Michigan State Football: Projected 2-deep depth chart after spring 2019

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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) /

Wide Receivers/Tight End

Starting receivers: Cody White, Darrell Stewart Jr., Jalen Nailor
Backups: Cam Chambers, Laress Nelson, CJ Hayes

Cody White returns in 2019 as the team’s No. 1 receiver, a role he’s been waiting to fill since he’s been on campus. He’s been waiting his turn as Felton Davis III assumed that role, but he has what it takes with strong hands and a big frame. Darrell Stewart Jr. is entering his senior season and he had one heck of a spring, showing that he could contend for No. 1 consideration. Lastly, Jalen Nailor has all the talent, and speed, in the world, and he’s going to be exciting to watch in 2019.

Cam Chambers has been working hard to earn a regular role in the rotation and he looked like a solid option last season before a hand injury. He had 19 catches for 264 yards but has yet to reach the end zone in his MSU career, but I fully expect that to change this season. Laress Nelson has been earning praise from teammates and coaches this spring as an elusive pass-catcher who can make defenders miss. Then, there’s CJ Hayes who is built like an Aaron Burbridge-type, but has never been given a real shot to produce.

Starting tight end: Matt Dotson
Backup: Trenton Gillison

The tight end position is a bit of a head-scratcher because there’s so much talent yet so many question marks. Matt Dotson came in as a highly-touted prospect but has yet to live up to the hype and had a tough 2018 season, but ended strong. He’ll be the presumed starter with the talented redshirt freshman Trenton Gillison backing him up. Athletic tight ends who can catch and run? That could be a difference-maker in 2019.

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