Michigan State Football: 5 takeaways from 2018 spring game
3. Backup quarterbacks were solid, but still have work to do
There were many knocking the play of both Theo Day and presumed No. 2 passer Rocky Lombardi on Saturday, but the two freshmen were judged a bit harshly.
Let’s start with Lombardi as he will likely be the backup and heir apparent to Brian Lewerke. He completed 10-of-22 passes for a game-high 135 yards and a touchdown. While he hit less than 50 percent of his throws, there were some drops and the heavy pressure at times forced him to throw on the run. He will only get better with live action reps. He also mishandled a couple of snaps.
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One thing that did stand out as a positive for Lombardi besides his arm strength, although accuracy could use a little work, was his ability to run. He didn’t show much of a drop-off, if any at all, from Lewerke.
Day, on the other hand, looked shaky at times, but you have to realize this kid should still be in his second semester of his senior season at Dearborn (Mich.) Divine Child. He reminds me of Connor Cook but is a little raw at this point because he’s so young. He has elite size for the position and has a strong arm as well.
The early enrollee freshman has some work to do with how he handles the pocket collapsing and trying to make a home-run play, which resulted in an under-thrown interception, but he played well, going 5-of-10 for 52 yards.
Both quarterbacks are still learning and they’re only going to get better, but the future seems bright under center no matter what.