Michigan State Football: 5 position battles to watch in spring 2019

COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 03: Connor Heyward #11 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with Tyler Higby #70 and Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans after scoring a touchdown against the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at Capital One Field on November 3, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 10: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans throws a first half pass while playing the Ohio State Buckeyes at Spartan Stadium on November 10, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

2. Quarterback

Why is this not No. 1? Well, because I don’t think this is as open of a battle as many casual fans may be led to believe. Brian Lewerke has had the trust of Mark Dantonio for the entire offseason following a tough 2018 campaign and even at the end of last year, he stated that the junior was his quarterback.

Rocky Lombardi showed flashes — see the Purdue game — and Theo Day might be a special talent down the line, but it may not be his time yet. The top contender to take the job from Lewerke is Lombardi and there’s a chance he could strengthen his case this spring.

Lombardi finished the 2018 season with 738 yards and three touchdowns with three picks, but he only completed 45 percent of his passes.

It’s not like Lewerke had a better season as he completed 54 percent of his passes for 2,040 yards, eight touchdowns and 11 picks. He suffered a shoulder injury midway through the year and was never the same after that.

Can Lewerke show progress after the shoulder injury or will Lombardi wrestle the job away?

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