MSU Preseason 2009

MSU preseason football- The Spartan depth chart will require a lot of evaluation from the coaching staff. They have two quarterbacks; Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol that were identical in the spring scrimmage both throwing for 357 yards and 4 touchdowns. There is also a lot of talent at the running back position. The Spartans have a strong freshman class that is also playing well. Although there is a lot of depth offensively, the coaching staff will not be able to make everyone happy. Head coach Mark Dantonio will need to put the right pieces together in order for this team to have a successful year.

Coach Dantonio used multiple situations in their one hundred and twenty five plays for their preseason scrimmage. Both quarterbacks played well in this situational scrimmage game. The coaching staff will need to evaluate the toughness and good decision making from both Cousins and Nichol. Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol have shared snaps with the ones in this tough competition between the two quarterbacks. They don’t see this as a competition against each other but a way to be more competitive on the field. “We are not really competing against each other we’re competing with each other pushing each other” Kirk Cousins stated. Whether Coach Dantonio uses one quarterback or both, they will have experience receivers to throw the ball to. The Spartans down field threat includes B.J. Cunningham, Keshawn Martin, Blair White, and Mark Dell.

Freshman running backs Larry Caper and Edwin Baker are playing well, adding to the competition in the backfield. There are several running backs competing to fill the hole that the Spartan’s second all time leading rusher, “a preeminent running back” Javon Ringer left open. Coach Dantonio will have no choice for the 2009 season to live a fantasy football player’s nightmare “running backs by committee.” “Physically they are very talented players.” Mark Dantonio said. Therefore the coaching staff will factor in a few aspects of what they are looking for from this group. They will factor in how tough they are, how much effort they give, how unselfish they are, and avoiding making mental mistakes. These are all qualities that Javon Ringer had playing for MSU. “He was special.” Coach Mark Dantonio stated. Fifth year Senior running back A. J. Jimmerson has the most experience with fifty seven career rushes.

Defense Coach Pat Narduzzi’s blitz zone scheme will cause a lot of havoc for the opposing offense. The Spartans have a lot of depth on the defensive side which includes eight starters in the secondary. Defensive end Trevor Anderson coming off an eight sack season in 2008 will lead the way on the first line of attack. “He is a very explosive player.” Head Coach Mark Dantonio stated. It won’t get any easier for the opposing offense when they face the second line of attack. Junior line backer Greg Jones who was named Big Ten pre-season defensive player of the year is another explosive player. “A lot of my hard work did pay off but at the same time there are ten other guys out on the field that make my job that much easier.” Greg Jones stated. “Greg is a very intense player and the type of player you can feed off of” Trevor Anderson said.

The Spartan coaching staff has a lot of decisions to make before their opening game against Montana State. “We make decisions everyday; the biggest decision is what young players will move ahead.” Coach Dantonio stated.

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