Michigan State Football: Post-spring 2-deep depth chart predictions for 2021

Receivers/Tight Ends

Starting receivers: Jayden Reed, Jalen Nailor, Ricky White (tentatively)
Backups: Tre Mosley, CJ Hayes, Maliq Carr OR Christian Fitzpatrick

The receivers might actually be the deepest position group on the team and it was bolstered this offseason with the additions of Christian Fitzpatrick (Louisville) and Maliq Carr (Purdue).

Jayden Reed is going to don the No. 1 which had been retired by Michigan State for years and he’ll hope to live up to that Charles Rogers number. He’s the best bet to have a huge season and 1,000 yards could be in his immediate future. Jalen Nailor has the speed to give opposing defenses nightmares and he, too, could have a monster season. He led the team in receiving last year and could do it once again in 2021.

Ricky White, assuming he’s good to go by the coaching staff, should be the third starter at receiver and he showed plenty of promise as a true freshman (just ask Michigan).

Tre Mosley is also a strong starting option, CJ Hayes has plenty of experience and is finally healthy, Carr (assuming he doesn’t switch to tight end) is a former four-star and Purdue fans were excited about him, Fitzpatrick should have been a top target of MSU’s out of high school, and Ian Stewart is also a name to watch here.

Starting tight end: Trenton Gillison
Backup: Tyler Hunt OR Kameron Allen

There’s been little chatter about Trenton Gillison this spring, so I’m somewhat hesitant to pencil him in as the projected starter, but he’s a veteran and the hopes have always been high for him. He has all the tools, it’s just about putting them together and living up to that potential. He could do just that in year two of Jay Johnson’s offense.

Let’s say he doesn’t get the nod, my next choice is probably breakout freshman Kameron Allen who has been dubbed the “leader” of the tight end room, or converted punter Tyler Hunt.