Michigan State Football: It’s time for the youth movement
After a mediocre performance on Saturday, it’s clear Michigan State football needs to begin a youth movement.
Michigan State football got a dose of reality from Wisconsin Saturday afternoon. The offense that was run-heavy against Notre Dame was completely shut down. The offensive line could not open any holes for LJ Scott to run through. The defensive front-seven for Wisconsin controlled and dominated the game.
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After watching this game, it has become abundantly clear that Tyler O’Connor is not the answer at 1uarterback. He cannot throw the ball downfield and he’s just not accurate on short passes. The only area where he is effective is when he uses his legs. If Michigan State does not want a repeat of 2012 then they need to remove TOC from the lineup and go with Brian Lewerke.
The redshirt freshman out of Arizona is the best option moving forward. Why? Because he is the quarterback of the future. Giving him the nod and giving him valuable experience will not only benefit him, but will benefit the entire team moving forward.
The youth movement at Michigan State needs to start now and it already began Saturday afternoon. From my count, six true freshman saw the field: Donnie Corley, Trishton Jackson, Thiyo Lukusa, Josh King, Auston Robertson and Mike Panasiuk.
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The heralded 2016 recruiting class for Mark Dantonio is starting to put their stamp on the season and more may and should see the field soon. The young guys are starting to push the upperclassmen for playing time.
Tyson Smith, a true sophomore, is pushing Darian Hicks for the starting cornerback spot opposite Vayante Copeland. Speaking of Hicks, he shouldn’t see the field again this year. Watching him play corner is beyond frustrating. He is the king of soft coverage and its no wonder why opposing quarterbacks pick on him every week.
The defensive line has been a disappointment all year long outside of Malik McDowell; the junior has done his thing all season by shedding double teams and being disruptive in the backfield. Redshirt freshman Raequan Williams has shown some flashes so far this season. He had a key sack against Notre Dame last week and had a force fumble early in the game Saturday against Wisconsin.
Demertrius Cooper has been a disappointment since arriving on campus. He has been viewed as a guy with great potential, even being compared to Shilique Calhoun, but has failed to showcase that potential.
Two true freshman defensive ends that I expect and hope to see on the field more going forward are Josh King and Auston Robertson.
Both of those guys were considered four-star top-150 recruits out of high school. King is a 6-foot-6 monster of a dude. Robertson, on the other side, is 6-foot-5 himself. Both of these guys have a high upside and the skills to make an impact on this season. The guys in front of them — Gabe Sherrod, Demetrius Cooper, and Evan Jones — have done nothing this season.
On offense, Donnie Corley Jr. should be on the field 95 percent of the snaps. He is a game-changer and a dynamic play-maker. He has proven already that he has great hands and is not afraid to go in air and make a catch. He has proven that he is not afraid to take a hit.
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Corley and Lewerke are going to be the guys in the future and need to be the guys starting next week. They need to develop the chemistry and trust that every starting QB and go-to receiver need. R.J. Shelton and Monty Madaris should still be on the field because they are great receivers and can help both Lewerke and Corley grow along with Trishton Jackson.
The youth movement should begin now.