2006 Michigan State Spartans Offensive preview

With Spring practice concluded I have a better idea as to how the 2006 Michigan State football team will look. This is a team at a crossroads of sorts, with a coach who has definitely up graded the talent level and overall team speed, but has not been able to establish the consistency I and other Spartan fans desire.

I make no excuses for being a John L. Smith supporter, as he came into a rats nest of issues (both personnel wise and mental/pschological)) when he inherited this program that has been neglected ever since John Hanna left as the University President in 1969. I, like other fans have grown frustrated with the mediocrity that has become associated with Michigan State football. Only since the hiring of Ron Mason as AD (another move I supported) do I believe that MSU is now taking appropriate actions to field competitive teams in all sports. The success of the mens and womens basketball programs are dually noted, and the turn around that the hockey program made this season was another indication that things are looking up. The final hurdle still remains the football program, where increasing ticket prices, along with the plea for funding of facilities upgrades still have the Spartans mired in the lower tier of the Big Ten.

Every year is critical if you are a Spartan football fan, because of the comparison between MSU and UM. The gap between the two programs grew increasingly wide during the Don Canham, Bo Schembechler years, as UM seized upon marketing and burgeoning college television industry. MSU has been playing catch up ever since, and at times they haven't decided to play at all. This year is especially critical for John L. Smith and his staff, as they enter year four of their restructuring of the program. Smith has resolved the issues regarding player academics, but the issue of the team psyche still appears to be a work in progress.

Smith has been refreshingly open about each of his MSU teams strengths and weaknesses. Last year he commented after the spring game that the defense was still susceptible to giving up the big play. Going into the 2005 season he again commented that the offense would have to carry the burden of this team, especially early, as the defense was not where it needed to be. This spring was the first time I heard him actually offer what could be construed as praise to his defense when he stated, "I think we're coming together on defense and starting to play with a little more of an attitude..." Smith recognizing a changed attitude is key, as MSU has not only lacked an air of confidence, but a physicalness that has been missing for far to many seasons. Basketball coach Tom Izzo admitted after its ouster from the NCAA's that his team lacked toughness. Like Izzo, Smith wants his team to be physical, but also have a vocal leader. He may have found both in the person of Juco newcomer, Nehemiah Warrick.

Okay, enough of the idle talk, let's get down to position evaluations, and what I believe you can expect from this years team come September.

Offensive Line: It all starts up front, and MSU is doing some renovating with having to replace three departed starters. I don't consider this a rebuilding project as MSU has the advantage of quality depth to fill the vacancies. Center John Masters has been in the program for three years, and will be taking over for Chris Morris. Masters has seen playing time as a reserve, but he will now be taking over the line calls on a permanent basis. Pressure to perform and maintain the level established by Morris will be key for Masters retaining his hold on the starting center position, for if he falters MSU is capable of sliding Kyle Cook over from his guard position to handle the chore. RSF Joel Nitchman made strides this year, but I don't believe he is ready to handle these responsibilities. Flanking Masters will be returning starter Kyle Cook, and RS sophomore Roland Martin. Cook is not flashy, but is a player who gives you everything he has on every play, with a real workmen like attitude. Martin's emergence on the other hand has been greatly anticipated ever since he signed his LOI. Named as one of the top OL recruits in the 2004 rankings, he has been humbled somewhat by having to wait his turn. He has trimmed down his weight, improved his strength, and now appears ready to become an integral part of the MSU blocking scheme. Martin will be lining up on the right side with another first timer, tackle Jesse Miller. The thought of two rookies on one side of the line is of some concern, but OL coach Jeff Stoutland has been very complimentary of Miller's work ethic and overall spring performance. Left OT will be manned by junior Mike Gyetvai, who played on the right side last year. Gyetvai has developed into a dependable tackle, but needs to maintain focus and a mean streak on every play. Depth for the OL appears to be the best it has ever been, albeit most of it is young and untested. If the starting five can maintain their health, this should remain a solid, dependable unit for the team.

