No need to panic about Michigan State football's loss of Antonio Gates Jr.

Just two days removed from Jonathan Smith's first Spring Showcase as Michigan State football coach, he's dealing with more roster attrition.

The Spartans have lost a number of players to the transfer portal already like Jaelon Barbarin and Ma'a Gaoteote, but on Monday, two more guys announced their intentions to look for new programs. Second-year safety Sean Smith announced his transfer as well as third-year sophomore Antonio Gates Jr. who had five catches for 82 yards as a redshirt freshman.

This was a bit of a surprise because Smith had been singing Gates' praises earlier this spring, but it now seems like he may have fallen behind some younger guys on the depth chart.

And that's exactly why the panic button should be avoided here.

Do I think Gates has a chance to be a really solid collegiate receiver and potentially play his way into Sundays? Absolutely. He has the size and strength to give defensive backs fits, but he just needs to find the right fit and unfortunately, that wasn't in East Lansing.

Nick Marsh and Aziah Johnson looked like rising stars during the Spring Showcase while Gates was silent. It felt like the rapport that Marsh had built with the Spartan quarterbacks was the difference and it's clear that he's about to be a star in the green and white for the next 3-4 years.

Plus, there's still a chance that Smith can reach into the portal to find 1-2 receivers to help carry the load offensively. If anything, this departure by Gates will force Smith to hit the portal for a wideout.

Depth did take a hit, but Smith will address it soon. No need to panic.