Michigan State Football: Way-too-early 2020 depth chart projection

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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 27: Running back Elijah Collins #24 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the first half of the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 27, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /

Running Backs

Starting running back: Elijah Collins
Backup: Anthony Williams OR Connor Heyward

Elijah Collins had a breakout season in 2019, rushing for 12 yards shy of 1,000 as a redshirt freshman. Expect him to continue that climb as the No. 1 running back in 2020 but he’ll have Anthony Williams Jr. and Connor Heyward pushing him.

No, that’s not a typo, Heyward announced that he was taking his name out of the transfer portal and returning to the team a few weeks ago after talking with Mel Tucker. He returns after recording just 79 yards rushing and 52 yards receiving along with a touchdown as a junior, but he did have a nice sophomore season with 500-plus rushing yards.

Williams had a quiet freshman season behind a struggling offensive line, finishing third on the team in rushing with just 118 yards on 3.3 yards per touch. He did score three touchdowns.

But let’s flip it back to Collins who had a huge freshman season and he could benefit greatly from a refreshed offensive line under the guidance of Chris Kapilovic.

Don’t sleep on Brandon Wright, either, as he could break the two-deep.

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