and team might be overstated.
2. I agree with Paul K that might biggest worry heading into the season from a positional standpoint is punter. I think too many Spartan fans just assume that MSU will seamlessly replace a great punter with another. I doubt it will be that easy. I predict there will be numerous threads in the first month of the season questioning Jake Hartbarger and calling for Tyler O'Connor to be a given a serious look. I think Jake will be fine in time, but, he will likely have a learning curve (as most young players do). I just hope it doesn't cost MSU a football game.
3. Last season I suggested that MSU consider moving RJ Shelton to running back, at least part time. He came to MSU as a running back and, while he is not big enough to take a pounding, I think he could be a great change of pace guy, who would give rival teams one more thing to think about. I think you will see him at least triple the amount of carries he had in 2014 off jet sweeps and, if the other backs fail to produce, I could see win the job, outright. He is one of MSU's most explosive players and has to see the ball more.
4. I have been told to be surprised by which true freshmen see the field in 2015. One is Grayson Miller. He has recovered from his high school injury and is great on special teams. Too good to redshirt is what I was told. Another is Josh Butler, who could end up starting at corner by the end of the year. Finally, the Dowell twins are impressing the staff and may be too good to redshirt.
5. McGarrett Kings, Jr. has reportedly displayed a greater maturity and leadership skills this fall than any of his previous three in East Lansing. He has taken the young receivers under his wing, so to speak, and is catching everything thrown to him. I think it is fair to expect his best season this year.
2. I agree with Paul K that might biggest worry heading into the season from a positional standpoint is punter. I think too many Spartan fans just assume that MSU will seamlessly replace a great punter with another. I doubt it will be that easy. I predict there will be numerous threads in the first month of the season questioning Jake Hartbarger and calling for Tyler O'Connor to be a given a serious look. I think Jake will be fine in time, but, he will likely have a learning curve (as most young players do). I just hope it doesn't cost MSU a football game.
3. Last season I suggested that MSU consider moving RJ Shelton to running back, at least part time. He came to MSU as a running back and, while he is not big enough to take a pounding, I think he could be a great change of pace guy, who would give rival teams one more thing to think about. I think you will see him at least triple the amount of carries he had in 2014 off jet sweeps and, if the other backs fail to produce, I could see win the job, outright. He is one of MSU's most explosive players and has to see the ball more.
4. I have been told to be surprised by which true freshmen see the field in 2015. One is Grayson Miller. He has recovered from his high school injury and is great on special teams. Too good to redshirt is what I was told. Another is Josh Butler, who could end up starting at corner by the end of the year. Finally, the Dowell twins are impressing the staff and may be too good to redshirt.
5. McGarrett Kings, Jr. has reportedly displayed a greater maturity and leadership skills this fall than any of his previous three in East Lansing. He has taken the young receivers under his wing, so to speak, and is catching everything thrown to him. I think it is fair to expect his best season this year.
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