The 3 best things Jonathan Smith said at 2024 Big Ten Media Days

Big Ten Media Days are in full swing, and Jonathan Smith got the chance to address the media for the first time at this event on Wednesday.

Smith shared so much about his plans for Michigan State football as a program, his players and what his goals are that it’d be impossible to fit it all in one post. So here are the three best things Smith said on Wednesday at Big Ten Media Days.

1. Jonathan Smith talks Aidan Chiles

The success of this season rests firmly on Aidan Chiles’ shoulders. Maybe that’s a lot of pressure to put on a first year starter but it’s the truth.

If Michigan State’s going to out perform their expectations it likely will be because of the heroics from Chiles. Thankfully for Michigan State fans, Smith thinks he’s up to the task.

"I think athletically he's gifted...but he has a deep passion for this game."

- Jonathan Smith

Smith confirms something we all know, and that’s how extremely talented Chiles is. He saw it last year at Oregon State and he’s seeing it again now in East Lansing. Chiles has the talent that can carry a team throughout the season, and I can’t wait to see it in Spartan Stadium this fall.

But the best part of this quote is the “deep passion” for the game that Smith mentions. Ever since Chiles got to campus his teammates and coaches have raved about how hard he works. And when you combine an elite work ethic with extreme passion and an elite talent on the field, you get an extremely special player.

That’s what Michigan State has with Chiles.