Why you should follow these 10 Spartans in fall camp
Matt Charboneau of The Detroit News identifies 10 key players for Michigan State’s fall camp.
QB Brian Lewerke: The sophomore has started just twice in his career but showed enough promise in limited action last season and in the spring to be named the starter heading into preseason camp. The spring game showed he’s completely healed from the broken leg suffered last fall.
WR Trishton Jackson: The Spartans could use someone to jump up and become a playmaker on the edge and Jackson showed in the spring game he could be that guy. Mark Dantonio wants Jackson to be tougher, but he’ll have a shot to have a breakout season.
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RT Luke Campbell: The offensive line isn’t loaded with experience and as camp opens, it appears Campbell is in the lead to start at right tackle. It will be a big jump for a player who redshirted last season and his development will be watched closely.
DE Kenny Willekes: In a position of need, the former walk-on could be the next diamond in the rough for Dantonio and his staff. His experience has been limited but he had an outstanding spring and will get a shot to put a charge in MSU’s paltry pass rush.
LB Joe Bachie: At arguably the most important position in Michigan State’s defense, the Spartans will turn to the sophomore who saw limited action as a true freshman in 2016. He drew rave reviews in the spring but the pressure will be on in preseason camp.
CB Justin Layne: After making the quick switch from wide receiver last season, Layne showed glimpses of potential as a true freshman. He played some receiver in the spring game, but the focus this fall is on defense and locking down one side of the field.
CB Josiah Scott: Michigan State knew cornerback would be a question mark this season and Scott looks like he’ll have a shot to win the starting job as a true freshman. He enrolled early and had a solid spring, but he’ll have to adjust quickly once the season starts.
K Matt Coghlin: With Michael Geiger lost to graduation, Coghlin will get his shot to be the Spartans’ kicker. He was rated highly when recruited in 2016 but will have to hold off incoming freshman Cole Hahn.
DE Brandon Randle: The Spartans need help at defensive end and Randle is making the switch from outside linebacker. The hope is he brings some speed on the edge, and how quickly he comes along will be interesting to see over the next few weeks.
DT Raequan Williams: The Spartans are strong in the middle and Williams is coming off a strong finish to the 2016 season. He’ll team with fellow sophomore Mike Panasiuk as the two hope to fortify the interior of the MSU defense.