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Michigan State Football: Projected Spartans’ 2-deep depth chart for 2019

By Connor Muldowney

COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 03: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans looks on during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field on November 3, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD - NOVEMBER 03: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans looks on during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field on November 3, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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TEMPE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 08: Running back Connor Heyward #11 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes the football against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ – SEPTEMBER 08: Running back Connor Heyward #11 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes the football against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Running Backs

Starting running back: Anthony Williams Jr.
Backup: Connor Heyward OR La’Darius Jefferson OR Eli Collins

Surprised at my pick? Honestly, I am, too. I didn’t think that Anthony Williams Jr. would have had this kind of impact on the offense through the summer, but there have been nothing but glowing reviews on his play and if he’s anything like he was in the spring game, fans will be in for a treat.

Could he be the Big Ten Offensive Freshman of the Year? It’s possible. Could he break 1,000 yards? Also possible, but that will be a truly bold prediction. Let’s start with him winning the job and turning some heads to start the season.

Connor Heyward will be back as the team’s lead returning rusher from last season, but he has more of a third-down back look with his big frame and ability to run people over or he could even catch the ball out of the backfield on screens. He should be in on passing situations and short-yardage scenarios as well.

La’Darius Jefferson is more of a shifty back, but needs to improve his vision. He and Heyward are neck-and-neck heading into the season, in my opinion.

And one last name that continues to get slept on is Eli Collins. The redshirt freshman has had a strong summer and is earning some high praise, but gets overlooked when mentioning the starting running back battle. He might be my favorite to push Williams Jr. as the No. 1 back.

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