Michigan State Football: Anthony Russo is a steal for the Spartans

Michigan State football landed a graduate transfer quarterback last week but what does he bring to the table? Who is Anthony Russo?

Anthony Russo is a 6-4, 240-pound quarterback transfer from Temple. Spartan fans may get caught up in his high interception total, and I get it. However, upon further review, he is a dynamic passer with a strong arm talent that East Lansing has not seen in years.

I have watched too much Temple football to stomach, but what I have witnessed is a quarterback with NFL arm talent. He checks down on plays and can even run for a first down if needed. He puts the pigskin in tight windows. Many MSU fans will automatically consider comparing him to Rocky Lombardi, but that is an unfair comparison.

Russo displays touch and fire in his throws. No, he is not Trevor Lawerence, but he is a huge upgrade for Michigan State. He throws one of the more accurate deep balls in the NCAA. Judging Michigan State’s offense, it’s clear they want to run the ball and go deep. Russo can do that.

He can do what coach Mel Tucker wants and is a big reason he’s a Spartan. He is not an afterthought but a gem who the Spartans can use to stretch the field. He put the pigskin in such tight places where only the receiver could get it but had many drops. He’s a steal for MSU.

The transfer displays excellent foot work and avoids the rush while making downfield throws. Yes, he is a gunslinger at quarterback. If he had the correct tutelage he could be a program changer. There is a reason why MSU brought him in.

I loved what Payton Throne did in his limited time, however, this will bring great competition.

I love what Rocky Lombardi did for MSU. But Anthoy Russo is not Rocky. He’s better. The arm talent is amazing and Spartan fans need to embrace him. The ball placement was good and he was dealing with a receiving corps that didn’t help him. The zip he has on the ball is fantastic and yet he has an excellent touch, which is rare.

Michigan State may have its quarterback for the next two years.