Michigan State Football: 5 things to watch for in 2019 spring game

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 10: Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans tries to get around the tackle of Jeffrey Okudah #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes after a first half catch at Spartan Stadium on November 10, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/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) /

1. Brian Lewerke’s arm strength, confidence

This is easily the biggest thing to watch for in the spring game. Brian Lewerke was injured for most of his junior season after being tabbed as a potential Heisman dark-horse. That notion seems silly now after watching how he played in 2018, but after his breakout 2017 season, anything seemed possible.

No one expected him to take a step back with that shoulder lacking any strength near the end of the year.

A once strong-armed Lewerke was under-throwing, missing targets by a mile and floating interceptions right into the waiting arms of defenders at an alarming rate. He was a shell of his former self and lacked confidence because of that shoulder injury and stubbornness which saw him play through it — the coaching staff, too, was at fault here.

But now that he’s had a few months to rest and rehab it, he’s admitting that the strength is back and his confidence is returning, too.

Next. MSU football: 5 spring 2019 breakout candidates. dark

Keep an eye on the senior quarterback in Saturday’s spring game. Could he prove to be a healthier and better option than Rocky Lombardi once and for all?

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