Michigan State University Athletics
2011 Outlook: Offense
8/2/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 2, 2011
Roster | Preseason Depth Chart
Under fifth-year head coach Mark Dantonio, Michigan State has solidified itself as a perennial Top 25 program and one of the top teams in the Big Ten Conference.
The Spartans are coming off the winningest season in program history after going 11-2 in 2010 while claiming their first Big Ten Championship in 20 years. MSU has appeared in four consecutive bowl games, including two on New Year's Day, and finished No. 14 in both of the major polls last season.
This season, the Spartans are stocked with talent and depth at nearly every position as they prepare to defend their Big Ten title and attempt to reach the Rose Bowl for the first time since defeating USC in 1988. Michigan State welcomes back 15 starters - including eight who earned All-Big Ten recognition last season - and a total of 47 letterwinners overall.
In addition, several rising players who redshirted in 2010 and stood out during spring practice will get to vie for key spots on both offense and defense.
As MSU gears up for preseason camp, Dantonio, who has won more games (33) than any Spartan coach in his first four seasons, takes a position-by-position look at the 2011 Spartan offense.
QUARTERBACKS
Fifth-year senior Kirk Cousins, who will likely become just the second three-time captain in Michigan State football history, returns for his third season as the starting quarterback.
In his two seasons as the starter, Cousins (6-3, 205) has posted impressive numbers. He enters his final year wearing the Green and White as the most accurate passer in school history, completing 64 percent of his attempts, and also owns with the best pass efficiency rating of any Spartan quarterback (146.7 rating).
Cousins already ranks among MSU's career leaders in passing yards (fourth; 5,815 yards), total offense (fourth; 5,727 yards), pass completions (sixth; 456), touchdown passes (sixth; 41) and pass attempts (eighth; 709).
As a junior, Cousins was named a semifinalist for the Davey O'Brien Award (nation's top quarterback), thanks to one of the best statistical seasons in Spartan history. His 66.9 completion percentage, 226 pass completions, 2,825 passing yards and 20 touchdown passes all ranked among the top five in the MSU single-season record book.
But statistics are just one side of the story when looking at Cousins. His leadership skills are invaluable, from mentoring the younger players, to uniting the team during offseason workouts, to his decision-making on the field. He truly exemplifies what it means to be a leader.
"There's no substitute for experience, especially at the quarterback position," Dantonio said. "Over the last four years, Kirk Cousins has grown and matured into becoming a premier quarterback. Kirk is a great student of the game and really understands the importance of paying close attention to detail when it comes to game preparation. He watches a ton of video each week and applies what he sees and learns in those video sessions to the practice field. As a result, Kirk makes great decisions with the football on game days. He will make all of the throws. In addition, Kirk has a great presence in the huddle and truly knows his teammates and how to energize them. With all that said, the bottom line is: Kirk is a proven winner."
Backing up Cousins for the second-straight year will be sophomore Andrew Maxwell (6-3, 208). Maxwell appeared in five games as a red-shirt freshman in 2010, completing 44 percent of his passes for 123 yards in limited action. Maxwell continued his development throughout spring practice, including one scrimmage in which he went 21-for-27 passing for 253 yards and two TDs.
"Andrew played very, very well in the spring - he showed great control of the offense," Dantonio said. "He's got confidence, a live arm, and the size to be an extremely successful quarterback. He's been in the system for two years and he's really grown, plus he has game experience. I feel that Andrew would start at a lot of places."
Junior Peter Badovinac (6-2, 215) and true freshman Conner Cook (6-4, 200), who participated in the Elite 11 Quarterback camp during the summer, provide depth at quarterback.
Dantonio also mentioned the possibility that former quarterback Keith Nichol - now a wide receiver - could see some snaps depending on the situation.
"Keith Nichol needs to be a guy who can play some as a third quarterback in an emergency situation," said Dantonio. "He is a great wide receiver, but he also has to take some reps at quarterback along the way in case we need him for any reason."
RUNNING BACKS/FULLBACKS
Michigan State features one of the best running back trios in the nation in junior Edwin Baker (5-9, 210), junior Larry Caper (5-11, 223) and sophomore Le'Veon Bell (6-2, 237).
A first-team All-Big Ten selection by the media as a sophomore in 2010, Baker had a breakthrough season after playing in just eight games as a true freshman. The Highland Park, Mich., product rushed for a team-best 1,201 yards (92.4 yards per game), which ranked fourth in the Big Ten and 30th in the nation, and became just the sixth sophomore at MSU to pass the 1,000-yard rushing mark. Baker also led the team with 13 rushing touchdowns.
 All-Big Ten running back Edwin Baker rushed for 1,201 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2010, including five 100-yard rushing games.  | |
"Heading into his third year, Edwin has a mature outlook on things," Dantonio said. "He's a very explosive player and can take it the distance. He always has gotten himself ready to play, and I think that's a big part of his game."
After leading the team in rushing as a freshman in 2009, Caper entered last season as one of the starters at running back, but a hand injury kept him out of the first two games. With Baker and Bell collecting most of the carries, Caper saw a majority of his action in third-down situations, primarily due to his receiving and pass-blocking skills. Caper led all Spartan running backs with 12 receptions for 133 yards, and he also rushed for 144 yards.
