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

By Connor Muldowney

Michigan State's Jalen Nailor, left, runs to the sideline with teammates during the spring football game on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.210424 Msu Spring Game 033a
Michigan State's Jalen Nailor, left, runs to the sideline with teammates during the spring football game on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.210424 Msu Spring Game 033a /
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Michigan State’s Elijah Collins, right, is tackled by Michael Dowell on a run during the spring football game on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.210424 Msu Spring Game 141a
Michigan State’s Elijah Collins, right, is tackled by Michael Dowell on a run during the spring football game on Saturday, April 24, 2021, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.210424 Msu Spring Game 141a /

Running Backs

Starter: Kenneth Walker III
Backup: Elijah Collins OR Jordon Simmons OR Harold Joiner

Last year, Connor Heyward started the season as the go-to back, but with more options this go-around, I could see Mel Tucker playing around with a few options at running back.

Wake Forest transfer Kenneth Walker III is the clear top option to start after a couple of great seasons with the Demon Deacons and Pro Football Focus ranked him the fifth-best returning running back in the country. He has earned a ton of praise this spring from coaches and fellow players and it’d be a shock if he wasn’t running with the ones to begin the year.

Right behind him should be 2019’s breakout star Elijah Collins who finished his first season as the starter just shy of 1,000 yards. He could be back to his normal self after a disappointing 2020 season because he was affected by COVID-19 all year and lost a lot of weight. A fully-healthy Collins will create a heck of a 1-2 punch with Walker III.

Jordon Simmons, a true freshman last year, led the team in rushing last year but finds himself at the third or fourth spot on the depth chart right now. He’s too good to not include, though.

If the Spartans do have an H-back position, look for Auburn transfer Harold Joiner to join the fold there. He should be one of the most electric weapons on the roster.

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