Michigan State University Athletics
Young Players Could Make Early Impact For Michigan State
8/31/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 29, 2005
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Judging by a depth chart released Monday, several first-year players could make their debuts this weekend for Michigan State.
Coach John L. Smith isn't sure if that's good news or bad news.
Thirteen of the 53 players listed on the Spartans' offensive and defensive depth charts are freshmen or red-shirt freshmen. None of them are projected to be in the starting lineup, but several could get plenty of action when Michigan State opens its season Saturday hosting Kent State at Spartan Stadium.
"There are a bundle of them in there," Smith said of the number of freshmen on his second and third strings. "That's good, and that's not so good."
It's good because the youngsters may have enough talent to play at a high level, Smith said. It's not so good because young players can be mistake prone as they adjust to the college system.
The Spartans, a Big Ten team, were 5-7 last season. Kent State, a member of the Mid-American Conference, finished 5-6 but won its last four games of the season.
A handful of prominent first-year players could make their debuts on offense for Michigan State. The biggest is Roland Martin, a 6-foot-5, 318-pound redshirt freshman who likely will see significant action at right guard.
Ryan Allison and Diego Oquendo, both true freshmen, could see action as receivers. So could redshirt freshman Carl Grimes.
Highly touted running back Javon Ringer could get a few carries behind primary backs Jason Teague, a senior, and Jehuu Caulcrick, a sophomore.
Ringer may have more explosiveness than either Teague or Caulcrick, coaches have said.
"He's probably a little bit ahead of where I expected him to be, so that's good," Smith said of Ringer.
Another freshman running back, A.J. Jimmerson, could redshirt. But that decision is not final and could depend on injuries.
Michigan State also would like to get redshirt freshman quarterback Brian Hoyer a few snaps, but not in an emergency situation. Junior QB Drew Stanton is entrenched as the starter and there is no experience behind him.
On defense, true freshman Ross Weaver is listed as a second string cornerback. Redshirt freshman Justin Kershaw could play at defensive end.
"A lot of the freshmen have surprised us this year," said senior safety Eric Smith. "They could pick us up both on offense and defense."
A few junior college transfers also could make their debuts Saturday for Michigan State.
Demond Williams is expected to start at cornerback and as a kick returner. Kerry Reed should get plenty of action as a receiver after starring in scrimmages.
But David Stanton, a defensive lineman, is not expected to be eligible because of a transfer issue, Smith said.
By TIM MARTIN, The Associated Press
