Quarterback Aidan Chiles throws a pass during drills at MSU's fourth spring practice on Tuesday.
Spartans Enter Second Week of Spring Practice
3/26/2024 6:09:00 PM | Football
EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan State football team held its fourth spring practice on Tuesday morning on the practice fields outside the Duffy Daugherty Football Building. The team will also practice on Thursday and Saturday for its second week of spring ball.
Following practice, assistant head coach/running backs coach/co-special teams coordinator Keith Bhonapha, quarterback Aidan Chiles, linebacker Cal Haladay, defensive lineman Derrick Harmon and offensive lineman Geno VanDeMark met with the media to give an update on the Spartans.
Michigan State Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs Coach/Co-Special Teams Coordinator Keith Bhonapha
On the offense throughout the practices…
Obviously it's early, it's only practice four. We're able to do some stuff in practice. It will be a lot more enthusiastic around here in a week when we put in most of the install, now guys are having retention, having confidence in the plays we're running and going out there running in full speed. You can tell when guys are still thinking at times on the field.
On if he's quizzing the players and how well they have retained the information…
Our meetings are energetic. I'm asking them questions depending on the level our guys are at, some are at a 300 level, some are a 100 level. I think these guys are retaining very well now. A true test, I haven't been doing a bunch of that because we got so much stuff we're trying to build, from protection to the run game and route concepts. We're just trying to make sure their knowledge of the offense and football is good.
On how much he works with Jim Michalczik on improving the run game from last year to this year and working together…
I can't speak on last year. I know for us, coach M [Michalczik] and I get together post practice. Depending on the day, we get together and watch film. Right now, we got so much stuff we're trying to get a handle on first. Obviously if he sees stuff or I see stuff, we're communicating. Are they pressing it too wide, are they too fast, are we false stepping, that's our communication for now. When we install, we'll talk where the points are going, where's the end points and are the double teams working. That's one thing I'm always talking to my guys about. Know where the double teams are, where is the offensive line working. If you don't know where they're going, it's going to be hard to be efficient on the play.
On recruiting, and ties to the state of Texas…
It's good. I'll say this, I have gotten the chance to go into Detroit and the surrounding areas, I also been to Cleveland. When I think about all three areas, these coaches and players are serious about football, which is awesome. Having a connection in Texas, and building ties in Detroit and Cleveland, I'm hoping to build a foundation with our staff on how we recruit and ways we're going to treat these kids.
On does he like recruiting running backs who also played linebackers…
I will say this. When I'm watching film and there's a running back that is lined up at corner, receiver or in the backfield, you love it because those guys are having to learn multiple things. You figure this guy has a football IQ and if he's making plays at all positions, he's giving 100 percent effort and is always on the field. Imagine if you have him on one side of the ball, focusing on one craft, the upside can be very good.
On Nate Carter…
Nate is a great kid. I think he is very conscientious and he cares. He plays with a very low center of gravity. I think when it comes to his ability to start, stop and accelerate, he's really good at that. I think the big thing as always, with guys that have that ability, you have to get them to be urgent but have pace as they work their way through different holes, and when we get to some of our other run schemes, that's where he's going to continue to take that next step. I'm excited to watch him as he gains confidence throughout the course of spring because he has some special tools that are awesome to see.
On does he watch more of Jaren Mangham tape when he was at UCF vs. last year when he was injured the first half of the season…
I watched a little bit of what he did before he got hurt and mostly practice tape because of his circumstances. I think from a talent standpoint, he's a big body; I think he moves well for his size. For us and the things we do, if we can get him running and not second guess himself on when to get vertical or change of direction or things like that, I think he's going to be really good.
On Jalen Berger…
With the injury he had, you want to make sure he's 100 percent before going full throttle with him. I've been pleasantly surprised the way he moves. He catches the ball well; we haven't done a bunch so far in our installs. I do think he's going to be a very exciting player to watch. With the injury he had and his mass, he's going have to get bigger and continue to work out. He should be good.
On does it help taking it slow…
It definitely helps. Spring ball is an awesome time because it's not back-to-back-to-back. You can pull back the reigns. We have a lot of time, but we don't at the same time. Let's not cram these guys because we want them to go out there with a high self-esteem and confidence.
