Michigan State Football: LJ Scott makes smart business move with redshirt

LJ Scott made the business decision to return to Michigan State football for a fifth year after an injury-plagued senior season.

It’s been one of those years for Michigan State. The Spartans just can’t seem to get and stay healthy, and LJ Scott has been one of the main victims of the injury bug for Michigan State.

The offense has suffered plenty, but arguably no other Spartan, not named Felton Davis III, has had a more heartbreaking season than Scott.

The senior running back has just under 200 yards on 55 carries and has played in just four games, missing a lengthy span after the Arizona State loss. He returned against Michigan, played minimally versus Purdue and has decided to shut it down for the year, thanks to the new redshirt rule which allows players to appear in up to four games and still utilize it.

Many are wondering why Scott is deciding to come back for a fifth year when running backs’ shelf lives are already so short in the NFL, but he’s fallen off the radar after this season in limited appearances. Returning for a fifth year could save his pro career and put him back on the map.

After the 2017 season and a red-hot performance in the Holiday Bowl, Scott’s stock was at an all-time high, but he decided to come back and finish some business.

Having Scott back will not only help the Spartan offense in 2019, but it’ll improve his stock and benefit him as a play in the long-run. As long as he can remain healthy next season, he could be one of the best backs in the conference and having a more experienced backup in Connor Heyward, as well as Weston Bridges and La’Darius Jefferson, will aid the green and white.

Scott’s season seemed doomed from the start with the poor offensive line play followed by an injury in the second game, but thanks to the new redshirt rule, he’s getting another shot.