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Michigan State Football: Predicting depth chart following spring game

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 14, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Riley Bullough (30) runs off the field during the 2nd half of a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Riley Bullough (30) runs off the field during the 2nd half of a game against the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 21, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Michigan State Spartans place kicker Michael Geiger (4) makes the game-winning field goal on the final play of the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. The Spartans won 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Michigan State Spartans place kicker Michael Geiger (4) makes the game-winning field goal on the final play of the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. The Spartans won 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Kicker

Projected Starter: Michael Geiger, Senior

No-brainer as Michael Geiger returns for his senior season, but he did have a very inconsistent 2015 season. He struggled to really gain any confidence in his leg, despite saying he never lost it, and missed some easy chip shots. The highlight of his junior year was the game-winning field goal at Ohio State.

Backup: Kevin Cronin, Senior

Primarily the place-kicker, Kevin Cronin will only be used on field goals and extra points in the case of a Geiger injury.

Punter

Projected Starter: Jake Hartbarger, Sophomore

Jake Hartbarger has quite the leg, but he might struggle with placement, at times, like he did in the 2015 season. Still, though, he’s the unquestioned starter at the position, coming out of high school a few years ago as the nation’s top punter.

Related Story: MSU Football: 5 position battles to watch this spring

Backup: Tyler O’Connor, Senior

Yes, the potential starting quarterback will be the backup punter, just like he was a season ago. Don’t be shocked to see him come in for short punts just to pin the opponent deep while Harbarger is more of a booming punter. Also, O’Connor could be involved in trick plays.

Kick Returner

Projected Starter: Donnie Corley, Freshman

This is a position which draws a ton of intrigue. Donnie Corley lined up as a punt returner in the spring game and I could see him and Darrell Stewart splitting time and both taking kicks back with Delton Williams as their primary blocker.

Related Story: Predicting where MSU prospects go in 2016 NFL Draft

Backup: Darrell Stewart, Freshman (RS)

Stewart has been rumored to have elite speed and that would work well at the kick returner position. If his elusiveness can match his speed, there may be more kicks taken to the house this year than in the past few combined.

Backup: Drake Martinez, Junior

Another guy who has been called one of the fastest guys on the team, JUCO transfer Drake Martinez could earn return duties this season. This is a speculation pick, but I would not be shocked to see it happen.

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