Michigan State University Athletics
Spartans Poised For 2000 Campaign
7/25/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 25, 2000
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EAST LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan State first-year head coach Bobby Williams has heard the critics talking about the 2000 Michigan State Spartans. People look at the talent missing from the 2000 Florida Citrus Bowl Champions including seven players selected in the NFL Draft (two in the first round) and say that this will be a rebuilding year for the Spartans. But the word "rebuilding" is not in Coach Williams' vocabulary. Instead he expects even more from his team than it accomplished one season ago.
"When you look at last year's team coming into the 1999 season, people said we couldn't accomplish what we did, but we played to a higher level," Williams said. "This season, the bar is set even higher. We want to be in a position to contend for the Big Ten title every year. And soon, I hope we can talk about being a national championship contender. So every season we will raise the bar. And once we reach it, we'll raise it again."
That being said, Coach Williams realizes he has an important job to do. For Michigan State to be successful in 2000 it must successfully identify playmakers on both the offensive and defensive sides of the football.
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| Head Coach Bobby Williams wants the Spartans to contend for the Big Ten title every year. |
On offense, the Spartans will be without the services of two-year starting quarterback Bill Burke, NFL draft picks Plaxico Burress and Gari Scott at wide receiver and Greg Robinson-Randall at offensive tackle among others.
During his two years starting at quarterback Burke established himself as one of the best in school history, setting the school record for career touchdown passes. His numbers were aided by his two biggest pass receivers, Burress and Scott, who combined for over 1,600 yards receiving in 1999. Burress went on to become the eighth player selected in the 2000 NFL Draft and Scott was selected in the fourth round. In the trenches, Robinson-Randall started 22-consecutive games at offensive tackle and was a fourth-round draft pick.
The losses were just as great on the defensive side of the football where the Spartans are without one of their biggest playmakers in linebacker Julian Peterson. A first-round NFL draft pick, Peterson rewrote the Spartan record books for tackles for losses en route to earning All-America honors as a senior. On the defensive line, MSU will miss three-year starter Robaire Smith, a first-team All-Big Ten selection, who finished his career among the MSU leaders in sacks and tackles for losses. In the secondary, the Spartans will need to find someone with the leadership qualities of the graduated Aric Morris, who led the team in tackles in each of the last two seasons.
Certainly, Michigan State is missing some talented players from a year ago. But as Coach Williams says, that's not any reason to expect anything less from his team. He believes his current group of Spartans has the talent and more importantly the right attitude to compete for a conference championship.
"Our players believe that we have a good enough team that we can compete for a championship," said Williams. "My philosophy is that you have to look at the personnel and make up of your team to determine its plan of attack. On offensive, I will look to get the ball into the hands of our playmakers. I believe we have players that can make big plays both running and throwing the football. On defense, I want us to apply pressure to an opposing offense so that we can dictate the situation by down and distance. Here too, we have the players capable of creating the necessary pressure."
Offensive Scouting Report
For the past two seasons, Michigan State's offensive attack has found a majority of its success in the passing game. Consider that in 1999, MSU passed for 25 touchdowns, while rushing for just 12. Although the Spartans will once again possess a potent passing attack in 2000, look for more balance in the offense.
Michigan State will feature a double threat in the backfield for the first time in a few years in the sophomore duo of tailback T.J. Duckett (6-1, 252) and fullback Dawan Moss (5-10, 248).
Duckett began 1999 by splitting time on both offense and defense. By the end of the season, he was concentrating all his energy on offense where he led the team with 10 rushing touchdowns and rushed for 606 yards, second best on the squad. A versatile back, Duckett has the ability to lower his head and run over a defender and then run away from the defense once he breaks through the line. His breakout game came against Penn State where he rushed for a season-high 159 yards (22 carries) and four touchdowns.
After earning second-team Freshman All-America honors in 1999 as selected by The Sporting News, Duckett is poised to burst onto the national scene in 2000. He ranks among the nation's top 15 running backs according to Lindy's (No. 8) and The Sporting News (No. 14).
