Michigan State Football: Way-too-early 2022 depth chart projection

Dec 30, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Jayden Reed (1) and quarterback Payton Thorne (10) celebrate after a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the second half during the 2021 Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 30, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Harold Joiner (2) runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Panthers in the second half during the 2021 Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Backs

Starting running back: Jalen Berger
Backups: Elijah Collins, Jordon Simmons, Harold Joiner

Michigan State is definitely going to miss having Kenneth Walker III to rely on to pick up 6.2 yards per carry, but the Spartans will now rely on a committee behind Jalen Berger.

The Wisconsin transfer is a former top-150 running back recruit and he had a rocky time with the Badgers, but if you’re brought to Madison to run the ball, you’re probably elite. He’s got plenty of talent and if he can remain focused this year, I think he could be an All-Big Ten candidate.

Berger could definitely rush for 1,000 yards if Michigan State’s line improves.

Behind Berger, I could see Elijah Collins getting a decent amount of carries. He almost rushed for 1,000 yards in 2019 when he was fully healthy and the team’s RB1 and people seem to forget that. He’ll be joined by Jordon Simmons and Harold Joiner, although the latter should be more of a pass-catching back.

With Connor Heyward gone, I’d like to see Joiner used in more passing plays because he’s just a football player and an athlete.

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