Michigan State Football: 5 under the radar players

Jan 1, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Monty Madaris (88) celebrates after Michigan State Spartans beat the Stanford Cardinal 24-20 at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Monty Madaris is my choice for breakout candidate of the year on the offensive side of the ball. Not many people remember just how hyped he was coming out of high school as a four-star commit and the 33rd-best receiver in the country in the 2012 class, according to 247Sports, but he was expected to come in and challenge for a role right away.

Related: MSU Football: Confidence is key for wide receivers

OK, maybe not right away, but Madaris was expected to have an impact in his first couple of seasons, but after a redshirt freshman season with no recorded stats, he caught just five passes for 56 yards as a sophomore in 2014.

This is the year he really breaks out and becomes a reliable wide receiver. Guys like DeAnthony Arnett, R.J. Shelton, Macgarrett Kings Jr. and Aaron Burbridge are all fighting for targets as well, but Madaris has ideal size for a wide out, standing 6-foot-1 and weighing about 200 pounds.

Madras sure looks the part, he just has to put it all together this season and I think there’s no doubt that it finally happens.

Connor Cook will have plenty of new targets to throw to this season, but Madaris will be one that may really surprise people as he will swoop in under the radar as a chain-moving threat.

Next: 1. Jamal Lyles, TE