Michigan State Football: 5 upperclassmen who need to step up in 2017

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 05: Felton Davis III #18 of the Michigan State Spartans runs the ball during the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on November 5, 2016 in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois defeated Michigan State 31-27. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Another highly-touted high school recruit, Felton Davis III came by way of Virginia — a rarity for recruits in the Mark Dantonio era. The receiver had the ideal size for a red-zone target, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 192 pounds, and looked to be an instant contributor in 2015 for the green and white.

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However, he played in just two games in 2015, catching two passes for 50 yards — although they were in huge games. One was a long reception in the Big Ten Championship against Iowa and the other was in the College Football Playoff against Alabama. The big stage didn’t scare the true freshman.

As a sophomore, he got off to a quick start for the Spartans, catching three passes for 40 yards and a touchdown in the first game of the season. Although it was just Furman, it did show that he was on track to become a breakout star for the Spartans. Unfortunately, that’s not how the season played out.

In fact, he missed some time with injuries and caught just nine more passes for 110 yards — including six for 56 against Illinois — and ended the season with a measly 150 yards on 12 receptions. His talent far exceeds those numbers.

If the offense is going to make strides in the right direction, Davis III needs to be a major contributor at receiver. The junior is the veteran of the group and the young guys will be looking up to him.

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