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Michigan State Football: Defense shines in spring scrimmage

By Stephen Robb

Oct 1, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Luke Timian (82) catches the ball and is tackled by Michigan State Spartans linebacker Chris Frey (23) in the second quarter of the game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Luke Timian (82) catches the ball and is tackled by Michigan State Spartans linebacker Chris Frey (23) in the second quarter of the game at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Defense was the name of the game during Saturday’s Michigan State football spring game.

Many unheralded players shined on the defensive side of the ball in Michigan State’s annual Green & White game.

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I was impressed by the aggressiveness of the new look defense in East Lansing. Players like Kenny Willekes, Sean Harrington, Josiah Scott, Trishton Jackson and Joe Bachie jumped off the screen with their aggressive and heady plays. Willekes surprised with his quickness and speed off the edge. He was in or around the ball most of his time in the game.

Scott stole the show, however, with his cover skills. He stands at 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, but he excelled in coverage and drew comparisons to Darqueze Dennard. Bachie appeared well suited to take over for graduated senior Riley Bullough. He ran well in coverage and filled the gaps.

Brian Lewerke had some highs and several lows. Although there were some easy drops from Cam Chambers and Darrell Stewart. Lewerke overthrew a couple of targets and had a couple of picks.

There were several batted balls that almost became picks, which was concerning. Granted, he was going against the first-team defense and many of his starters did not play. Lewerke is the guy in East Lansing and he must raise his game this fall. All of that stated he did have many great throws and appeared to handle the pressure well.

Redshirt freshman Luke Campbell played well and the offensive line as a whole appeared to gel and gave adequate protection. It’s difficult to read too much into the game because it was the first team offense going against the first team defense. Each side understood what the other was planning on doing and was well schooled in the style of play. The real test will be Sept. 2 against Bowling Green.

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The defense played well despite the many losses from graduation and attrition. The offense has potential to be explosive and the defensive line may be a strength for this team. There are many ‘ifs’ with this team at the moment, but there is hope for next season because the Spartans can only go up from here.

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