Redshirt freshman quarterback Rocky Lombardi is making a strong push to be the backup and future of Michigan State football.
Rocky Lombardi isn’t just a football player with a catchy name. He’s making a name for himself with Michigan State football. He has impressed his fellow teammates and if it wasn’t for the superb play of junior Brian Lewerke, this could have been a quarterback battle in the spring.
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Nevertheless, Lewerke has proven he is ‘the man’ under center. At 6-foot-3 and 219 pounds, though, Lombardi certainly has the size needed to play in the Big Ten.
However, when Lombardi’s name comes up, players speak of his tenacity and toughness. Players are quick to point out that Rocky was a former wrestler and that comes across through his play. He has a quick release and, like Lewerke, is a mobile quarterback, willing to take on defenders. He also has the ability to drop the pigskin between defenders and zip in tight spaces.
There was a reason Messiah deWeaver transferred to East Mississippi C.C. Yes, Lewerke was in front of him, however, there were no assurances that he would beat out Lombardi following the departure of the starter. This kind of thing happens all the time at big time programs and playing time.
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Lombardi could be another gem of a quarterback for the Spartans when Lewerke graduates and he might continue a trend of Michigan State quarterbacks in the NFL.