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Michigan State Football: 5 reasons LJ Scott could be Big Ten’s best RB in 2017

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 29: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a first down during the first quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium on October 29, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 29: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a first down during the first quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium on October 29, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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PISCATAWAY, NJ – OCTOBER 10: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans carries the ball in the fourth quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on October 10, 2015 at High Point Solutions Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey.The Michigan State Spartans defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 31-24. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ – OCTOBER 10: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans carries the ball in the fourth quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on October 10, 2015 at High Point Solutions Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey.The Michigan State Spartans defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 31-24. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

3. Scott has shown steady improvement since 2015

If you look at every statistical category, outside of rushing touchdowns, Scott has made improvements from his freshman to sophomore years.

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As a freshman, he rushed for 699 yards and 11 touchdowns on 4.8 yards per carry. He also caught just three passes for 15 yards. Fast forward to his sophomore year and he ran for 994 yards and six scores on 5.4 yards per touch. He also caught 10 passes for 147 yards and a score.

While his carries increased by 38, he also ran for 195 more yards and caught seven more passes for 132 more yards. He was impressive as a freshman runner, but improved his field vision, elusiveness and breakaway speed during his second season in East Lansing.

If he continues that steady improvement in 2017, he will be the conference’s scariest runner and put up some video game-like numbers. Sure, Saquon Barkley had over 1,400 yards rushing in 2016, but his yards per carry dipped. He was the lead back, with no question, for Penn State and received the bulk of carries.

I’m not knocking Barkley because I think he’s a potential first-round draft pick, but I think Scott could have the better year if he exhibits improvement yet again.

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