Michigan State Football: Dantonio era comparisons for key 2020 players

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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 27: Wide receiver Jalen Nailor #8 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes past linebacker Ja’Cquez Williams #30 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the second half of the New Era Pinstripe Bowl at Yankee Stadium on December 27, 2019 in the Bronx borough of New York City. Michigan State Spartans won 27-21. (Photo by Adam Hunger/Getty Images) /

Jalen Nailor

Mark Dantonio era comparison: RJ Shelton

The comparison between Jalen Nailor and RJ Shelton was actually the one that created the idea in my head to write this piece. Ever since Shelton finished his Michigan State career, the Spartans have had a disturbing lack of speed on offense. I’m not using the word disturbing lightly either, this offense has been truly difficult to watch.

One thing that highly contributed to the recent lack of offense is speed. There hasn’t been enough speed. For a while, the starting running back was Connor Heyward. Need I say more?

The last player to bring real speed to East Lansing was Shelton. While his career was never the flashiest, he was an exciting player to watch at receiver and on special teams. I would even go so far as to say that he’s the reason that Dave Warner ran the jet sweep as frequently as he did.

This is where Nailor will be able to help the Spartans out for the next couple of seasons. He’s the type of guy that the defense can’t take their eyes off. He creates space for other receivers with his speed and if used correctly, will give Jay Johnson’s offense a much-needed boost.

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