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

3. Receiver

Hunter Rison, the son of former Spartans great Andre, was on track to have his own memorable career at Michigan State following a solid true freshman season, but shocked many with his decision to transfer this off-season. The questionable choice, along with the transfer of fellow receiver Trishton Jackson, affords several receivers with an opportunity to earn more playing time in 2018.

More from Spartans Football

• Michigan State football: 5 candidates to replace Mel Tucker as head coach
• Michigan State football: 3 not-so-quick takes from rewatching Washington loss
• Michigan State Football: Revisiting Week 3 goals vs. Washington
• Michigan State vs. Washington: How to watch, odds, injuries, weather, prediction
• Michigan State Football: 3 goals and a prediction against Washington

Cam Chambers, who appeared to be a good candidate to transfer before Rison and Jackson departed, is a top candidate to take those snaps. The redshirt sophomore from New Jersey caught just five balls in 13 appearances last season, but the former four-star recruit has the talent and size to be an impact player. This off-season will be big for him.

Laress Nelson avoided a redshirt as a true freshman last season, but primarily saw the field for his return skills. The speedy Florida native will get his opportunity to play more receiver, but he will face stiff competition from incoming true freshman Jalen Nailor and Julian Major, who is an early enrollee. Javez Alexander, another true freshman and early enrollee, could see the field, but may be more likely to redshirt, as he is a converted QB who did not play receiver in high school.

Last, but not least, is C.J. Hayes. The redshirt freshman from Kentucky is in a great position to play some snaps, as he has a leg up on the three incoming freshman and has shot up the depth chart due to the unexpected departures of Donnie Corley, Rison and Jackson. Starting cornerback Justin Layne, who started his MSU career at receiver, could also catch some passes in 2018, but his value to the defense will likely prevent that from happening often.