Michigan State Football: 5 areas of concern following spring 2019

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 17: Defensive back Lamar Jackson #21 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers interferes with wide receiver Cody White #7 of the Michigan State Spartans on a pass in the second half at Memorial Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – SEPTEMBER 29: Connor Heyward #11 of the Michigan State Spartans tries for extra yards after a first half catch next to Michael Oliver #39 of the Central Michigan Chippewas at Spartan Stadium on September 29, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

3. Running backs lacking experience

This is a valid concern, and I’ll tell you why. The Spartans return a backfield with two guys who have experience in Connor Heyward and La’Darius Jefferson, but they didn’t exactly take the world by storm in 2018. Sure, the offensive line was a major reason for that, but neither really looked like workhorse backs who could reach 1,000 yards — at least not yet.

Granted, those two looked solid in the spring game, but if they aren’t “the guys”, Michigan State will have to rely on a crop of unproven backs such as Eli Collins, Anthony Williams Jr. and Weston Bridges.

With LJ Scott gone, there’s no longer that guy on the roster who’s capable of breaking off 100-yard games at any given moment, showcasing vision and elusiveness along the way.

The lack of experience at running back is concerning but there’s still an entire summer to develop the running backs on the roster while bringing in Brandon Wright.

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