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Michigan State Football: How will new freshman rule affect Spartans?

By Connor Muldowney

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 28: Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans looks on after scoring on a pass play against the Washington State Cougars during the second half of 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: Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans looks on after scoring on a pass play against the Washington State Cougars during the second half of 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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The NCAA approved a new rule regarding the playing of true freshmen four games and still allowing them to redshirt. How will it affect Michigan State?

The NCAA approved one of the most effective rules that it’s had implemented in years on Wednesday. Usually these rules take some time to set into place, but starting this upcoming season, coaches will be allowed to play true freshmen up to four games while still being eligible for a redshirt.

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These four games of play can be consecutive as well and it could assist both college football teams as well as those freshmen looking for some valuable experience.

How could this affect Michigan State?

Looking at the roster, the Spartans could play some of their top-tier freshmen to get them that valuable experience. Guys like Theo Day, Kalon Gervin, Xavier Henderson, Trenton Gillison and others could see the field in 2018 in mop-up duty to get their first taste of college football. That will especially help the Spartans’ quarterback depth.

Brian Lewerke is clearly the starter and Rocky Lombardi is a more-than-serviceable backup, but with the transfer of Messiah deWeaver, the Spartans are left with little depth at the position and Day, a true freshman, as the presumed third option.

Another early enrollee in Javez Alexander could get a short tryout as a punt returner and if it doesn’t work out or if he has potential and just needs another year of experience, the Spartans can stow him away until 2019.

We could also see some Parks Gissinger at defensive end, Jeslord Boateng and Ed Warinner at linebacker, Davion Williams and Christian Jackson at corner, Jalen Nailor at receiver, Michael Dowell at safety and Dimitri Douglas and James Ohonba on the offensive line in 2018.

Next: MSU Football: Post-spring 2018 game-by-game predictions

The Spartans will surely be affected, in a positive way, by this new freshman rule in 2018 and all of college football will benefit.

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