Michigan State University Athletics
Dantonio Speaks at Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Clinic
1/22/2016 12:00:00 AM | Football
LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio took time on Friday morning to speak for an hour to hundreds of football coaches in the state of Michigan at the 44th annual Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Clinic at the Lansing Center.
Dantonio presented the basic principles and trademarks of the Spartan football program and what has made it become one of the most successful in the nation during his tenure in East Lansing. He also broke down several tackling techniques and fundamentals that are taught on the Spartan defense.
Following his speech, Dantonio took time for interviews with the media in attendance and gave a look ahead to the 2016 season.
"It's always important to come back and be a part of the Michigan High School Association clinic," said Dantonio, who has spoken at the event 10 consecutive years. "It's a great group and a large group here today. We recruit Michigan very hard, and that's basically the backbone of who we are."
The Spartans had another banner season in 2015, winning their third Big Ten Championship under Dantonio, reaching the College Football Playoff, and finishing in the Top 10 for the third year in a row at No. 6. But with the departure of the winningest senior class in school history, Dantonio is already looking ahead to the 2016 season and the next step for the program.
"It's time for new opportunities for people," remarked Dantonio. "The wide receiving group coming in will be outstanding. We have some very young players there, so I'm excited about our wide receivers. I think they're big-play guys.
"Beyond that, I think it's what's the next step for Michigan State football. How do you follow that? You have to get back going, and it's tough when you lose your last football game and you're used to winning that last football game, so you collect yourself and move forward. There will be some adversity, there's going to be some change. New quarterback, new offensive linemen. There's some different things going on, so we'll have to solidify those positions and move forward. So there's a lot of excitement in the building for young players."
One thing remains clear for Dantonio and Michigan State – the Spartans have their sights set on defending their Big Ten title and competing for another championship in 2016.
"The goal is always to win the (Big Ten) East, and then it becomes the next week (Big Ten Championship Game)," said Dantonio. "That's what our plans are – win the East. You don't talk about winning it all, because you have to win the East first. So it's about the teams that are in the East. We go to nine (conference) games next year, so that's going to be another challenge. You've got to pick up where you left off. I think having won three Big Ten Championships, two outright, we're trying to set and build a legacy here. That's what we're trying to do."
Following winter conditioning, the Spartans will return to the practice field for spring drills on March 22.
