Michigan State Football: 3 reasons for optimism after spring 2022

1. There’s no shortage of offensive weapons

If you thought Michigan State’s offense was electric last year, just wait until this season.

Although Kenneth Walker III is gone, Michigan State is bringing in two really talented rushers in Jalen Berger from Wisconsin and Jarek Broussard from Colorado. Both of those guys were highly sought-after in the portal and each brings their own unique skill set to the table. Berger is a former four-star back and Broussard was the 2020 Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year.

And Davion Primm has been praised by the coaching staff as a potential breakout star. The run game should be just fine.

Also, as previously mentioned, the offensive line is being bolstered by Mel Tucker via the portal and it should be much healthier by the fall. A line that starts Jarrett Horst, Brian Greene, and potentially Juzston Turnetine will be solid.

Connor Heyward may be gone, but the Spartans bring back Tyler Hunt and Maliq Carr while bringing in Jack Nickel, Michael Masunas, and Daniel Barker. The tight end group is going to be really solid and deep and shouldn’t see a drop-off at all.

The receiving corps is also loaded despite losing Jalen Nailor with Jayden Reed as a legitimate candidate for Big Ten Receiver of the Year and Biletnikoff Award. He’ll be joined by Tre Mosley, Keon Coleman, Germie Bernard, Antonio Gates Jr., Christian Fitzpatrick, and Montorie Foster. Yet another loaded group.

Oh, and Payton Thorne returns for his second year as QB1 and he had a record-breaking first season, throwing 27 touchdown passes with over 3,000 yards. He is gaining confidence and he’s a better leader. If he can improve on his accuracy, he’s going to be one of the Big Ten’s best.

This offense is going to be explosive again.