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Michigan State Football: 3 players who improved the most in 2020

By Conner Linsner

Michigan State cornerback Shakur Brown celebrities his interception against Northwestern during the second half of MSU's 29-20 win at Spartan Stadium at Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020.Msu
Michigan State cornerback Shakur Brown celebrities his interception against Northwestern during the second half of MSU's 29-20 win at Spartan Stadium at Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020.Msu /
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Dec 12, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Jalen Nailor (8) makes a catch and runs the ball in the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2020; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Jalen Nailor (8) makes a catch and runs the ball in the end zone for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /

Coming into this year, Jalen Nailor was a big question mark. Spartan fans knew he was an elite athlete, but he lacked production and battled injuries during his first two seasons in East Lansing.

Nailor has since proved that he is a capable wideout and he has posted some impressive numbers. In 10 games the last two years, he only had 23 catches, 244 yards and two touchdowns. In 2020, Nailor has played in seven games and posted a stat line of 26 catches for 515 yards. Plus, he’s found the end zone four times.

Those are some numbers this season considering the issues Michigan State has had at the quarterback position.

Another eye-opening stat is that Nailor is averaging 19.8 yards per catch. This year he has solidified himself as one of the top deep-ball threats in the conference. With Payton Thorne emerging as the starting quarterback, Nailor will continue to build chemistry with the gunslinger which will only help.

Look for Nailor to finish 2020 strong and be one of the top options receiving options for Michigan State in 2021.

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