DeAnthony Arnett: The Journey Back Home

Oct. 10, 2015

By Matt Bontorin, MSU Athletic Communications Student Assistant

DeAnthony Arnett's path to Michigan State wasn't a direct route from Saginaw to East Lansing. But his journey back home has made him appreciate playing for the Green and White even more.

As a senior at Saginaw High School, Arnett led the Saginaw Valley League with 42 receptions for 782 yards and eight touchdowns, earning him a spot in the U.S. Army All-America Bowl. The talented wide receiver received scholarship offers from nearly every major college football power in the country. With a dream of making it to the NFL, Arnett went with his gut and left the state of Michigan and committed to the University of Tennessee.

Arnett settled in quickly with the Volunteers, recording 24 catches for 242 yards and two touchdowns, tying him for the second-most receptions by a true freshman in Tennessee history.

From an outsider's perspective, it seemed as though things couldn't get much better for Arnett. Unfortunately, this was far from the case.

Immediately after the season, Arnett approached former Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley with a request to transfer to a school back home in Michigan. While the news didn't reciprocate well at first, Arnett later revealed that he wanted to be closer to his ailing father, William, who had been struggling with diabetes and endured multiple surgeries.

"I knew I was going home right after the Kentucky game -- which was the last game of the season," said Arnett. "My dad was in a tough spot, my family was in a tough spot, and they needed me to be there, so I decided to come back home."

Arnett returned to Saginaw, ready for a fresh start in an environment that would allow him to put his family first. The first call he made was to Spartan head coach Mark Dantonio.

"When I decided to come home I knew I wanted to be a Spartan," said Arnett. "I called Coach D and let him know. I was happy, he was happy, and most importantly, my family was happy."

The former high school standout was welcomed to the Spartan family with open arms, and late in the summer of 2012, Arnett was ruled eligible to play by the NCAA and had a productive fall camp. After seeing action in seven games his first season, he redshirted the following year in 2013, learning from future NFL players Bennie Fowler, Tony Lippett and Keith Mumphery.

Heading into his senior season, Arnett had his best offseason to date. His coaches and teammates were all quick to report his progress coming out of spring camp. Arnett seized his opportunity to get on the field in the annual spring game by leading all players with five catches for 51 yards.

In Michigan State's 2015 season opener at Western Michigan, it was finally his time to shine.

Spartan Sports Network play-by-play announcer George Blaha made the call on Arnett's first TD as a Spartan: "Shotgun snap to Connor Cook, sideline left throw to DeAnthony Arnett! Got it in stride at the 5 and he's into the end zone! Touchdown MSU!"

Arnett caught a 21-yard touchdown pass late in the third quarter to give the Spartans a 34-10 lead, eliminating any sort of upset bid that the Broncos were looking to make.

"It was a good feeling," said Arnett. "I hadn't been in the end zone in a long time so it felt really good to get in there and get that touchdown to stretch that lead out."

After three years of waiting his turn, Arnett was finally was able to enjoy his moment. What was even more important to him was the ability to share the moment with his family, who is now able to come to all of his in-state games.

"My family is in a good place," said Arnett. "They are able to come see me play. We're all in a good place."

As for Arnett's father, he is in better health and continuing with his dialysis treatments in Saginaw, but is thankful that his schedule doesn't interfere with football Saturdays in East Lansing.

"It's nice for him to be able to come see me play," said Arnett. "He didn't get a chance to come see me play when I was in Tennessee. It's a big deal to know he's in the crowd and healthy enough to be there."

Arnett's goal is still to make it to the NFL next year, but the fifth-year senior made it clear that he takes the most pride in his academics. On track to graduate with a degree in communication and with his experience playing football, Arnett has big plans for his post-playing career.

"I want to be a sports agent," said Arnett. "I still want to be involved in sports because I love the game that much. If being an agent doesn't work out maybe being a coach or getting my own sports talk show would be something I would do."

Regardless of what Arnett's future holds, the time for him on the field is now. Like many of Dantonio's players in the past, Arnett waited his turn, developed, and is making a move in his senior season.

"You need to have patience and continue to work," said Arnett. "Don't complain. This is a great program; we're not one of the top teams in the country for nothing. Coach D runs a great program with great players, so everyone has to wait their turn if you want to be the best."

This feature was originally published in the Oct. 3 edition of Michigan State Football Gameday Magazine.