Michigan State Football: Brian Lewerke winning over coaching staff

Michigan State football has settled on a starting quarterback as Brian Lewerke has won over the coaching staff.

Not often do you see Mark Dantonio glow over a young quarterback, but at Big Ten media days this past week, he had nothing but good things to say about Brian Lewerke. The sophomore gunslinger is coming off an injury, but is expected to turn the offense around.

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Lewerke played well in 2016, and even started a couple of games, but a season-ending injury suffered against Michigan ended his year early. He almost led the Spartans to a comeback win over the Wolverines, but his injury stopped all momentum.

Still, Dantonio wasn’t afraid to give his stamp of approval to the sophomore from Arizona.

Comparing Lewerke to Kirk Cousins is about the highest form of compliment Dantonio can give, especially when he admitted the current Washington Redskins quarterback was the best player he’d ever coached.

Last year, Tyler O’Connor nor Damion Terry drew comparisons to anyone and it was clear that both weren’t ready for the spotlight. Neither had strong arms and Terry seemed to be close to a position change — most feel he should do so in 2017.

However, getting compared to Cousins is good for two reasons. One, Cousins was a heck of a leader for the Spartans from 2009-11 and two, he led Michigan State to a bowl win in his final year and was one of the top quarterbacks in school history.

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Michigan State needs strong leadership this season and if Lewerke is anything like Cousins, the Spartans will be in good hands. He’s already won the coaches over.