V-Cast: Michigan State prioritizing competition and evaluation as well as installation to this point in training camp
East Lansing, Mich. – Michigan State coordinators Brian Lindgren and Joe Rossi were both available on Thursday afternoon following practice to answer questions about the latest developments in football training camp. Afterward SpartanMag.com staffers Jim Comparoni and Paul Konyndyk stepped outside the Tom Izzo Football Building weigh in on the day’s news in the latest V-Cast.
V-CAST TOPICS
Still Evaluating Personnel: With so many new players in the Michigan State program this August, both Lingren and Rossi made it clear that the entire coaching staff is occupied with personnel evaluation as well as installation of the offense and defense during training camp. Rossi made it clear that every job was up for grabs on his defense. When asked specifically about returning starters in the secondary, Rossi indicated that individuals who started last season would not necessarily occupy those same roles this season. The uncertainty with regard to depth chart positioning on defense also likely extends to linebacker where Michigan State has a mix of talented transfers and returning veterans. Spartan coaches are big on competition. These competitions are real.
Bold Words: Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles indicated that he believes he is not only the best quarterback in the Big Ten, but also the best quarterback in the country. He qualified that statement by saying that every quarterback in his position has a similar mindset. Not to be outdone, defensive end Khris Bogle predicted that the Spartans would have the best defense in the Big Ten and college football. Bogle may have overplayed his hand with a prediction that is unlikely to come true, but there is nothing wrong with enthusiasm. The biggest takeaway for me from Bogle’s statement is that he has confidence in Rossi’s defensive scheme. Bogle also seems convinced that the Michigan State defense is committed to putting in the work required for all-around improvement on defense.
Names we heard: Wide receiver Nick Marsh and tight end Brennan Parachek are among the younger players that were mentioned positively by either players or coordinators after practice on Thursday. There were also some offensive linemen that received unsolicited praise. That group included Kristian Phillips, Gavin Broscious, Luke Newman, and Tanner Miller. Back-up quarterback Tommy Schuster is another name worth mentioning. The North Dakota transfer appears to be universally well-liked throughout the Spartan program by coaches as well as players including Chiles, who acknowledged that there is a lot he can learn from veteran QB.