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| Sophomore tailback T.J. Duckett is poised to burst onto the national scene in 2000. |
"I'm very excited about the potential of T.J. Duckett," said Williams. "He's only going to get better and better each week. He's certainly an unbelievable talent and a physical specimen. I'm just anxious to see how well he plays."
Moss broke onto the scene in the second game of the season against Eastern Michigan. On his first collegiate carry, he broke 42 yards for a touchdown, becoming the first Spartan fullback to score a rushing touchdown since 1996. But as Williams explains, there is more to Moss' game than just running the football.
"Dawan is a three-dimensional fullback," said Williams. "He's an excellent blocker, he can run with the football and he can catch the football. He's a threat to run because he can get the tough yards or break the long run. I'm also impressed because I asked him to improve his pass catching during the spring and he developed into a reliable receiver.
"Not only do you have to defend the tailback in our offense, but you have to defend the fullback as well."
Backing up Duckett at tailback is junior Little John Flowers (6-0, 220). In 1999, Flowers was fourth on the team with 135 yards rushing.
"I've been very happy with Little John Flowers and his development through last fall and this past spring," said Williams. "He made a commitment to becoming an excellent football player which has really shown. He has the ability to step up and take on more of an active role with our offense."
Joining Duckett and Moss in the backfield is junior quarterback Ryan Van Dyke (6-5, 223). Over the past two seasons Van Dyke has appeared in 11 games while serving as the primary backup to Bill Burke. As a sophomore, Van Dyke threw for 393 yards (21 of 36), four touchdowns and no interceptions. Over two years he has thrown for 746 yards (54 of 99), six touchdowns and four interceptions.
While Van Dyke has seen all his action in a backup role, he did see considerable playing time against Northwestern and Iowa in 1999. After Burke left the Northwestern game with an injury, Van Dyke entered to throw for a season-best 153 yards (7 of 15), including touchdown passes of 35 and 84 yards to Plaxico Burress. Earlier in the season, Van Dyke threw for 147 yards and two touchdowns against Iowa.
After a productive spring in which Van Dyke threw for 219 yards in the 2000 Green-White spring game, Williams is confident the junior quarterback can lead the Spartan attack.
Ryan has developed into a quarterback that has complete knowledge of playing the position, knowing what it takes to win and what it takes to lead his team," Williams explained. "In his back-up role he was able to learn the overall scheme of our offense as well as what opposing defenses were trying to do to him.
"He's really stepped up as a leader in the huddle, at practice and off the field. He's all the things you like to see in a quarterback.
"From a physical standpoint, Ryan has really gotten stronger. He's really built himself up and made himself more durable. At his position he's going to take a few hits, but his strength will allow him to stand in the pocket both physically and mentally.
"Talent wise, Ryan has all the tools. He can throw the deep ball and has worked hard to improve his timing with our new group of receivers. He also has the touch needed for the intermediate passes. In addition, he can distribute the ball both in the pocket and while on the move to either his right or left."
With the departure of Plaxico Burress and Gari Scott, the Spartans will have two new starters at wide receiver. While Williams is concerned with the lack of experience at the position, he is excited about the potential.
Junior Herb Haygood (6-0, 188) is the leading candidate for the starting job at flanker. Although Haygood has seen a majority of his playing time returning kicks where he already ranks among the MSU career leaders (eighth with 792 yards on 37 returns), he ranked fifth on the team last year with 145 yards on 11 receptions. Haygood will bring speed to the flanker position which really excites Coach Williams.
"Herb brings us something at that position that we haven't had which is a guy who can flat out run," said Williams. "Speed is important because it can stretch the field vertically and put pressure on the defense. Complement that with an excellent running game and it only enhances it even more.
"Herb's development this spring was very, very good. He's taken the role of being a leader among the receivers. I think he's ready to step up and really try to be everything we need him to be."
| 2000 National Preseason Polls Street & Smith's The Sporting News |
At the split end position, junior Shawn Foster (5-11, 199) appears ready to take the starting role. During his first two seasons, Foster saw time as a back-up tailback, earning 197 yards in 1999. He made the switch to wide receiver in the spring, where he has caught the coach's eye.
