Michigan State Football: Laress Nelson could join regular rotation in 2018

Though he was lightly used by Mark Dantonio in 2017, sophomore Laress Nelson could join Michigan State football’s regular receiving rotation in 2018.

Laress Nelson was an afterthought in Michigan State’s 2017 recruiting class, but he came in and had his redshirt burned because of his versatility.

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The speedy Fort Lauderdale, Fla., caught just three passes for 29 yards, but he was an experiment in the punt return game, flashing some of his elusiveness on seven returns for 34 yards with a long of 15 yards.

What would Nelson’s role be in the 2018 offense with Hunter Rison and Trishton Jackson transferring out of the program? He figures to be a regular in the rotation.

Now that Michigan State has released its official depth chart ahead of the Utah State game, people can start talking about Nelson as a serious contender for regular snaps.

Once an overlooked name on the depth chart, Nelson is now the backup ‘F’ receiver behind Darrell Stewart Jr., showing that he can be a valuable slot guy who can use that speed to punish defenses.

And if his receiver skills aren’t enough, he’s the No. 2 punt return option behind Cody White and we all know a single muffed return can lead to a benching, so he may play sooner than expected there.

Everyone talks about Stewart Jr., White, Felton Davis III and Cam Chambers, but Nelson’s role will be expanding this season and he could surprise some people with his sticky hands, tight routes, shiftiness with the ball in his hands and breakaway speed.

Nelson looks to be the heir apparent to Stewart Jr., but luckily the Spartans will have them together for the next two seasons.