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Michigan State Football: 5 players who will be All-Big Ten performers in 2017

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 19, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back LJ Scott (3) runs the ball during the second half of a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back LJ Scott (3) runs the ball during the second half of a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 22, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Brian Lewerke (14) led the offense against the Maryland Terrapins at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; College Park, MD, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Brian Lewerke (14) led the offense against the Maryland Terrapins at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports /

When Brian Lewerke committed to Michigan State as part of the 2015 class, there was hope that he would buck the Spartan quarterback trend. No, I’m not saying that Michigan State’s quarterbacks hadn’t been performing well over the past decade, but Lewerke was more mobile.

Michigan State had been used to guys who were strictly pocket passers and Connor Cook was thought to be more of an athlete than Kirk Cousins and Brian Hoyer were. However, he sat in the pocket most of the time, only tucking to run when he truly had to — which wasn’t often.

Now, Lewerke is under center as the presumed starter for the 2017 season and he’s already shown what he can do with his legs. He had 21 carries for 149 yards in 2016, even posting an eye-opening 79-yard performance against Maryland. Not many quarterbacks have been able to put those types of numbers up in the Mark Dantonio era.

However, he did break his leg against Michigan, which might scale back his dual-threat ability just slightly, but it’s instilled in him nonetheless. He also has a tremendous arm and the confidence to go along with it. If he can play like he’s capable, he could be a second or third-team All-Big Ten quarterback.

Guys like JT Barrett, Wilton Speight, Clayton Thorson, David Blough and Trace McSorley will give him a run for his money. Being an honorable mention All-Big Ten performer isn’t too shabby, either.

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