Michigan State Football: 5 potential breakout candidates from 2018 spring game

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 28: Chris Frey #23 and Drew Beesley #86 of the Michigan State Spartans of the Michigan State Spartans celebrate defeating the Washington State Cougars 42-17 in the SDCCU Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 28: Chris Frey #23 and Drew Beesley #86 of the Michigan State Spartans of the Michigan State Spartans celebrate defeating the Washington State Cougars 42-17 in the SDCCU Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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One of the toughest guys to bring down on the team has to be sophomore Connor Heyward. He was one of the last additions to the 2017 recruiting class and he might turn out to be the best of the bunch, or pretty high up there, after proving his worth in the spring game.

Must Read: MSU Football: 5 takeaways from 2018 spring game

No defender wants to see a 6-0, 228-pound running back barreling down on him in the open field, and it’s that fear that Heyward brings to the field. He can either run you over or pull off a nifty juke to free himself in open space and that’s what makes him even more terrifying.

Although Saginaw Valley transfer, and brother of Lawrence Thomas, Alante Thomas finished with a game-high 77 yards, Heyward was racking up “big-boy” yardage with runs through defenders and by dragging guys with him. He led the team with 11 carries and he had 44 yards and a touchdown.

Next: MSU's projected post-spring game depth chart

Remember Jehuu Calcrick? Well, Heyward isn’t quite that big, but he runs every bit as aggressively. He might just be the heir apparent to LJ Scott in the backfield if Weston Bridges isn’t healthy.