Michigan State Football: Is Anthony Williams Jr. the answer at RB?
There’s been plenty of chatter out of fall camp that Anthony Williams Jr. could be the answer at running back for Michigan State football.
Finding someone to take over in the backfield hasn’t been easy for Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio over the past couple of seasons.
In fact, he hasn’t had a 1,000-yard rusher since Jeremy Langford hit that mark in 2014 even though LJ Scott came close a couple of times. Now that Scott is gone, Connor Heyward is back as the presumed starter, but there’s been plenty of talk out of fall camp that true freshman Anthony Williams Jr. could be the next man up.
Spent a few minutes pre-practice with Mark Dantonio. Said 3 freshmen OL have impressed in camp - Devonte Dobbs, Nick Samac, and JD Duplain (who moved from DL). Also sang praises of WR Julian Barnett (moved from CB) and RB Anthony Williams. pic.twitter.com/RGUgZ7iLMX
— Dave Revsine (@BTNDaveRevsine) August 12, 2019
After Friday’s private scrimmage, Michigan State players talked to the media about how optimistic they were regarding the offensive side of the ball. Some spoke highly of Williams Jr. even though he suffered an injury — but it was minor — and there are rumors circulating that he could be the go-to guy in the backfield.
For anyone who watched the spring game, this comes as no surprise. While Heyward and La’Darius Jefferson have the experience and return as the top two backs, on paper, Williams Jr. just has that explosiveness and speed that sets him apart.
Michigan State needs a workhorse back to get a bulk of the carries and if we’re going on just pure running back talent, it needs to be Williams Jr.
Next. MSU Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2019. dark
It’s dangerous to hype up a true freshman like this, but when he’s been impressing the way he has in fall camp after a strong spring, you’d have to believe he’s ready to take over. Michigan State may have a new No. 1 back and he could wind up being a 3-4 year starter.