Michigan State football's tight end position was much more productive in 2024 than it had been throughout the Mel Tucker era and that was due to the addition of Jack Velling.
The Oregon State tight end got off to a slow start to his Spartan career after leading all college football tight ends in touchdown catches in 2023 with Oregon State.
Velling did snag a career-best 36 receptions to go along with 414 yards and a touchdown in his first year with the Spartans, bouncing back from that slow start. He opted to return for his senior year to continue what he started and help get Jonathan Smith and Michigan State back on track.
Behind him are the promising young tight ends Michael Masunas and Brennan Parachek but Smith felt like the room needed some added depth and said as much after spring ball.
On Sunday, he landed a depth piece in Indiana State's Kai Rios.
God is GREAT…Spartan nation let’s get to work💚 #GoGreen pic.twitter.com/vnI8beJvPv
— Kai Rios (@kairios35) April 27, 2025
Rios has two years of eligibility left after playing in 21 games for Indiana State, catching eight passes for 69 yards. He wasn't crazy productive, but he brings with him a veteran presence and a guy who could probably help out in a pinch.
The Spartans lost Ademola Faleye to Washington State this offseason so Smith wanted to replace him with a quality depth piece.
I'm not exactly sure of what to expect from Rios, but judging by his numbers before watching any tape, he may be more of a blocking tight end than anything else. If that's the case, this is a great addition because blocking on the edge has been lacking for years.