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Michigan State football has good problem at tight end for 2018

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 04: Matt Sokol #81 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a 27-24 win over the Penn State Nittany Lions next to head coach Mark Dantonio at Spartan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 04: Matt Sokol #81 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a 27-24 win over the Penn State Nittany Lions next to head coach Mark Dantonio at Spartan Stadium on November 4, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State has a good problem on its hands heading into the 2018 season with a wealth of riches at the tight end position.

Michigan State has a problem on its hands heading into the 2018 season: the Spartans have 4-5 starting caliber tight ends. Not all problems are bad, though, as the Spartans have a handful of guys who can help take the pressure off Brian Lewerke and also prove to be solid blockers for the run game.

Must Read: MSU Football: Projected post-spring game depth chart

People often underestimate the importance of having a good tight end, but Michigan State will have five. A good tight end can protect the edge as well as provide an escape route for quarterbacks who are under pressure. The old saying is that a good tight end is a quarterback’s best friend.

The embarrassment of riches for the Spartans at the position could prove to be a difference-maker in 2018.

Looking at Michigan State’s depth at the position, there are a number of guys who could get the nod to start, but the early favorite has to be Matt Sokol. He was a decent blocker, but not great, and he was guilty of a handful of drops, but finished fifth on the team with 222 yards and a touchdown on 21 catches.

Behind Sokol is sophomore Noah Davis who could see his production increase dramatically after catching just three passes for 22 yards in 2017. Former highly-touted four-star recruit Matt Dotson had a quiet freshman season, but could be a breakout candidate in 2018 as one of the better route-running tight ends on the team.

Chase Gianacakos is the best blocker of the tight ends and he could be in on crucial running situations, aiding LJ Scott’s potential 1,000-yard season.

Lastly, there’s incoming freshman Trenton Gillian who is talented enough to play multiple positions but will vie for early snaps. He could be one of the better receiving tight ends in the conference before his career is over, utilizing that plus athleticism.

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Michigan State’s tight end ‘problem’ ahead of the 2018 season could be the difference between a nine or 10-win season and a Big Ten title team.

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