As a true freshman, Bell had an outstanding first half of the season with 549 yards and eight TDs in his first six games, including a season-best 141-yard effort with three touchdowns in his Spartan debut against Western Michigan. Baker's emergence as the lead back in the second half of the year, however, slowed Bell's production, but he was still named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team by both ESPN.com and Rivals.com after finishing with 605 rushing yards (46.5 ypg.). This season, the coaching staff is looking for consistent numbers from Bell throughout the entire season.
"I think you have to run the football," Dantonio said, regarding MSU's rushing philosophy. "I don't think you can be a football team that's going to line up and throw the ball every time, at least not for us here. You have to look at guys like Edwin Baker, Larry Caper and Le'Veon Bell. Those are guys that can make plays on the offensive side; we have to get those guys involved in space and allow them to go to work."
In addition to the three experienced backs, Nick Hill (5-7, 180, R-Fr.) and Jeremy Langford (5-11, 205, R-Fr.), who both redshirted last season, also will compete for playing time in the backfield.
At fullback, a converted defensive player will once again enter preseason camp in the starting role. Fifth-year senior Todd Anderson (6-2, 260), who earned his first letter in 2010 as a defensive end, moved to fullback during spring practice and showed promising signs at his new position.
"Todd found his home at fullback during the spring," Dantonio said. "We were encouraged by what we saw from him and look for him to improve even more during preseason camp."
Niko Palazeti (6-1, 250, R-Fr.), Adam Setterbo (6-3, 245, Sr.-5) and Jeff Bobek (6-1, 245, Jr.) will provide depth at fullback.
WIDE RECEIVERS
Perhaps the most experienced unit on the team, Michigan State returns four players who have started games at wide receiver, including three seniors: B.J. Cunningham (6-2, 215), Keshawn Martin (5-11, 189) and Keith Nichol (6-2, 220).
Cunningham and Nichol will be the featured receivers at split end. A fifth-year senior, Cunningham will likely end his career atop the Michigan State record book for receptions, as he needs just 10 more to pass Matt Trannon to become the school's all-time leader in that category. Cunningham enters 2011 with 139 catches, currently third in MSU history, to go along with 1,780 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Although he missed the Capital One Bowl with a broken foot, Cunningham still led the team with a career-high nine TD receptions, which tied for fourth most in an MSU season. Cunningham participated in spring practice and is 100 percent healthy at the onset of preseason camp.
 B.J. Cunningham enters the 2011 season with 139 career receptions for 1,780 yards and 13 touchdowns. | |
Nichol played his first full season as a receiver in 2010. A converted quarterback, Nichol split time with Cousins in 2009 before making the move to wideout during bowl practice of that season out of personnel necessity. One of the most athletic players on the team, Nichol flourished in his new position, and after a strong showing during spring practice, he quickly moved into a starting role for the 2010 season. Nichol went on to record 22 catches for 262 yards (11.9 avg.), while also proving to be a threat with his arm in specific situations, completing 4-for-7 passes for 62 yards and two TDs. His physicality also has paid dividends as one of his greatest strengths has proven to be his run-blocking ability.
Martin is a versatile option and a scoring threat every time he touches the ball, accounting for touchdowns in five different ways in his career (rushing, receiving, passing, punt return, kick return). He was third on the team in both receiving (32 catches for 394 yards) and rushing (157 yards; 8.7 avg.) in 2010 and has led the team in all-purpose yards the last two seasons.
Bennie Fowler (6-1, 215, So.) emerged as a multidimensional playmaker during the second half of last season following an Achilles injury that sidelined Martin for two games. Fowler made an immediate contribution in Martin's absence, scoring a touchdown on a reverse and catching a key reception on a fake punt during MSU's 17-point comeback win at Northwestern. He finished the season with 573 all-purpose yards, including 175 receiving yards on 14 catches.
In addition to the players with starting experience, talented red-shirt freshmen Keith Mumphery (6-0, 202) and Tony Lippett (6-2, 189) will each see playing time following their impressive performances during spring practice. Lippett also could see action on the defense as a cornerback.
Brad Sonntag (5-8, 176) and Chris D. Rucker (5-9, 178), who have both earned letters, also return for their final season as fifth-year seniors.
"We have more depth than in the past at wide receiver," Dantonio said. "Our receivers could be a very special group, especially when you add Keith Mumphery and Tony Lippett to the mix with the three seniors along with Bennie Fowler. Keith Nichol looks more comfortable out there; B.J. has always been consistent, and Keshawn is a true playmaker."
OFFENSIVE LINE
One of the challenges for the Spartans will be filling the holes left by three starters on the offensive line, including second-team All-Big Ten left tackle D.J. Young, center John Stipek and right tackle J'Micheal Deane.
The good news is that there appears to be plenty of promising candidates ready for expanded roles this season.
