Mel Tucker explains how Michigan State used the transfer portal to replace RB production

One of the reasons why Mel Tucker was able to quickly turn Michigan State around in the Big Ten is how he used the transfer portal. Players like Kenneth Walker III came in and quickly filled holes for the Spartans. The problem is that transfer talent tends to be a short-term fix to problems.

Michigan State has brought in a couple of new transfer running backs in Jalen Berger and Jarek Broussard. At Big Ten Media Days, Mel Tucker was able to give insight into how those transfer portal additions can replace the production they lost in the transfer portal.

“Berger came to us mid-year,” explained Mel Tucker. “We got him in January and he is a very talented young man–very talented. And, he really bought in right away to our culture and what we’re all about. He’s really started to bond with his teammates and he’s really opened up. So, we got to know him over these past several months and he is a very versatile guy. He’s an excellent runner and he’s excellent in terms of receiving the ball out of the backfield. He’s a competitor and I’m glad we got him.”

“Jarek Broussard, he played for us at Colorado when I was there. Tremendous, tremendous back. Also, excellent ball skills. Can catch the ball out of the backfield. Super and hyper-competitive. We got him this summer and he’s a guy who can do a lot of things. So, those two guys were obviously portal guys for us who made our team better and made our running back room more competitive.”

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Mel Tucker explained recruiting transfer running backs

Mel Tucker also explained Just how important Kenneth Walker III is to recruiting transfer running backs for the Spartans. It starts with his great story.

“We just tell a story. We just tell a story. He came to us, I’m not sure how many people knew about him naturally,” said Mel Tucker.

“He saw an opportunity to come to Michigan State and get better,” Mel Tucker continued. “His goal was to play in the National Football League and play against great competition. And he came in and went right to work. He did a great job in the weight room in the winter and he continued on through spring ball and he showed up every single day and improved as a football player. Obviously, he walked through the door extremely talented and he raised the level of competition, not just in the running back room but on the entire football team and he was extremely productive. And, then he got what he wanted. He was able to help us win a lot of football games.”

“He was a tremendous leader–a great teammate. Now, he’s moving onto the National Football League and he’s gonna have a great career there. It’s a great story and that resonates with players.”