"Shawn gives us additional speed at the wide receiver position," said Williams. "He impressed the coaches immediately with his speed and the ability to catch the ball down the field. He needs to develop and learn more about the position, but there is no question about his big-play ability."
Foster will receive a strong run for playing time from senior Lavaile Richardson (6-1, 197). Over his three-year career, he has caught 27 balls for 326 yards and two touchdowns.
"Lavaile is not going to impress you with his measurables, but he's a guy who we know will make a play for us when we need it," said Williams.
While the receivers are yet to see a lot of game experience, the Spartans boast one of the nation's top tight end duos in junior Chris Baker (6-3, 255) and senior Ivory McCoy (6-3, 230).
In 1999, Baker ranked second on the team with 38 receptions and third with 391 receiving yards and four touchdowns. For his efforts, Baker earned second-team All-Big Ten honors as selected by both the league's coaches and media. He enters the season ranked among the nation's top 10 tight ends as selected by The Sporting News (No. 9).
"Chris has really improved his overall work ethic and physical strength," said Williams. "He has also worked on a lot of things that he needed to get better at including his blocking. I look for him to increase his production once again this season."
While McCoy did not have as many catches as Baker in 1999, he did prove to be a dangerous target, averaging 14.8 yards per catch (193 yards on 13 receptions), third best on the team, while recording two touchdowns. If the spring is any indication, McCoy is ready for a strong senior campaign. He earned Green team MVP honors in the spring game, catching seven passes for 133 yards.
"Ivory has come a long way for us over his career," said Williams. "He has really improved in a lot of areas from his blocking to his catching to what he can do after the catch. He has really developed into a big-time playmaker on the offense."
While Baker and McCoy are each talented in their own right, they give the Spartan offense an added dimension when playing at the same time.
"Playing the two of them together poses problems for a defense," said Williams. "We are able to put one in motion and the defense doesn't know where to line up. In addition, they can catch the short to intermediate pass or stretch the defense with their speed."
While the playmakers are always important to an offense, they are not able to reach their full potential without a strong offensive line creating holes for the running game and providing pass protection. In 2000, the Spartans will feature a very strong offensive line, starting four seniors.
"I'm very excited about the potential of our offensive line," Williams said. "There are three returning starters and a fourth who was a part-time starter, so that gives us a veteran group. They have played together and can function as one unit."
The standout in the offensive line is senior tri-captain Shaun Mason (6-5, 302) at right guard. A 1999 second-team All-Big Ten selection, he is ranked among the nation's top offensive guards by both The Sporting News (No. 12) and Lindy's (No. 12). Mason had a solid junior campaign coming off a sophomore season which saw him sit out 10 games with a knee injury. His strength and dedication has impressed his coaches and teammates.
"Shaun is by far our strongest offensive lineman," Williams said. "He was our best offensive lineman in 1999, which is quite an accomplishment after coming back from injury. He's a guy with the ability to play every position on the offensive line. He can make the assignment calls that a center would normally make. He has been able to take a lot of the young players on the team and help bring them along by teaching them the little things needed to play the offensive line."
With Mason at right guard, senior Dave Sucura (6-4, 303) will enter his second season starting at left guard and third year starting overall. After moving from left tackle for the '99 season, Sucura shared the Tommy Love Award as the team's most improved player.
At left tackle, senior Siitupe Peko (6-4, 300) enters his second season as a starter. He too shared the Tommy Love Award in 1999. Across the line, senior Matt Bonito (6-6, 305) looks to replace departed NFL draftee Greg Robinson-Randall. Although he has been a backup for much of his career, Bonito started one game (vs. Northwestern) in 1999 when Peko was sidelined with an injury and had two starts at right tackle in 1998.
The Spartans will be searching for a new starter at center in 2000 with the graduation of Casey Jensen. Junior Josh Smith (6-4, 284) and red-shirt freshman Brian Ottney (6-6, 302) are the two most likely candidates for the job.
Defensive Scouting Report
In 1999, Michigan State's defense returned to its dominating ways of the past, especially against the run. MSU led the Big Ten and was fifth in the nation in rushing defense at 77.0 yards per game. Michigan State did not allow a rushing touchdown through the first five games of the season, the first time it had gone five games without giving up a rushing touchdown since joining the Big Ten in 1953.
