Jack Velling highlights growth by Aidan Chiles this offseason

Jonathan Smith’s arrival in East Lansing brought with him new faces and changes throughout the Michigan State football program. Personnel-wise, he made sure to add a bit of Oregon State flavor shortly after arriving on scene.

In the case of sophomore quarterback Aidan Chiles and tight end Jack Velling, they followed their coach from Corvallis to Michigan State. Velling is entering his third season in college football, which means he’s played alongside the presumed starter since he’s been in college.

To help fans get a better feel for their new QB1, Velling recently pulled back to curtain on Chiles’ improvements this offseason after their respective transfers

“He’s been doing great. He’s been killing offseason workouts,” Velling said of his quarterback. “I think, you know, from last year until now, I don’t exactly but I think he’s gained about 15, 20 pounds. He looks good, he throws the ball like he never has [before]. It’s going to be exciting, it’s an exciting time in East Lansing and Aidan’s kind of at the top of that.”

Chiles was a four-star recruit and ranked the No. 160 overall recruit, per the 2023 On3 Industry Rankings. He originally committed to Oregon State under Smith after being pursued by Washington and Oregon, among others, where he served as the backup to DJ Uiagalelei for his true freshman season.

He threw for 309 yards with four touchdowns and no turnovers. Chiles also ran for 79 yards and three touchdowns to cap his Oregon State career, and looks to build on that in East Lansing.

To Velling, Chiles has been more of a vocal leader compared to when they were both at Oregon State. He’s more willing to lead by example now that he has some experience under his belt.

“It’s a tough balance,” Velling said. “It’s a tough thing to do and I think he’s done a great job at it. Obviously he’s only a sophomore, he’s young. But he’s taken on the role and leadership better than I’ve seen anyone else and we kind of go as Aidan goes and he’s been — you know I said he had a great summer, he’s doing awesome. So he’s been doing good.”

The new-look Spartans will begin the 2024 regular season against Florida Atlantic on Friday, Aug. 30. Chiles, Velling and the rest of the Michigan State football team will then turn their attention toward Big Ten foe Maryland on Sept. 7.

It will be the first true road game of the season for the Spartans, whose schedule also features matchups against Ohio State, Oregon and Michigan.