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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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EAST LANSING, MI – APRIL 24: Payton Thorne #10 of the Michigan State Spartans scans the field for a pass during the Spring Game at Spartan Stadium on April 24, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – APRIL 24: Payton Thorne #10 of the Michigan State Spartans scans the field for a pass during the Spring Game at Spartan Stadium on April 24, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

Quarterbacks

Starter: Payton Thorne
Backup: Anthony Russo

The biggest question facing the coaching staff this offseason will be who gets the nod as the starting quarterback?

Anthony Russo comes over from Temple after a strong career there in which he showed flashes of brilliance but had a turnover problem. His main reason for coming to Michigan State was getting better coaching because he felt like he never truly grew as a quarterback at Temple. Maybe he just needed the right coaching to truly reach his potential.

However, it was Payton Thorne who had the best spring. He looked great in the spring game and this followed a tremendous end to the 2020 season in which he broke out against Ohio State and Penn State — not exactly slouches of defenses.

Thorne was the star of the spring game along with Noah Kim who were the two quarterbacks I came away most impressed with which is why I’m giving the early nod to the sophomore.

Given that the staff gave Rocky Lombardi the keys to start the 2020 season, however, I wouldn’t be shocked if they went with the veteran Russo.

Next. 3 post-spring breakout candidates on defense. dark

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