While the Spartans will certainly miss defensive end Robaire Smith, linebacker Julian Peterson and strong safety Aric Morris, they don't expect a change in the productivity.
This year, the defensive tackles appear to be the strength of the defensive line, boasting perhaps the top tandem in the Big Ten. Senior Jace Sayler (6-5, 295) will start at left tackle while junior Josh Shaw (6-3, 283) will start at right tackle.
Sayler started the final four games of the '99 season at left tackle after starting all 12 games in 1998 at defensive end. Last season, he shared the MSU Iron Man Award for his dedication in the weight room. He finished '99 with 46 tackles, including four for losses (-28) and three sacks (-24).
Shaw was co-recipient of the 1999 MSU Outstanding Underclass Lineman Award after starting the first eight games at left tackle and the final four at right tackle. He finished the season with 61 tackles, including four for losses (-7). He is rated among the nation's top 20 defensive tackles by Lindy's (No. 17).
"I'm very happy with the way Sayler and Shaw have played," Williams said. "They played well for us last year and picked up their production in the spring. We're going to be able to push the pocket inside but there's a concern that we're not going to have the edge pressure that we've had the past two years."
Williams' concerns are understandable considering the loss of Smith and Peterson who both rank among MSU's career leaders in sacks and tackles for losses. The Spartans, however, are not without talent and experience at the position.
Leading the way at defensive end is junior Nick Myers (6-2, 263). This will be the second season for Myers starting at left defensive end. He started the first eight games of the season and recorded 31 tackles, including three for losses (-12) and two sacks (-9). He shared the Tommy Love Award as MSU's most improved player. According to Williams, he will need to improve some more for the Spartan defense to be effective.
"Nick has a lot of game experience and has been in some battles," Williams said. "Now he's stepped into a role where he's going to be an every down player and not relegated to specialty situations. He has to become the type of player that can hold the point and stop the run and put pressure on the quarterback. "
Senior Jabari Hendricks (6-3, 270) will attempt to fill the void left by Smith's departure. Hendricks recorded nine tackles in six games in 1999.
"Jabari has worked from behind to put himself in a position to be in front," Williams said. "He didn't start the spring as a first-team player, but worked hard in the winter program and in the weight room to get himself in shape. Once the coaches saw his commitment he began to move up the depth chart. He's certainly not where we want him to be, but he's got the attitude that we need him to have."
While the Spartans will be strong across the defensive line, Coach Williams is concerned about the lack of depth at the position. He describes the backups as talented players without a lot of experience who will have to grow up fast. They include senior Dimitry Bernard (6-2, 265), sophomore Samalj Gordon (6-5, 260) and red-shirt freshmen Joe Tate (6-5, 285), Kyle Rasmussen (6-3, 267) and Joe Brooks (6-3, 271).
At linebacker, the Spartans will once again have a very strong starting group despite the loss of Peterson to the NFL. Michigan State, however, did do some tinkering with the position. At the beginning of the spring, senior T.J. Turner (6-2, 252) was in the middle, junior Josh Thornhill (6-2,237) was at weakside and different players were used at strongside linebacker. A spring experiment resulted in a new combination that the coaching staff likes alot. Turner was moved to SAM linebacker, Thornhill moved to the MIKE linebacker and senior Drew Young (6-3, 227) moved from the secondary to WILL linebacker. Williams describes the move as providing the perfect mix for the linebacking group.
At SAM linebacker, Turner will have the job of replacing Peterson. An honorable mention All-Big Ten honoree in 1999, Turner started all 12 games at MIKE, collecting 66 tackles including eight for losses (-23) and two sacks (-10). His eight tackles for losses rank first among returning Spartan defenders. His team-leading five interceptions ranked second in the Big Ten (tied) and 20th nationally (tied). He also had a flair for the big play, coming up with three touchdowns, returning two fumbles and one interception. His first career interception came against Purdue with him returning the ball 88 yards for a touchdown. In the 2000 Florida Citrus Bowl, he returned a fumble 24 yards for a touchdown.
