Spartan Football Prepares For Second Preseason Scrimmage

Aug. 15, 2003

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State first-year head coach John L. Smith has scheduled a 90-play "controlled" scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 16 at 9 a.m. in Spartan Stadium. It marks the Spartans' second scrimmage in the last five days. Saturday's scrimmage is closed to the media and general public.

Smith sent his team through a 96-play scrimmage on Tuesday, Aug. 12.

"The biggest thing we're looking for Saturday is improved effort," Smith said. "The guys need to play hard and finish every play. We grade players based upon proper alignment, execution of assignment, proper technique and ability to finish plays. We didn't see enough of guys finishing plays in the first scrimmage.

"One thing a player can control is his effort. We should be able to mark 100 percent for effort on the grade sheet every time the ball is snapped. It's almost impossible to be perfect in every category, but we're going to demand 100 percent effort on every snap.

"Our players need to learn how to prepare for a scrimmage," Smith continued. "They need to approach the scrimmage like it's a game; otherwise, they're going to be in trouble on game day. Their mental approach to scrimmaging has to change. They have to begin realizing that a scrimmage isn't simply another practice - it's a payday. If the players approach the scrimmage like it's a payday, then we expect to see them bring a lot of excitement and energy to the field. They need to have a spring in their step just like they do when they're making a deposit in the bank."

In the Aug. 12 scrimmage, quarterbacks Jeff Smoker (6-3, 224, Sr.), Damon Dowdell (6-1, 225, Jr.) and Drew Stanton (6-3, 222, R-Fr.) took turns running the first and second units.

Smoker completed seven-of-13 throws for 65 yards. He capped an 11-play, 55-yard drive with a 1-yard sneak for a touchdown. Smoker hit four-of-five passes for 38 yards during the series, including a 20-yard completion to running back Jaren Hayes (5-9, 184, So.) on third-and-12 that kept the drive alive. He also directed an 11-play, 39-yard drive that resulted in Dave Rayner's (6-2, 203, Jr.) 18-yard field goal.

Dowdell connected on five-of-11 passes for 87 yards, including TD strikes of 49 yards to Jerramy Scott (5-10, 185, So.) and 8 yards to Agim Shabaj (5-10, 194, So.). On his second series, Dowdell got sacked three times for 26 yards.

Stanton completed three-of-six passes for 13 yards. He led a seven-play, 50-yard drive that produced Jason Teague's (5-9, 189, So.) 14-yard TD run.

"The offensive tempo has improved throughout the week , and we expect to see that as players gain confidence in executing the package," Smith said.

Scott and Shabaj had three receptions each for 73 and 14 yards, respectively. Eleven different receivers caught at least one pass.

Freshman Kris Bush (5-11, 184) paced a well-balanced ground attack with 51 yards on six carries, including a 19-yard TD run on the final play from scrimmage. Teague picked up 45 yards on seven rushes, while Bobo Brown (5-9, 204, Fr.) contributed 34 yards on seven attempts.

"We were pleased with the performance of our freshman running backs in the first scrimmage," Smith said. "Bobo Brown ran hard, and Kris Bush showed good vision in following his blocks.

"We have to get Tyrell Dortch (5-10, 203, Jr.) some snaps Saturday. He dinged his ankle early in Tuesday's scrimmage and watched most of it from the sidelines. We need Tyrell back in the lineup, so he can contribute to this offense."

Michigan State's pass rush came to life in Tuesday's scrimmage. Defensive end Clifford Dukes (6-3, 264, Jr.) recorded two sacks for 22 yards. Defensive tackle Matthias Askew (6-6, 294, Jr.) produced three tackles for losses (11 yards), including two sacks (6). Defensive end Greg Taplin (6-5, 259, Sr.) also registered two sacks (7 yards).

"Clifford Dukes has emerged as a consistent playmaker on defense," Smith said. "We need to have everyone adopt his approach to the game because he finishes every play. He goes to the practice field every day with the purpose of getting better. Clifford performs at a consistently high level and gives great effort. He'll run 30 yards down field to try to make a play.

"We're excited about the development of Roderick Maples (5-10, 190, Jr.) and Ashton Watson (6-0, 177, So.) at cornerback. Not only have those guys been playing well but so have their back-ups - Darren Barnett (6-0, 181, So.), DeAndra Cobb (5-10, 186, Jr.) and Jeremiah McLaurin (5-11, 190, Sr.). We wish we had competition for playing time at every position like we do at cornerback because those guys are forcing each other to improve."

McLaurin picked off a pass in the Aug. 12 scrimmage.

In addition to expecting greater effort from his players Saturday, Coach Smith believes the intensity level will increase as players fight for starting jobs and spots in the playing rotation.

"We want to see the guys come to the field Saturday and compete because several starting jobs are on the line," Smith said. "We're anxious to see which players are willing to push themselves so they can take their game to the next level and jump over the competition. It's time to see some separation at every position. All eyes are on the quarterback race but there are several positions up for grabs, like center where Chris Morris (6-4, 291, So.) and Kyle Cook (6-4, 287, R-Fr.) are pushing each other to get better."