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Michigan State football: An apology to Connor Heyward, Rocky Lombardi

By Jack Williams

Oct 31, 2020; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Connor Heyward (11) celebrates after scoring in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2020; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Connor Heyward (11) celebrates after scoring in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rocky Lombardi and Connor Heyward were huge contributors in Michigan State football’s win against Michigan on Saturday.

Let me start with this: Connor Heyward has never been a bad football player. I’ll stand by the fact that he’s one of the best athletes on this Michigan State football team until he graduates. He’s a strong blocker, great pass catcher and whether you like it or not, he makes a big impact out on the field.

Here’s where I have an issue with the running back: he’s not a running back. I don’t care what anybody tells me, this man is not built to be RB1. He’s slow, he doesn’t have very good lateral quickness, and he doesn’t fall forward. No matter how big of a Heyward fan you are, that much is undeniable.

But that is no fault of Heyward’s. He doesn’t ask to be hit as soon as the ball is handed off to him in the backfield each time. That’s on the coaches, the offensive line, and the fans for expecting more. So when I tweet things like “Connor Heyward is the worst college football player of all time,” I’m being dramatic. What I should be saying instead is this: “Connor Heyward is the least efficient pure running back on the team.”

That’s not me exaggerating either, it’s a simple fact; his 2.3 yards per carry will back that up. And that’s exactly what upsets me so much. He clearly isn’t built to be a starting running back, so why are coaches so hesitant to switch him to being a slot receiver or a tight end? We’ve seen him make some of the best catches I’ve seen as a Spartan fan with no gloves on; he has serious athleticism.

On Saturday against Rutgers, Heyward brought in two touchdown passes, one on a screen pass and the other on a short out route early in the game. In his career, he has four receiving touchdowns and just five rushing scores despite having notched a third of the receptions as he has rushes.

Connor Heyward, I’m sorry. If you’re reading this, I’m sorry for my heat-of-the-moment tweets where I called you bad. I didn’t mean it and make sure to share this article with your family members who grilled me on Twitter.

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