Michigan State football: 3 upperclassmen who need to take over in 2023

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 30: Charles Brantley #0 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a fourth quarter interception with teammates while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium on October 30, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – NOVEMBER 05: Maliq Carr #6 of the Michigan State Spartans is seen before the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Memorial Stadium on November 5, 2022 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

For two seasons now, I’ve been waiting for Maliq Carr to break out.

I truly think that’s coming. He has been one of those athletic freaks at tight end who can run routes like a receiver and post mismatches for linebackers, but there are two important aspects of the position. Carr is a great pass-catcher and route-runner, but his blocking skills have left a lot to be desired and that may be why he lost snaps to Daniel Barker and Tyler Hunt.

Carr needs to put it all together this season and be that threat at tight end that the offense desperately needs. Jay Johnson’s offense will run much smoother with a top-tier tight end.

Jack Nickel and Brennan Parachek will be solid as backups next season and they could push Carr for snaps but I think the upperclassman needs to show that he can be that true TE1.

Whoever starts at quarterback will need a reliable tight end to make big catches and the run game will need one that can seal the edge and pick up big blocks. It’s time for Carr to fit both of those roles and not just one.

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