Michigan State football: Playing time odds for 2022 class offensive signees

Michael Masunas, TE

TE room:

Losing: Connor Heyward, Trenton Gillison, Parks Gissinger, Kam Allen
Returning: Tyler Hunt, Malik Carr, Adam Berghorst, Evan Morris
Bringing in: Jack Nickel, Daniel Barker (transfer)

Michael Masunas (No. 1,042 nationally, No. 56 TE) is another player to watch — but in the future. While he brings impressive size to the position (6-foot-5), he will be behind the eight ball from the beginning.

Fellow incoming tight ends Jack Nickel and Daniel Barker will each be getting spring reps in addition to all current tight ends on the roster. There is less of a logjam at the position compared to the last year or so, but there are seven scholarship tight ends competing for a position that sees two on the field at best.

Even if the Spartans go tight end by committee to replace Connor Heyward, it will be very hard for the bottom four members of the group to see the field. Masunas will get a better chance next year to take a starting spot upon Barker and Hunt’s end of eligibility.

Prediction

Redshirt. While talented and tall, there are too many experienced tight ends to realistically believe both Nickel and Masunas see the field this year. I’m higher on Nickel, leading to my belief that we will see very little of Masunas.

Additionally, the impact of Barker’s transfer makes it even harder for a freshman with one summer camp of preparation to see the field. Give Masunas a year or so and then it will be his turn to shine.