Receivers: With MSU running multiple receiver sets it is criticle that this group have sufficient numbers, but it has lacked a true difference maker. Matt Trannon has shown glimpses of his potential, the kind that the NFL scouts are seeking, but for whatever reason he hasn't displayed a game in and game out attitude that makes you consider him in the same class as a Charles Rogers or Braylon Edwards. I for one am not waiting for him to have a break out year. There are for too many options available (Kerry Reed, Ryan Allison, Deon Curry, and newcomer T.J. Williams) that if Trannon doesn't routinely make more big plays, others should be considered. Z receiver Terry Love has become a favorite of mine. He possesses good route running with an ability to get open, and is reliable to make the catch, even in traffic. Once the ball is in his hands he also has displayed a knack for elusive open field running. The SLOT receiver is being held by steady Jerramy Scott. I believe Scott to have the best speed, and is sure handed, but needs to come up with more game changing catches. The TE position has become an enigma at MSU. JLS's offenses at Idaho, and Louisville used the TE much more effectively, and were known for creating mismatches in the center of the field. For the last three seasons the TE has not been a prevalent part of the offense. Kellen Davis possesses the height, speed and athleticism desired to create coverage issues, but he and the other TE's only caught a total of 23 passes out of the 381 pass plays. That figures into less than 6 percent of the total offense, which is an under utilization in my estimation. Dwayne Holmes is the second TE option, but after him the depth drops off quickly. Jamar Jones status is uncertain, as he has considered leaving the program, making incoming freshmen, Charlie Gantt, and Sam Gardner the only other scholarship TE's. Both are likely a year away from seeing the field, and are not expected to make a significant impact this season. The addition of T.J. Williams, and DevinThomas could provide the big play receiver that has been missing. Ryan Allison is one player that could see more involvement in the offense. He reminds me of a younger Kirk Gibson, possessing similar size and speed.

Running Back: MSU has decided to retain its three back rotation using Javon Ringer, Jehuu Caulcrick, and A.J. Jimmerson. Ringer emerged as the top running threat last year, rushing for 817 yards and an average of 6.7 yards/carry. Caulcrick's involvement in the offense diminshed as Ringer become more of the Spartan every down back, but once inside the redzone he was used, scoring 7 TD's last season. A.J. Jimmerson will replace Jason Teague as the third member of the group. He received the bulk of the carries this spring, and his performance warranted praise. This groups combined output should fall within the 2000 to 2500 yard range, with at least one of the backs rushing for 1000 yards alone. Reports out off spring practice indicate that Caulcrick has added a significant amount of weight, and did not apppear to have the same speed and quickness. If true, don't be surprised to see his role further reduced.

Quarterback: Last year everyone worried what would happen to the Spartan offense if Drew Stanton was lost to injury. Without an established backup, Stanton significantly curtailed his running in the open field, that limited his overall effectiveness. He did become a better passer as a result, but the reduced threat of him running allowed defenses to move more men closer to the line of scrimmage. The result was teams blitzing more, and when injuries to the OL began to take its toll later in the year, sacks increased. All spring JLS worked at establishing a competent backup between the two contenders, Brian Hoyer and Dominic Natale. Hoyer's additional year of experience paid off, as he displayed a better understanding of the offense. In the event that Stanton was to go down to injury this season, MSU will at least be secure in knowing that they have a quality signal caller who can step in. The depth at quarterback is the best it has ever been, and with the Dixon Connor arriving this September, and already receiving a verbal commitment from highly touted 2007 recruit Keith Nichol, things appear to be settled for the foreseeable future.

The Spartan offens averaged 33.8 points per game in 2005, a mark that they could better if the OL develops. MSU has the benefit of an experienced senior quarterback, quality skill position players, and one true game changing player in Javon Ringer. I expect the coaching staff to allow Drew Stanton to utilize his running skills much in the same way he did in 2004, now that the fear of not having a viable backup has been alleviated with the development of Hoyer. It's difficult to imagine that Javon Ringer was not at 100 percent last year, as he showed outstanding cutting ability, and straightline speed on more than one occassion. Ringer admitted that at times he did not do all that he was capable of for fear of making mistakes, but now that he understands the offense and his role, he is ready to rachet up his performance. The receiving corps appears to be set, but finding a true game breaking receiver that can dominate an opponent would greatly influence how teams could defend the Spartan offense. A more involved role by the TE's would also add to the dilemma that defensive coordinators would encounter when playing MSU. Overall there appears to be a significant amount of quality depth so that an injury or two to the starting eleven will not impact the Spartans as in years past.