Michigan State football's super seniors can sense chip is back on shoulder

Michigan State Football and the fanbase have had more concerns than answers over the last several years. That hasn't stopped some of the current players on the team from sticking it out through some very challenging times.

Maverick Hansen and Montorie Foster Jr. are two Spartans who could have folded and left a long time ago. I mean we are talking about two guys who were part of Mark Dantonio's fall season in East Lansing.

They then had Mel Tucker as their coach, and for what that era was worth, their was more issues than good. Now as fall camp has begun for the first season of the Jonathan Smith era, both super seniors have shared some reasons as to why they have stayed loyal to the Green and White.

What Hansen had to say on the opening day of practice, about the culture that has already been put in place by Smith, speaks volumes about the future of the program.

Like Hansen, Foster has stayed loyal to MSU through all the hardships, and it has paid off after finally having a break-out season in 2023, where Foster led the team in receptions with 43 for 576 yards and three touchdowns.

These two players have defied a lot of doubt especially given what the previous regime put them through. I certainly wouldn't have blamed them if they had left after the last two distasteful seasons.

Regardless they stayed, and like Hansen, Foster is excited about what the Spartans have brewing in East Lansing.

It also appears the chip on the shoulder is back at Michigan State. That was a key part of Mark Dantonio's culture.

"We got a chip on our shoulder," Foster told the media after the opening day of practice. "So, we can't wait to just show everybody our new offense, defense. We got the guys flying around, we got some new pieces. So, the expectation is there. We're just trying to win this year, so that's what it is."

Guys like Hansen and Foster have clearly helped get the team culture back to where it needs to be. I for one remember how special things can be at Michigan State, when we embrace that chip on the shoulder.