Michigan State Football: 5 breakout candidates vs. Northwestern in Week 9

EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 21: Wide receiver Hunter Rison #5 of the Michigan State Spartans is pursued by defensive back Tony Fields #19 of the Indiana Hoosiers during the second half at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Indiana 17-9. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 21: Wide receiver Hunter Rison #5 of the Michigan State Spartans is pursued by defensive back Tony Fields #19 of the Indiana Hoosiers during the second half at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Indiana 17-9. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

It’s not easy to come to Michigan State as a true freshman and have an immediate impact on the offense, but that’s exactly what Hunter Rison is doing. The son of former Spartan wide receiver great Andre Rison, Hunter doesn’t seem to be phased by the big stage and lives to make clutch plays — such as a big catch on fourth down last week.

Rison has a catch in all but one game this season, but hasn’t yet “broken out” for a big showing. He has 11 catches for 143 yards but hasn’t reached the end zone yet and he’s been the focus of a few end-around plays.

That will change on Saturday as Rison will approach his totals for the entire season in one game. OK, maybe he won’t be all that close to 11 receptions for 143 yards, but he will have something like four catches for 80 yards and his first career score. That would be quite the coming out party for the young receiver.

Michigan State needs playmakers to step up on the offensive side of the ball and Rison could be a key cog for the remainder of the season.

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