Michigan State Football: 5 breakout candidates for 2019 season

LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 17: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans leads the team on the field before the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers 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: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans looks on while playing the Central Michigan Chippewas at Spartan Stadium on September 29, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

When LJ Scott announced he’d be using a redshirt in 2018 and returning in 2019 as a fifth-year senior, the offense became just that much more solidified. Just as quickly as the backfield workload was locked up, the expected production was gone.

Shortly after he decided to use a redshirt on 2018, Scott believed he was better off heading to the NFL draft and hoping to get selected. He went undrafted and then signed with the Ravens and then the Browns before calling it quits and contemplating an early retirement from football. His decision to leave left a major void in Michigan State’s backfield.

Connor Heyward is the projected starter after rushing for 529 yards and five touchdowns last year but he’s not exactly a lock to hold the No. 1 job. He has La’Darius Jefferson and Elijah Collins breathing down his neck, but true freshman Anthony Williams Jr. showed plenty of promise throughout the spring — especially during the spring game.

Williams Jr. is a shifty back with plenty of speed and the ability to make defenders miss which could be incredibly valuable as Michigan State pieces together its offense. He has true star potential.

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