Jonathan Smith hints at who could be returning kicks for Michigan State football

Jonathan Smith gave some important updates on the outlook of the team heading into game week and following the end of fall camp on Monday.

The second-year head coach spoke to the local media about his team, the scrimmage from the past weekend, and who has been standing out throughout the past few weeks. The Spartans are looking like a team that could surprise some people, and Smith didn't downplay any of that as he gave some positive updates on his team once again.

Smith spoke highly of the running backs, said that Aidan Chiles is more consistent, and he also gave a special teams update which is something we haven't heard much about this month.

The state of the Spartans' special teams has been a mystery, but he spoke about some injuries in the kicking game while also hinting at the likely returners for the 2025 season.

Smith said that Middle Tennessee receiver transfer Omari Kelly has been on kickoff and punt return a lot -- which is a bit of a surprise -- and Alante Brown and Braylon Collier are getting reps there, too.

Kelly has been all over the headlines during fall camp, and all signs are pointing to him being one of the surprise breakout candidates this season. The same goes for Collier who is also getting return reps, but Brown is a name that hadn't been mentioned much. As long as Brown is healthy, he could be a great gadget receiver and an option in the return game.

A solid return game is something Michigan State has missed since Jayden Reed. Last year, Michigan State had a total of 168 kick return yards and 50 punt return yards. That's not great for the field position battle. A good return game can change the outlook of a season.

If Kelly can give Michigan State solid field position and potentially break one or two long returns off, the offense will feel a huge pressure leave its shoulders.

Spartan fans have grown far too accustomed to fair catches over the past few years.