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| Senior T.J. Turner moved to the SAM linebacker position for 2000. |
A consensus All-Big Ten selection by the preseason magazines, Turner was ranked among the nation's top 10 inside linebackers by Lindy's (No. 7) and The Sporting News (No. 9) prior to the move to SAM.
"There's no question that T.J. was a talented inside linebacker, but he showed us he has the ability to play outside," Williams said. "He has the physical size and structure to play over the tight end. With his athletic ability, he has the potential to be even more productive at that position than he was in the middle."
Since moving to MIKE linebacker, Thornhill has established himself as one of the team's true leaders, serving as tri-captain. In 1999, he recorded 73 tackles (fourth best on the squad), including six for losses (-22) and three sacks (-15). His 73 tackles rank second among returning players. He set a career high with 18 tackles against Illinois. Prior to his move to the inside he was rated among the nation's top 20 outside linebackers by The Sporting News (No. 18), while earning preseason All-Big Ten honors from the same publication.
"Josh was a leader at weakside linebacker, but now in the middle he can evenly distribute himself as the rock of our defense," Williams said.
Young is the surprise member of the group at WILL linebacker. When spring drills began he was at safety, but moved to linebacker with the changes. Williams admits he has been pleased with Young's progress at the new position.
"Drew has been a pleasant surprise," Williams said. "His athletic ability and size give us something more than what we had at the position in the past. He stepped in and turned out to be a playmaker. It also helps that Thornhill is right next to him, bringing him along at the position."
| 2000 Big Ten Preseason Polls The Sporting News Street & Smith's Athlon Sports Lindy's |
Like the defensive line, the linebacker group is weak in terms of its depth. Williams is hoping that some young players including freshmen will develop into reliable backups.
Serving as the last line of defense, the Spartan secondary will need to replace Morris, MSU's leading tackler in 1999. Also missing is cornerback Amp Campbell who returned from a neck surgery to have a productive senior campaign in '99.
Serving as the new leader of the Spartan secondary at right cornerback is senior Renaldo Hill (5-11, 182). Voted tri-captain by his teammates, Hill was an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection in 1999 by the league's coaches and media. A co-recipient of the MSU Outstanding Underclass Back Award, he recorded 57 tackles and ranked second on the team with 13 pass break-ups. Twice he recorded 10 tackles (vs. Michigan and Illinois). His lone interception of the season against Oregon cemented MSU's season-opening victory. He enters the season rated among the nation's top 12 cornerbacks by The Sporting News (No. 8) and Lindy's (No. 12).
"Renaldo is a very quiet leader, but no one is going to work harder than him on the field or in off-the-field preparation," Williams said. "He is a student of the game, looking at a team's receivers and passing concepts. He is also an excellent technician."
Across the field, junior Cedric Henry (5-10, 183) will attempt to replace Campbell. Henry saw action in the last nine games of 1999, recording 18 tackles and four pass break-ups. In 1998, Henry appeared in all 12 games, including one as a starter, finishing with 52 tackles and second on the team with 13 pass break-ups.
"Cedric has the ability, skill and experience to have a good season at cornerback," Williams said. "He had to play a lot as a freshman and has always been ready when we've called on him."
Senior Richard Newsome (5-11, 198) is poised to have a strong senior campaign at free safety. A co-recipient of the 1999 Tommy Love Award for the team's most improved player, Newsome finished the '99 campaign with 92 tackles, ranking him first among returning Spartan defenders. Against Wisconsin, Newsome recorded a career-high 17 stops. His nine pass break-ups rank second among returning players. He could become the mainstay of the secondary that Morris was in 1999.
"Having Hill and Newsome back really solidifies our secondary," Williams said. "Richard has really come a long way in his development. Early in his career, we had to search for the right position for him before settling on safety, where he's really developed into a solid player. He's not afraid to fill the alleys or mix it up with the big backs or receivers. He's an excellent tackler. He's the guy who will rally the troops and also let it be known when we're not working the way we should."
