Jonathan Smith discusses season expectations for Aidan Chiles

Aidan Chiles has some big shoes to fill this season for Michigan State football. Sure he isn’t replacing anyone at quarterback who has found success at MSU the last few years, but us fans have high expectations for the position and believe that Chiles can be the next great Spartan passer.

But at the same time we need to be realistic. For all the hype that Chiles deservedly is receiving, we have to remember that he is a starter in college for the first time this year. So while the potential is there for Chiles, there likely could be some growing pains along the way.

Head coach Jonathan Smith understands this as well, but he isn’t shying away from expecting a lot from his star quarterback.

Smith held his first pregame press conference of his tenure on Monday and discussed in length about what he hopes to see from Chiles this year.

"I think he'll (Aidan Chiles) settle in. Last year, he knew he was going into games."

- Jonathan Smith

Smith brings up a good point here. Chiles has a lot of experience in college already at Oregon State, but it all came as a backup. Chiles never had the pressure of being “the guy” last year like he will this season. So it will be very interesting to see how he adjusts to that.

But even with all the added pressure on Chiles, Smith doesn’t doubt that he’s ready for it.

"I definitely think he's ready for this. He's a competitive player."

- Jonathan Smith

Smith also shared that “We'll be there for him (Chiles) to get adjusted and confident in his preparation and instincts.”

Smith has proven to be a very reserved guy in his press conferences, but these quotes tell me that he thinks Chiles is ready for the spotlight. He thinks Chiles is ready to lead this team and take them to a level we haven’t seen in a few years.

And I can’t wait for that to begin on Friday.