The anchor of the line will be fifth-year senior Joel Foreman (6-4, 315), who will return for his fourth year as the starting left guard. Foreman was an honorable mention All-Big-Ten selection last season and has started 36 career games, including 22 straight. Although he sat out in the spring to rest his wrist and ankle, Foreman provided leadership to the young line during the offseason and spring practice.
John Deyo (6-6, 300, Jr.) took reps with the first team all spring and will support Foreman at left guard, along with Nate Klatt (6-4, 290, So.) and Shawn Kamm (6-7, 310, R-Fr.).
Junior Chris McDonald (6-5, 300) holds down the spot at right guard after starting 12 games last season. In his first year as a starter in 2010, McDonald did not allow a sack during the regular season.
"Chris was our most consistent offensive lineman during the spring," Dantonio said. "He did a tremendous job in his first year as a starter, and now he's become one of the leaders of that group. We're expecting another great year from him on the right side of the line."
 Joel Foreman enters his fourth year as a starter at left guard. | |
An inspirational player to the entire team, Arthur Ray Jr. (6-3, 299) returned to the football field in the spring for the first time in four years following a battle with cancer and will be a reserve at right guard.
The remaining three starting positions will be fought for during preseason camp.
At left tackle, Dan France (6-6, 315, So.) made quite an impression during spring practice while competing at the position for just a few weeks. A converted defensive lineman who earned a letter in 2010, France played tight end in high school, but never on the offensive line. His athleticism and upside at the position has made him the leading candidate to start prior to the season.
Battling France at left tackle will be fifth-year senior Jared McGaha, a two-year letterman who has seen action in 23 career games and can play at either guard or tackle. McGaha (6-6, 298) appeared in nine games last season, including starts at right guard against Minnesota and left tackle against Purdue. Red-shirt freshman Michael Dennis (6-7, 307) provides depth behind France and McGaha.
The race for center was crowded at the beginning of spring ball, but two contenders separated themselves following the 15 practices: Travis Jackson (6-3, 275, R-Fr.) and Blake Treadwell (6-3, 295, Jr.). After redshirting in the fall and playing on the scout team, Jackson saw his role change drastically in the spring, taking snaps with the first and second teams.
"Travis had a tremendous winter conditioning program and played well in the spring," Dantonio remarked. "He's very athletic, intelligent, and tough."
Treadwell changed roles as well, lining up on the offensive side of the ball after spending his first two seasons on the defensive line; however, Treadwell has experience on the offensive line, as he was one of the most touted centers in the nation coming out of high school. He also can play guard if necessary and is listed behind McDonald on the preseason depth chart at right guard.
"Blake was an outstanding offensive lineman coming out of high school," Dantonio said. "We need to make sure we have guys that are athletic enough to play center and offensive guard, so we wanted to provide that opportunity for him to get in that mix. I think Blake will bring a tremendous amount of toughness and effort to our offensive line."
Ethan Ruhland (6-5, 290, Jr.) will also get snaps at center in preseason camp.
Red-shirt freshman Skyler Burkland (6-7, 305) is full of potential and appears ready to push for a starting position at right tackle after an excellent spring season.
"Skyler had an outstanding freshman year, and he's everything you want as an offensive tackle," Dantonio said. "He's very active with great feet; he's got toughness, and he's extremely athletic. We're going to give him the opportunity right from the outset, and we'll build it from there."
Henry Conway (6-6, 318, So.) and junior college transfer Fou Fonoti (6-4, 300, Jr. ) also will have a chance to compete at right tackle during preseason camp.
"We're rebuilding three positions on the offensive line, but I think we have a nucleus of some outstanding players," Dantonio said. "We have depth, which is always so crucial, and we're bringing in some outstanding players as well. We've got some guys in there that show the ability to play."
TIGHT ENDS
The Spartans will once again feature one of the best tight end units in the nation, as four players who have earned letters at the position return in 2011.
Although the leading tight end from the past three seasons, Charlie Gantt, was lost due to graduation, fifth-year senior Brian Linthicum (6-5, 245) is more than capable of taking over that role this fall. Named to the preseason watch list for the Mackey Award, Linthicum has 49 catches for 572 yards (11.7 avg.) and six TDs in 38 collegiate games. After playing his freshman year at Clemson, Linthicum has played in 25 games at MSU, including 12 starts, and has 38 receptions for 496 yards (13.1 avg.).
Also returning for his third season in the playing rotation is fellow fifth-year senior Garrett Celek (6-5, 252), who has battled shoulder injuries the past two years and was limited to just two games of action in 2010. Celek has proven to be a solid run blocker and a viable pass threat when healthy, with 11 catches for 100 yards (9.1 avg.) and two TDs in his career.
After sitting out last season, Dion Sims (6-5, 276, So.) is back and ready to make an impact in 2011. A Big Ten All-Freshman selection in 2009, Sims led the Spartan tight ends that season with three touchdowns to go along with 11 catches for 133 yards.
Sophomore Derek Hoebing (6-7, 270), who earned his first letter in 2010 after playing primarily on special teams, also could see action in the rotation this season. Andrew Gleichert (6-5, 250, R-Fr.) and Drew Stevens (6-4, 242, Jr.) will provide depth at the position.