Rounding out the secondary, junior Duron Bryan (6-0, 200) and sophomore Thomas Wright (6-1, 196) will compete for the starting duties at strong safety. Bryan recorded 12 tackles in 10 games. Wright appeared in all 12 games in 1999, collecting 22 tackles, including five sacks (-46).
Unlike the defensive line and linebackers, Williams believes he has quality depth in the secondary. In addition to either Bryan or Wright, MSU will have junior Lorenzo Guess (6-1, 193) off the bench. Guess gave up an opportunity to play on the NCAA Champion MSU basketball team to concentrate on football this spring. His dedication should pay off in his production. Guess collected 19 tackles in 1999 and returned his first career interception 39 yards for a touchdown against Eastern Michigan.
Special Teams Scouting Report
The Spartans return one of the nation's top punters in junior Craig Jarrett (6-2, 205). A first-team All-Big Ten selection in 1999, Jarrett finished second in the conference and No. 13 nationally with a 43.5-yard average. Jarrett, who pinned 14 kicks inside the opponents' 20-yard line last season, is a preseason third-team All-America pick by Athlon Sports.
"Craig Jarrett has developed into an outstanding punter," Williams said. "He's a great weapon for us because he can create field position for our defense, which eventually can lead to field position for the offense. I think he's going to have an outstanding year."
Junior David Schaefer (5-10, 190) and red-shirt freshman Dan Orner (5-7, 163) are expected to battle for the placekicking chores following the graduation of three-year starter and NFL draft pick Paul Edinger. Schaefer, who also serves as the backup punter, has attempted just two field goals in his first two seasons.
Heading into the preseason, Williams is still looking to solidify the return specialists. The loss of Gari Scott, who shattered MSU's career record for punt returns with 1,088 yards, leaves a big void.
Williams likely will turn to junior Shawn Foster, while junior Herb Haygood also has experience returning kicks. The Spartan mentor is also anxious to take a look at several newcomers.
"We lost a tremendous kick returner in Gari Scott," Williams said. "We have taken a look at a lot of people back there, but right now it looks like Shawn Foster is our No. 1 guy. I also want to look at red-shirt freshmen Ziehl Kavanaght and Josh Lenaburg as well as some of our incoming freshmen.
| Basic Offense: Pro Set Basic Defense: 4-3 1999 Record: 10-2 overall, 6-2 Big Ten (t-2nd) 1999 Postseason: Defeated Florida (37-34) in 2000 Florida Citrus Bowl 1999 Final Ranking: No. 7 in both Associated Press and USA Today/ESPN Coaches polls Lettermen Lost: 21 (9 offense, 10 defense, 2 specialists) Lettermen Returning: 29 (14 offense, 14 defense, 1 specialist) Starters Lost: 12 (6 offense, 5 defense, 1 specialist) Starters Returning: 12 (5 offense, 6 defense, 1 specialist) |
OFFENSIVE STARTERS LOST (6): SE Plaxico Burress, C Casey Jensen, RT Greg Robinson-Randall, QB Bill Burke, FL Gari Scott, TB Lloyd Clemons.
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING (5): LT Siitupe Peko, LG Dave Sucura, RG Shaun Mason, TE Chris Baker, TE Ivory McCoy.
DEFENSIVE STARTERS LOST (5): RT Desmond Thomas, RE Robaire Smith, OLB Julian Peterson, LCB Amp Campbell, SS Aric Morris.
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING (6): LE Nick Myers, LT Josh Shaw, MLB T.J. Turner, OLB Josh Thornhill, FS Richard Newsome, RCB Renaldo Hill.
STARTING SPECIALIST LOST (1): PK Paul Edinger.
