Michigan State Football: 10 post-spring bold predictions for 2019 season

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 28: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans eludes Dylan Hanser #33 of the Washington State Cougars on a run play during the second half of the SDCCU Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 28: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans eludes Dylan Hanser #33 of the Washington State Cougars on a run play during the second half of the SDCCU Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 13: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans hands off to La’Darius Jefferson #15 of the Michigan State Spartans against the Penn State Nittany Lions on October 13, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 13: Brian Lewerke #14 of the Michigan State Spartans hands off to La’Darius Jefferson #15 of the Michigan State Spartans against the Penn State Nittany Lions on October 13, 2018 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

5. Spartans finally have 1,000-yard rusher

When was the last time Michigan State had a 1,000-yard rusher? You’d have to go all the way back to 2014 when Jeremy Langford put the run game on his back and finished with his second consecutive 1,000-yard season on his way to a Cotton Bowl win.

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Let’s face it, when the run game is good, Michigan State is nearly impossible to beat.

But that hasn’t happened in a while. Sure, LJ Scott came close to 1,000 yards twice, but the drought feels like an eternity. His career ended on such a sour note that many fans have forgotten what he contributed to the program.

The Spartans have options in 2019, and one of them will reach 1,000 yards on the ground. Who will it be? Well, that’s the mystery.

Connor Heyward will likely begin the season as a starter, but my pick for the 1,000-yard performer is La’Darius Jefferson. He showed flashes as a freshman, but was still learning the position and had to perform behind a shaky offensive line.

Elijah Collins and Anthony Williams Jr. will each contribute, too, but Jefferson will take that next step and become a household name in the Big Ten.