Week No. 3 of fall camp is officially in the books after Michigan State football held its second scrimmage at Spartan Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Details of the scrimmage will probably come out on Monday when the Spartans speak to the media. It sounds like Jonathan Smith and Courtney Hawkins will be available to the media, so we'll get a vibe check from the entire team through three weeks of fall camp as well as an update on the receiving corps and the offense as a whole.
Before that happens, though, here's the vibe that I'm getting through three weeks of fall camp.
The pressers from the coaching staff have been great and they're led me to believe the following about each position group:
- Quarterback: Aidan Chiles has improved both on the field and as a leader. Alessio Milivojevic is coming on strong as the backup, and it feels like he's the predecessor to Chiles. He's going to be a really good backup this year and a solid starter eventually.
- Running back: A couple of young guys are standing out. There's a lot of uncertainty still with no one separating, but young guys have talent and could be special.
- Receivers: The best position on the team. Three legitimate Biletnikoff contenders and more depth than we've seen in a while. The fact that Chrishon McCray isn't already the clear third starter should excite fans about the depth. Nick Marsh is going to be a Spartan legend.
- Offensive line: Depth has improved a ton, and it's expected to be vastly improved. Jonathan Smith has spoken highly of this unit all offseason.
- Tight ends: Should be a plus position.
- Defensive line: Still kind of a mystery, but depth is expected to improve, and there's no lack of confidence here. The veterans all believe they can turn things around, and the staff believes they have the pieces. Oh, and buy stock in Derrick Simmons.
- Linebacker: This is a top-two unit on the team with plenty of depth. Ken Mannie called them a group of "thumpers" which feels like that toughness is back. Jordan Hall is a leader, and the group has a lot of young talent. Exciting position group.
- Defensive back: A lot of pieces, but still some major uncertainty. Coaches have been talking up the group, but it feels like there are just a ton of unknowns.
- Special teams: Mannie also said the kicking unit has some power after watching Saturday's scrimmage, and Ryan Eckley is one of the nation's top punters. Another area of uncertainty in the kicking and return games.
The vibes seem high right now, and everyone is expecting major improvement from Jonathan Smith's first season. Oh, and the creative team deserves a massive raise.