Michigan State Football: 5 offensive players with most to prove in 2019

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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) /

Michigan State is without a clear starting running back heading into the 2019 season and many believe that’ll be Connor Heyward, but the junior needs to prove himself in the backfield.

Sure, he averaged 4.5 yards per carry and had 529 total yards with five touchdowns, leading the team, but he didn’t prove himself as an every-down back. He has a strong body so he’d be a great third-down and goal-line back, but can he handle a lead back role?

Heyward stands 6-foot-1 and weighs in at about 230 pounds so his prospects at running back aren’t great with that size, but he can run people over. Unfortunately, he didn’t do enough of that in 2018 which was a reason why the offense was poor.

The backfield has plenty of question marks and it starts with Heyward. Can he take control of the backfield and prove himself worthy of the No. 1 job?

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