STARTING SPECIALIST RETURNING (1): P Craig Jarrett
TOP LOSSES: SE Plaxico Burress (Football News second-team All-American, 131 career catches for 2,155 yards and 20 TDs), QB Bill Burke (26 career starts, completed 173-of-312 throws for 2,214 yards and Spartan single-season record 20 TDs in 1999), FL Gari Scott (134 career receptions for 2,095 yards and 18 TDs, MSU's all-time leader in punt returns with 1,088 yards), TB Lloyd Clemons (led team in rushing with 959 yards in '99), OT Greg Robinson-Randall (22 career starts), C Casey Jensen (24 career starts), LB Julian Peterson (Football News first-team All-American, MSU single-season record 30 tackles for losses in '99, set Spartan career record with 48 tackles for losses), SS Aric Morris (second-team All-Big Ten, team MVP had 132 tackles in '99, 47 career starts), DE Robaire Smith (Sporting News second-team All-American, 22 career sacks, 33 career starts), CB Amp Campbell (Associated Press third-team All-American, MSU single-season record 26 pass break-ups in '99, seven career interceptions), PK Paul Edinger (Football News scond-team All-American, made 21-of-26 field-goal attempts in '99, 46 career field goals).
TOP RETURNEES: TB T.J. Duckett (Sporting News second-team Freshman All-American, rushed for 606 yards and 10 TDs in 1999), TE Chris Baker (second-team All-Big Ten, 38 catches for 391 yards and four TDs in '99), TE Ivory McCoy (13 receptions for 193 yards and two TDs in '99), OG Shaun Mason (second-team All-Big Ten, 26 career starts), OG Dave Sucura (24 career starts), OT Siitupe Peko (12 career starts), LB T.J. Turner (66 tackles and team-leading five interceptions in '99), LB Josh Thornhill (73 tackles including six for losses in '99, 18 career starts), CB Renaldo Hill (24 career starts, six career interceptions), FS Richard Newsome (team's second-leading tackler with 92 stops in '99), DT Jace Sayler (46 tackles including four for losses in '99, 17 career starts), DT Josh Shaw (61 tackles including four for losses in '99).
TOP NEWCOMERS: C Brian Ottney (R-Fr./Prep All-American in 1998), TB Tyrell Dortch (Fr./Prep All-American rushed for 2,605 yards and 32 TDs in '99), LB Clifford Dukes (Fr./105 tackles in '99), QB Jeff Smoker (Prep All-American/threw for 2,458 yards and 26 TDs in '99), DL Greg Taplin (Fr./first-team all-state DE had 11 sacks in '99), DL Dwight Whitfield (Prep All-American/42 career sacks).
THE STRENGTHS:
Offensive Line - Three starters return up front, including RG Shaun Mason, LG Dave Sucura and LT Siitupe Peko. That trio is responsible for 61 combined starting assignments.
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| Junior Chris Baker returns as one half of an impressive tight end tandem. |
Running Back - TB T.J. Duckett rushed for 606 yards and 10 TDs as a backup in 1999. FB Dawan Moss averaged 5.4 yards per carry (17 rushes for 91 yards).
Tight End - Michigan State has perhaps the best tight end tandem in the country. Last year, Chris Baker and Ivory McCoy combined for 51 catches for 584 yards and six TDs.
Rush Defense - Last year, Michigan State led the Big Ten and finished fifth in the NCAA in rushing defense, allowing only 77.0 yards per game. The Spartans should once again be strong up the middle with DTs Jace Sayler and Josh Shaw, LBs T.J. Turner and Josh Thornhill and FS Richard Newsome.
THE QUESTIONS:
Wide Receiver - Gone are proven playmakers Plaxico Burress and Gari Scott, who combined for 96 receptions for 1,625 yards and 18 TDs in 1999.
Quarterback - Outside starter Ryan Van Dyke, there are no other QBs on the 2000 Spartan roster with game experience.
Pass Rush - Gone are LB Julian Peterson and DE Robaire Smith, who combined for 23 of Michigan State's single-season record 54 sacks in '99.
Special Teams - Two of the most topical questions for the coming year revolve around replacing PK Paul Edinger and PR Gari Scott. Edinger connected on 46-of-58 career field-goal attempts (.793) while Scott destroyed MSU's career record for punt returns with 1,088 yards, breaking the previous mark by 468 yards.
POSITION CHANGES:
Shawn Foster (from TB to SE)
Josh Thornhill (from OLB to MLB)
T.J. Turner (from MLB to OLB)
Drew Young (from S to OLB)
