Michigan State Football: Adam Berghorst shifts focus to baseball

Adam Berghorst, a two-sport athlete for Michigan State football and baseball, will be hanging up one set of cleats. He’s focusing on baseball.

On Wednesday, Spartan nation waited with bated breath during the unveiling of the 2022 Michigan State football roster, hoping to see their favorite player was officially a member of the team. While all of the members of the 2022 recruiting class were officially there, it was apparent that senior tight end Adam Berghorst was not on the team.

A university spokesperson confirmed that the 6-foot-7 giant was shifting his attention to the Michigan State baseball team.

He came into the Spartan football program as a three-star prospect, rated No. 655 in the country. In addition to his prowess on the football field, the baseball diamond was also a strong point. He was drafted in the 14th round by the Texas Rangers a few years ago. This put his career at MSU in doubt, but he ultimately elected to go join the in-state Spartans.

Berghorst was a three-year letter winner for the Michigan State football team, playing 18 games over the last three seasons. Last season, he was on the field for 39 snaps in six games, with one of those snaps being on offense. More importantly than football, Berghorst was a two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection.

As a baseball player, Berghorst has pitched 42.1 innings for the Spartans over the last two years, with seven starts and one save, recording 19 strikeouts on a 1-2 record. He recorded his first career win last season against the Northwestern Wildcats.

Despite three years with the football program, Berghorst did not see the field much and it is unsurprising to see him electing to focus more time on the mound, where he is a force to be reckoned with.

For the football program, this adds a touch of clarity to the tight end room that is trying to replace Connor Heyward for the 2022 campaign. Jack Nickel, Michael Masunas, and Daniel Barker are all joining a stacked room that contains Tyler Hunt, Evan Morris, Maliq Carr, and Powers Warren.

While you might not see Berghorst on the gridiron this year, the Spartan baseball team will have more buzz around it this year with a full offseason from the Zeeland native.