Why it’s OK to be optimistic about Michigan State football in 2020
The Spartans have enough talent — on paper — to compete
Mark Dantonio did a disservice to the talented players on this roster by playing guys with experience over his best players.
There was no reason that veteran Brandon Sowards should have gotten more snaps at receiver than a freak athlete like Julian Barnett and even when Matt Dotson struggled before his injury, it seemed as if Dantonio was incapable of giving the talented Trenton Gillison snaps.
Hopefully Mel Tucker and his staff realize that seniority does not mean more talent. There are loads of talented players on this roster, especially on the offense.
The running back position is set, as redshirt sophomore Elijah Collins looks to build on a spectacular breakout season that saw him gain nearly 1,000 yards on the ground as well as five rushing touchdowns. Behind him is the blazing runner Anthony Williams Jr. as well as Brandon Wright and freshman Jordon Simmons.
The wide receiver position is the most loaded group on the team with Western Michigan transfer Jayden Reed being one of the more intriguing reasons to watch the Spartans. A Freshman All-American with the Broncos, Reed sat out a year and now looks ready to go for the Spartans. Experience at the position is also helpful with Jalen Nailor and Laress Nelson, and Tre Mosley emerged as a solid option down the stretch of last season.
The aforementioned Gillison should see the field at tight end for a majority of the offensive possessions. It was reported that the coaching staff will be reliant on Dotson, but Gillison has a higher ceiling and should eventually usurp the starting role.
The biggest question is obviously the quarterback position, but having Theo Day or Payton Thorne win the job over Rocky Lombardi might seem like the better long-term option. Thorne seems like the best long-term option, but anything is possible. The fact that they haven’t announced a starter makes it less likely that Lombardi is QB1, but no one really knows anything at this point.
Point is, on paper, there is a ton of talent on the offensive side. And it’s up to Tucker to maximize it.