Michigan State Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart for 2018

6 of 7

EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 18: LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans tries to run through the tackle of Antoine Brooks Jr. #25 of the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at Spartan Stadium on November 18, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Running Back

Madre London and Gerald Holmes are no longer around to steal carries from LJ Scott, so that may allow him to ease up and cut down on his turnovers. He had a bad case of fumblitis last season, but rebounded close to the end of the season, capping his junior year off with a heck of a performance in the Holiday Bowl. Who’ll be his backup this year?

Starting running back: LJ Scott
Backup: Connor Heyward OR Weston Bridges

For three years, Scott had to split time with Holmes and London, often losing out on potentially 100-plus carries per season. Entering his senior year, he’ll be the workhorse back as those two have moved on.

Scott has 2,591 career yards with 25 touchdowns but he’s still looking for that first 1,000-yard season and that could happen in 2018. He came back for another season to reach his goals and take care of some “unfinished business”. As long as he can average over 5.0 yards per carry, he’ll have no problem breaking 1,000 yards, especially if the offensive line can help him out.

The backup isn’t quite clear yet so I’d expect an ‘OR’ here with Connor Heyward and Weston Bridges.

Heyward spent some time on the kickoff return team last season and showed his ability to run hard with the ball and he wasn’t afraid of contact.

Bridges, on the other hand, is coming off his second career ACL injury but the coaching staff has been raving about him in fall camp. The redshirt freshman seems poised to put the injuries behind him and live up to that four-star status.

Home/Spartans Football