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Michigan State Football: Post-spring 2-deep depth chart projections for 2022

By Connor Muldowney

Michigan State player celebrate with a touchdown scored by Michigan State linebacker Cal Haladay (27) during the second half of the 31-21 win over Pittsburgh in the Peach Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021.
Michigan State player celebrate with a touchdown scored by Michigan State linebacker Cal Haladay (27) during the second half of the 31-21 win over Pittsburgh in the Peach Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021. /
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Michigan State’s Payton Thorne rolls out on a pass play against Western Kentucky during the third quarter on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.211002 Msu Wku Fb 177a
Michigan State’s Payton Thorne rolls out on a pass play against Western Kentucky during the third quarter on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.211002 Msu Wku Fb 177a /

Quarterback

Starting quarterback: Payton Thorne
Backup: Noah Kim OR Katin Houser

This last position is a no-brainer and that’s because, well, Payton Thorne broke some records in his first full season as Michigan State’s QB1.

Thorne saw the field a little bit behind Rocky Lombardi in 2020 but no one knew what to expect in 2021 and he delivered in a big way. Not only did he pass for over 3,000 yards and 27 touchdowns, but he led one of the most explosive Michigan State offenses in recent memory. His 27 touchdown passes were good for first all-time in school history for a single season.

Although he can afford to improve his accuracy (completing just about 60 percent of his throws), he didn’t make a ton of mistakes. He will have plenty of weapons at his disposal this season.

Behind Thorne will likely be Noah Kim who has been impressive in the past two spring games but freshman Katin Houser will be nipping at his heels. This may be a learning season for Houser but he’s potentially one injury away from being thrown in there as Michigan State’s QB1. Houser is good enough to play early on.

A fun quarterback battle is brewing behind Thorne for possibly 2023 and beyond.

Next. MSU's top 10 prospects for 2023 NFL Draft. dark

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