Michigan State Football: 3 most overlooked players heading into 2021

Harold Joiner is someone Mark Dantonio wanted back when he was a top recruit in the country in the 2018 class, but he chose Auburn and crushed the hearts of Spartan fans who thought he could be the eventual replacement for LJ Scott in the backfield.

Now that Joiner is back in East Lansing under a new coaching staff, he joins a loaded backfield and a running back room that has 3-4 capable starters and some under-the-radar guys like Davion Primm and Donovan Eaglin joining the fold. However, Joiner is getting overlooked by everyone this offseason because of one transfer Mel Tucker landed: Kenneth Walker III.

Many believe that Walker III could be Michigan State’s next 1,000-yard rusher and the Wake Forest transfer has done nothing but make headlines in a positive light this offseason.

And then there’s Elijah Collins back and healthy after getting COVID-19 last year and not looking like his 2019 self. He joins Jordon Simmons who is entering his second year after leading the Spartans in rushing last season.

So where does that leave Joiner? Overlooked, that’s where.

Joiner is a 6-4, 215-pound athlete in the backfield who can both run and catch passes out of the backfield and I think he’s going to have a prominent role in the offense this season. He can be a do-it-all weapon for the Spartans in 2021 and I don’t think people realize just how naturally talented he truly is.