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Michigan State Football: 5 potential breakout stars for 2017

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Saeed Blacknall (13) runs with the ball as Michigan State Spartans defensive back Justin Layne (39) defends during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. The Nittany Lions won 45-12. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Saeed Blacknall (13) runs with the ball as Michigan State Spartans defensive back Justin Layne (39) defends during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. The Nittany Lions won 45-12. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Trishton Jackson (8) makes a catch inbounds during the second half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Trishton Jackson (8) makes a catch inbounds during the second half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

If you watched the spring game, you witnessed a budding star on the offensive side of the ball. With a number of top players out during the spring game via injury or suspension, it seemed like the offense would bore fans to sleep. However, that wasn’t quite the case.

Must Read: MSU Football: 5 position battles that arose this spring

Trishton Jackson grew into his own, putting a quiet freshman season behind him and recording eight passes for 168 yards, making the defense look silly, at times. He had just five catches for 89 yards and a touchdown during his freshman season (nine games), but this performance proved that he could potentially snag the No. 1 receiver spot.

Brian Lewerke and Jackson had an undeniable connection throughout the spring game and if that’s any indication of what we can expect in 2017, it looks like the Spartans may have yet another Big Ten Receiver of the Year candidate.

You can’t put a ton of stock in a spring game performance, but it was clear that Jackson was the best receiver on the field and his athleticism is at an elite level.

Related Story: MSU Recruiting: 5 bold predictions for May

Predictions about breakout stars aren’t easy to make, but Jackson proved that he can play at a high level and is comfortable with a heavy workload.

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