Michigan State Football: Jalen Berger would be ideal replacement for Kenneth Walker

Mel Tucker has turned Michigan State football around so quickly because of the transfer portal and he’s not done utilizing what helped get the Spartans to 9-1 so far in 2021.

Not all transfers are created equal, however. While most have had positive impacts on the Spartans this season, Kenneth Walker III may just be the best transfer in college football. He’s a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy and he’s the first Michigan State running back to break 1,000 yards since Jeremy Langford in 2014.

Not only that, but he’s on pace to break some records. He’s on pace to approach 2,000 yards and break 20 touchdowns on the season which could give him the best single season by an MSU running back in school history.

And because of this breakout, there’s a good chance Walker heads to the NFL following the season, forgoing his final year of eligibility.

With his potential departure, Michigan State is probably going to be looking for a replacement and while Elijah Collins, Jordon Simmons, and Harold Joiner are options, Tucker might just dip into the portal for another NFL-caliber back and Jalen Berger might just be that guy.

Jalen Berger and Michigan State football just make sense

The Wisconsin running back entered the transfer portal earlier this year after being dismissed from the program and he was once considered a top recruit in the country. He was ranked in the top 150 in the 2020 recruiting class and he was compared to Tevin Coleman by 247Sports. He stands 6-foot-0, 205 pounds and that’s fairly comparable to Walker’s size.

Like Walker, 247Sports‘ evaluation says that Berger carries 200 pounds well and moves elusively. He’s tough to bring down in the open field and he can make defenders miss. Sound like anyone?

Berger would be a great addition to the Spartans’ backfield for 2022, especially if Walker is gone, and he was just on campus this past weekend for a visit.

https://twitter.com/JalenBerger/status/1460432152517042176?s=20

At some point, Michigan State is going to have to rely on running backs that it recruits outside of the portal, but why not take advantage when there’s mutual interest?

This would give Michigan State yet another college-ready back who may just need a change of scenery to flourish. He would be a fantastic replacement for Walker.

Tuck comin’.