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Michigan State Football: 5 position battles to watch ahead of 2018 season

By Michael Briggs

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 18: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a first half touchdown while playing the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium on November 18, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 18: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans runs for a first half touchdown while playing the Maryland Terrapins at Spartan Stadium on November 18, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 31: Head coach Mark Dantonio talks to Madre London #28 of the Michigan State Spartans before taking on the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on December 31, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 31: Head coach Mark Dantonio talks to Madre London #28 of the Michigan State Spartans before taking on the Alabama Crimson Tide in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium on December 31, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

4. Backup Running Back

LJ Scott’s decision to spurn the NFL for another season at Michigan State was much-welcomed, but it wasn’t without ramifications. Scott’s return was likely the main factor in Madre London’s decision to pursue a graduate transfer, as he was destined to spend his final year of eligibility sharing carries with Scott. While the staff would have liked to have London back, it’s understandable that he wants to see the field more next season.

Unfortunately, his transfer and the graduation of Gerald Holmes leaves Michigan State lacking experienced depth behind Scott. Unlike at quarterback, however, there does not appear to be one clear-cut favorite for the backup spot.

Rising sophomore Connor Heyward, the lone returning back with experience, carried the ball just three times in 2017. A versatile player who was recruited to MSU as an athlete, Heyward could be moved to another position this off-season, as well. The lack of depth at running back would lead you to believe that’s unlikely unless another back separates from the pack, however.

The other returning scholarship running back with a good shot to earn carries is redshirt freshman Weston Bridges, but the Ohio native will sit out the spring practice after suffering an injury. That’s not great news considering he missed all of his senior season of high school to an ACL injury, but Dantonio did seem encouraged that he will be ready to compete for carries in the fall.

Two true freshman, Elijah Collins and the aforementioned Jefferson, will have great opportunities to take advantage of this situation and avoid redshirts. Considering all four are talented players and none have significant experience, it will be interesting to see who rises to the challenge and earns those carries.

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