The 2021 season is less than two months away and that means we are getting closer to seeing what Mel Tucker can do after his first real offseason with Michigan State football.
The Spartans went just 2-5 in his first season, but the slack had to be cut because he didn’t get an offseason and was hired after National Signing Day. Not only did he not get to practice with his team last spring and most of the fall, but he couldn’t recruit face-to-face because of a pandemic and still managed to piece together a decent class.
Now the Spartans are looking like a capable squad after all the needed attrition and additions via the transfer portal and in recruiting.
Tucker and Jay Johnson face a tough task this season of improving a rather stagnant offense from last year. Which offensive players could break out and become household names in 2021?
I’m big on Maliq Carr heading into the season and the fact that he’s probably going to make the switch to tight end is only going to benefit him right away.
Carr is joining a roster that needs some explosiveness and athleticism upgrades from last season and he’s just that, especially if he plays tight end. The dual-sport athlete could be one of those breakout stars due to his ability to run crisp routes, utilize his strong hands and big frame, and if he can work on blocking, he’s going to be a major problem.
The tight end room currently has Trenton Gillison, Tyler Hunt, Adam Berghorst, and Kameron Allen waiting to make impacts, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Carr proved to be the best of the group.
The former top-200 recruit has a 6-4, 230-pound frame that will cause problems in the passing game against linebackers and smaller defensive backs. Expect a big season for Carr in 2021, especially in an offense that wants to utilize the tight end more.