Michigan State Football: 5 players who must step up vs. Washington State

Michigan State Football: 5 players who need to step up vs. Washington State

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 14: Tyler Johnson #6 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers carries the ball for a touchdown against Josiah Scott #22 of the Michigan State Spartans during the fourth quarter of the game on October 14, 2017 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Spartans defeated the Gophers 30-27. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 04: Matt Sokol #81 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a 27-24 win over the Penn State Nittany Lions next to head coach Mark Dantonio at Spartan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

This was a tough one because I originally thought of putting Cody White here. However, Washington State is not used to seeing tight end play like the Spartans have. This is an excellent opportunity for Matt Sokol to get more involved in the passing game — he has all the potential.

As much as I liked former tight end Josiah Price, he was often flagged for pushing off. Sokol has the athletic ability to get open. There have been some moments when Sokol has had mental lapses. Spartan fans remember his dropped easy touchdown pass early in the season.

At 6-foot-6, he is a red zone threat however he only scored one touchdown with 20 receptions for 210 yards. Lewerke often hit Felton Davis III in the red zone. This is a game that MSU needs Sokol to step up and show that he can focus and perform.

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