Michigan State Football: Previewing RB battle for 2022 spring game

The case for Berger

Jalen Berger, from Newark, N.J., is the second transfer to be discussed. He hails from a familiar opponent to the Spartans, that being the Wisconsin Badgers.

Berger is a talented recruit who was removed from the Badger program for reasons unknown, the only confirmation being that it was not for any off-field disciplinary reason. He did not react well to a transfer coming in is one alleged reason, but he has not seemed to have an issue with Jarek Broussard’s transfer to the program.

He is a former ESPN300 player, and when he is on the field, Berger shows why. In his seven games with the Badgers, Berger racked up just under 400 yards, including 87 yards and a touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines in 2020.

I believe I speak on behalf of Spartan nation when I say that if Berger can post those numbers against the Wolverines again this year, I wouldn’t mind.

Outlook

Berger is talented and can certainly elevate the team to the next level. From the glimpses seen in the Michigan State practice videos, Berger has the same explosiveness that makes him appear as the running back of the future in the shortened 2020 campaign.

As I stated above, I am concerned about the dismissal. It is not uncommon to see a player transfer after losing their spot, but a dismissal is alarming.

Regardless, if Berger shows up to practice every day and excels in the classroom, there will be no cause for concern. Berger should be one of the top running backs in this group. I have him as my second-best option behind Broussard and I would not be surprised if Berger was the starter for the first true test of the year against Washington.