Michigan State Football: Harold Joiner will have major role on offense

Michigan State football has a backfield problem — and it’s a good one.

There are 3-4 capable running backs right now and only a small amount of carries to go around. Kenneth Walker and Elijah Collins are expected to be the workhorses, but last year’s leading rusher Jordon Simmons is fully capable of a prominent role in year two.

But there’s one name that’s been trending over the past week: Harold Joiner.

According to a report from Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press, Joiner has been turning heads during fall camp and he could see some major snaps this season.

"“I really liked what Harold Joiner did in (Saturday’s) scrimmage,” MSU coach Mel Tucker said Tuesday. “He was able to get his pads down and run with some authority. And he’s got excellent ball skills out of the backfield.”"

Offensive coordinator Jay Johnson also spoke highly of him, stating that the Spartans can use him in a variety of ways and packages, moving him around a bit. He could be a pass-catching back but he can also take handoffs. He’s a versatile athlete who should see the field plenty.

This should have fans very excited about the potential of this offense if there are two workhorse backs in place and yet Joiner is making an impact in fall camp.

We all knew he was a talented athlete, but it was unclear how he’d fit into a loaded backfield.

Now we know he’s going to find a role regardless.

Michigan State football has the weapons

With Joiner improving his stock during camp and likely earning a major role on offense in some capacity, whether it’s H-back or running back, the Spartans now have four legit running backs, a loaded tight end room, and a talented receiving corps that runs deeper than just the two-deep.

As long as the offensive line improves from last year and the quarterback situation is figured out adequately, the Spartans’ offense should be the best it’s been in years.

This might be the most talented offense Michigan State has had since 2017.