Spartan Coaching Staff Appoints Football Captains
8/5/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 5, 2003
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Michigan State first-year head coach John L. Smith and his coaching staff have appointed four captains for the upcoming 2003 season, including senior guards Paul Harker and Joe Tate, junior defensive tackle Brandon McKinney and junior linebacker Ronald Stanley. Smith introduced the captains at a team meeting Tuesday (Aug. 5) night as the Spartans prepare to open preseason football camp Wednesday, Aug. 6.
"We weren't interested in conducting a popularity contest," Coach Smith said. "We tried to identify blue-collar guys that are committed to doing what's right both on and off the football field. We looked for individuals that are willing to accept accountability. And we wanted to choose players that displayed great leadership qualities. Since the conclusion of spring ball, these four players have separated themselves from the pack and they've tried to take control of this football team."
Harker, who was granted a sixth year of eligibility by the National Collegiate Athletic Association after missing 23 games due to injuries, has started 17 games during his five-year career. The 6-foot-3, 302-pound lineman appeared in 11 games in 2002, including six starting assignments. He started the first two games at left guard and the last four contests of the 2002 season at right guard. Harker, who graded out 90 percent or better in seven of 11 games, did not allow a sack last season. He also recorded 45 pancake blocks, including a season-best eight knockdowns vs. Notre Dame. A native of Dayton, Ohio, Harker earned Academic All-Big Ten honors in 2002, graduating with a 3.3 grade-point average in communication.
"Paul Harker is a guy that epitomizes the student-athlete - dedicated to his studies as well as the game," Smith said. "He already has his undergraduate degree but he loves the game so much he didn't want to walk away with a bitter taste in his mouth after what transpired last year. The only way Paul can remove that bitter taste is to come back and play another season. He deserves to go out as a winner. We're fortunate the NCAA granted Paul a sixth year of eligibility, and we're blessed to have a player of his ability and character on this football team."
 Offensive guard Joe Tate graded out over 90 percent in 10 of 12 games in 2002, including his last nine starts.  | |
The 6-5, 295-pound Tate enters his third season as Michigan State's starting left guard. He graded out over 90 percent in 10 of 12 games in 2002, including his last nine starts. Tate finished second on the team in pancakes with 58. He scored a career-high 97 percent vs. Purdue in the home finale. Tate was named Spartan Offensive Player of the Week vs. Iowa, grading out 94 percent including a career-best 10 knockdowns. He graded 97 percent vs. Eastern Michigan in the 2002 season opener, including six pancakes.
A native of Southfield, Mich., Tate attended the 2003 NCAA Leadership Conference, May 25-29, in Orlando, Fla.
"Joe Tate is an obvious choice for captain because he's such a well-rounded person," Smith said. "He's the type of person you want your sons to grow up to be like. He does everything you ask him to do - in the classroom, on the field and in the community. Joe is well respected by his teammates because of his work ethic. In addition, he's a good, tough football player.
"On the defensive side of the ball, we selected two juniors in Ronald Stanley and Brandon McKinney. These guys are well respected by their teammates, and they truly represent our blue-collar approach to the game. Ronald and Brandon have been pushed into these leadership positions, but they both have responded to the challenge."
 Junior defensive tackle Brandon McKinney started four games in 2002 and recorded 26 tackles, including two sacks. | |
McKinney, a 6-3, 312-pounder from Dayton, Ohio, heads into preseason camp atop the list of candidates for the starting role at one defensive tackle position. He saw action in 11 games in 2002, including four starts at defensive tackle (vs. California, Notre Dame, Iowa and Penn State). McKinney produced 26 tackles (16 solos, 10 assists), including 3.5 for losses (9 yards). He made four stops each vs. Penn State, Michigan and Eastern Michigan. McKinney recorded two sacks, including one each vs. Penn State (4 yards) and Michigan (3).
 Junior linebacker Ronald Stanley ranked second on the Spartans in tackles with 99 in 2002, including a team-best nine stops behind the line of scrimmage. | |
Stanley moves into his third season as a starting linebacker, his first year at the MIKE (middle) position. Last year, he more than doubled his 2001 production, ranking second on the Spartans in tackles with 99 (61 solos, 38 assists). The 6-0, 234-pound Stanley posted a team-best nine tackles for losses (21 yards) and played as well as anyone during the second half of the 2002 season, averaging 12 tackles per game during a four-game stretch. The Saginaw, Mich., native made a career-best 16 tackles vs. Michigan. Stanley earned Spartan Defensive Player of the Week Honors twice, vs. Indiana (10 stops) and Minnesota (13 including two for losses).
"Among the captains, we have a good mix of personalities," Smith said. "I envision Harker becoming the most vocal guy in the group, but leadership isn't always about yelling. Tate, Stanley and McKinney have the ability to lead by example. Their approach is 'hey, follow me.'
"I know it's an honor for a player to be elected captain by his peers, but I'm not sure it isn't a greater honor being selected by the coaching staff. Again, we weren't interested in conducting a popularity contest. And that often happens in voting because a guy votes for another player with similar ability and personality. Every member of the coaching staff had input in this decision. When the coaches choose captains, there are expectations that go along with the appointment. These guys have embraced the opportunity to take ownership of the team, and they've displayed the willingness to be accountable."
