Michigan State spring position battle: running back

By Patrick Forrest | Apr 11, 2015

Continuing to take a in-depth look of position battles and who will win the job as Michigan State goes through spring practice brings us to the running backs. Jeremy Langford finished his Spartan career in impressive fashion. He rushed for 100 yards or more in 16 straight games against Big Ten opponents and is now looking to play on Sundays.

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Coach Dantonio runs a balanced pro-style offense. Throughout his tenure there has always been a reliable back or platoon that his carried the running game. Running backs like Javon Ringer, Le’Veon Bell, Larry Caper, Edwin Baker and Langford have all picked up the torch and continued the success that their predecessor has had.

The offensive line has the potential to be one of the best in the nation as quarterback Connor Cook will be looking to become a Heisman-contender and one of the best quarterbacks in the country. That is the recipe for a running back to have a huge season and it will be important for Michigan State to find the right player or combination to continue their success as a team.

Much like the 2013 season where the Spartans didn’t know who would replace Bell, the start of this season will come with the same unsure feeling as the backfield will be a whole new group. Out of nowhere came Langford who ripped off that 16-game, 100-yard streak against the Big Ten, while accumulating 2,967 career rushing yards and 40 career touchdowns. He was reliable as ever and that production will be missed.

Sep 20, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back

Gerald Holmes

(24) runs down the field during the fourth quarter against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Spartan Stadium. Spartans beat the Eagles 73-14. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

However, this time the coaching staff will not be looking for someone to step up, they more than likely will have a difficult decision to make as the talent at the running back position is stacked. The contenders to replace Langford have changed a bit, with the indefinite suspension of Delton Williams due to being charged with brandishing a weapon in public.

This was most likely going to be a two-back platoon situation and Williams, with his experience, has 554 yards with six touchdowns in his career and was the current leader for one of those spots. Now, with him stepping out of the race for the time being, Madre London and Gerald Holmes will look to establish themselves in spring practice and high school All-American LJ Scott will be a key player when he comes to East Lansing in the fall.

Coaches have raved about London’s ability, with his vision and speed, but his inexperience in blocking and live game situations has been a concern. Scott will have those same concerns coming in as a true freshman but his ability as a power back will be hard to deny. Gerald Holmes has been in this offense and is a big bruising back as well with surprising speed, he will play a major role in this race.

Since Williams is currently not on the active roster he will be excluded from consideration. The backs getting the most carries in the 2015 season will be London and Scott, with Holmes being a complimentary piece, much like Nick Hill this past season. The one two punch of London’s speed and Scott’s power could provide a scary combination running behind an experienced and talented offensive line.

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