Michigan State Football: What can we expect from 3-star QB Payton Thorne?
By Stephen Robb
It took Michigan State football a long while to find the quarterback it needed for the 2019 recruiting cycle. What does Payton Thorne bring to the table?
Payton Thorne was a Western Michigan commit but the Spartans were able to flip him. He may not have all the stars next to his name or glamours offer list, though he did have an offer from North Carolina State, but what he does have are impressive stats and abilities.
After Michigan State lost four-star commit Dwan Mathis to Ohio State (then the Buckeyes lost him to Georgia), head coach Mark Dantonio and staff took their time searching for the right signal-caller.
Thorne knows how to throw a pigskin this is evidenced by him throwing for more than 7,000 yards in his career. His senior year he threw for over 3,100 yards and 40 touchdowns. He also rushed for more than 1,000 yards (451 as a senior) on the ground in his three-year career.
The offense ran through him and it is something that the Spartans have tried to do with their quarterbacks. Dantonio wants a playmaker at the position and Thorne fits the bill.
Thorne throws with ease and has a quick release. He is decisive with the football and has a good feel for when to run. He has a cannon for an arm and had a high football IQ. I was impressed with how he handled the team at the line of scrimmage and changing play calls. Even with pressure barreling down on him, he’s able to make great passes.
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The Spartans got a winner at the quarterback position. It’ll be interesting to watch his development in 2019. There is a possibility he could challenge to be a starter after Brian Lewerke graduates.