Fall camp was a telling time for a lot of Michigan State football players as they were all pushing for a spot on the two-deep, but some surprising names rose to the top above the rest.
We all expected guys like Nick Marsh and Aidan Chiles and even Jordan Hall to dominate headlines with solid play during fall camp, and they did just that. You can even throw in guys like Jalen Thompson and Jack Velling who are sure to have big 2025 seasons, but there were some surprises who were constantly mentioned by the coaching staff.
Honorable mention: Sam Edwards, LB, 6th year
I don't know what I expected, but it definitely wasn't Sam Edwards being named a team captain after fall camp. The veteran linebacker "bleeds green and white" according to Jonathan Smith, and his selection as captain was welcomed by his teammates.
Edwards is a sixth-year player who was recruited by Mark Dantonio and who has played primarily special teams throughout his career, but if you listen to Joe Rossi talk about him, you can expect to see him on the field plenty this year. His defensive coordinator is already trying to convince him to get into coaching.
5. Jayden Savoury, TE, Freshman
Jayden Savoury came to Michigan State as a three-star tight end from Orchard Lake (Mich.) St. Mary's, and it looks like he was just slightly underrated.
With Velling dealing with some injuries this offseason, Savoury was forced to step up, and he did just that. He received rave reviews from Smith and Co. from his scrimmage performances, and it sounds like the staff really wants him on the field in passing situations. It looks like Michigan State's tight end room is loaded, especially if Savoury lives up to the hype.
4. Semaj Bridgeman, LB, Sophomore
Coming over from Michigan prior to the 2024 season, Semaj Bridgeman was part of the Wolverines' national title team as a highly-touted four-star linebacker from Philadelphia, but he transferred to Michigan State for a better opportunity.
Unfortunately, he didn't play much in 2024, but that figures to change this season as the former four-star was tearing it up during fall camp and Smith even stated that he believed that Bridgeman led all defenders in interceptions during that session. He was one of the biggest surprises during fall camp, and I'd like to believe that earned him a spot on the two-deep in a loaded linebacker room.
3. Derrick Simmons, DL, Freshman
While this isn't the biggest surprise, I'd say it's up there considering he's a true freshman. Derrick Simmons earned praise from just about everyone during fall camp, and it sounds like that redshirt is probably not going to be an option for him as the interior of the defensive line could use his help. I don't see him starting, but I do see Simmons playing extensive snaps throughout the season, looking like a young Derrick Harmon out there.
2. Alessio Milivojevic, QB, Freshman (RS)
Alessio Milivojevic was one of the latest additions to Michigan State's 2024 recruiting class by Smith and his new staff, and he didn't get to see the field much as a freshman, redshirting after playing just two snaps. That didn't scare him away to the transfer portal, however.
Aidan Chiles is going to be the QB1 as long as he's in East Lansing, but if he has a breakout year and heads to the NFL after the 2025 season, Michigan State will seemingly be in good hands with Alessio Milivojevic taking over. He has earned a ton of praise as a backup this offseason, and it sounds like the staff is really impressed with how much he's grown and matured.
You don't often hear a ton of praise about backup quarterbacks, but Milivojevic was that impressive during fall camp scrimmages.
1. Rod Bullard Jr., WR, Senior
When Smith was dipping into the transfer portal for receiver help, he picked up big-time transfers like Oamri Kelly and Chrishon McCray, but little did anyone know that his Division II transfer pickup may have been the biggest steal in the class.
Rod Bullard Jr. has been receiving a ton of praise all preseason long, and the coaching staff has been pleasantly surprised with how game-ready he is. He hasn't shied away from the increased competition at the Big Ten level after dominating at Valdosta State, and it looks like he may just beat out McCray for that WR3 spot.
I didn't expect Bullard to be on the radar like he has been to this point in the offseason, but he heads into the season opener against Western Michigan as a potential starting wide receiver.