On how he goes about creating relationships with the players throughout this process…
One of the things we try to do is to have these guys over. Some of the stuff us coaches are doing is having our groups we work with at the house or take them out to eat. I want them to see me as a husband and father around my wife and kids. I want them to see me more as a coach. We'll do some team activities and talk about life. We might look different but once you pull those layers back, we're not so different. This game allows people to build very deep-rooted relationships.
Sophomore Quarterback Aidan Chiles
On the process of Coach Smith getting the job at MSU and following him…
When I heard about it, I went and talked to him, but he couldn't say much about it. The process of me getting here was very easy. I committed to Oregon State as a program at first, but throughout the year I had conversations with coach Smith the entire time. We built a bond and he's my coach. That's why I followed him here.
On how the coaches developed their relationship with him…
They treat everybody the same as a person and a player. It's not just me. That's what I like the most, I can talk to them about anything.
On how it was playing in every third series his freshman season…
During the fall camp, I was told I wasn't going to redshirt…It wasn't until the middle of the Utah week where the coaches told me I was going to play on the third drive and see how it goes. From there we just kept it going.
On how important it was getting those game reps…
It was very important. I'm glad I did it. I'm also glad I didn't start as a true freshman. If I didn't have DJ [Uiagalelei], the growing pains would have been way worse than what they were. I'm glad I had DJ there to guide me to prepare for moments like this.
On how it felt when the game slowed down…
I already felt the game was slow enough for me. I played against one of the best defenses in the PAC-12 every day in practice. Certain times it was different, like the Utah game. It was my first game and I was real nervous and that's what it was. Other games it just slowed down and it felt good.
On how it is having players picking his brain about the new scheme…
It's really different this year. The people really want to know what you think and how the process is. It's nice knowing that they really care.
On if he's feeling the positive vibes in the building…
I feel it. These guys wouldn't have stayed if they didn't feel it. I'm happy with the guys we have and I think we're going to do big things this fall.
On has he put himself out there to be friends with everybody…
I take pride in knowing all my teammates names and knowing who they are. There's always going to be some guys you don't communicate with all the time. I took my offensive line out to dinner, it's bonding, we just have to bond. It's going to take some time.
On what were the keys as a freshman to take the pressure off himself…
I started talking to a sports psychologist and talking to my parents more. I think talking to Coach Smith has helped me a lot through all of this. I wouldn't be (here) right now if it wasn't for Coach Smith and the conversations we had prior to this. It really came down to those people and I appreciate them for that.
On the transition to a new campus…
It's much bigger. I got lost on the first day on campus. It hasn't been too difficult. The difficult thing is the cold. Football is going to be football. It's a game, it's competitive and we do what we do because we love what we do.
On his thoughts on the receivers and if there's a guy that stood out to him that he can count on…
I think all these guys are proving themselves right. It's going to take a lot more, we've only had four practices. We talk, we grow, we watch film and we communicate with each other all the time. It comes to reps now.
Graduate linebacker Cal Haladay
On defensive adjustments from prior seasons...
For the defense, our personnel are pretty similar, as to what we've had before. I think the philosophy is more downhill and more aggressive defense. I think you will see that, especially with the linebackers, the way we play is more downhill, and I think that will show up on tape.
On his thoughts on the defensive adjustments...
I mean, I have been doing one thing for three years, so you have to break the old habits. Coach Rossi's been good about that, he knows that we've been doing that for four years for me now, and I'm going on my fifth year. So, I got to break those habits, but we will take it day by day. I think it is progressing in the right direction.
On the potential aggressiveness of the defense...
Coach Rossi likes to make more opportunities for tackles for loss and minus yards plays. It'll help the D-line too, so they don't have to fight off double teams the entire time. When we go lateral, it kind of makes them have to play the double team a little longer, whereas if are more downhill it forces the O-line to let them go and one of the guys has to come off.
On balancing next season's goals and future potential professional aspirations...
It's exciting. I needed to come back for another year to get a little bit better. I think as a team we didn't quite have the year that I'd like to as a senior and going out on a good note with good memories leaving MSU. For the future, it'll allow me to be successful and develop and take my game to another level hopefully over the next nine months.
On addressing prior struggles with the new scheme...
The scheme is a little bit different, and it is hard to tell how we are going to do stuff. He's got a way that helps the linebackers for sure, which will make our jobs a little bit easier from the past coverage. I think it'll be noticeable how we play the pass differently now. Just slight differences, but I think it will make a big difference in the end.
On impact of new coaches...
I think (Coach Smith) is all about the team. When he first got here, it was 'low ego, high output' and the start of the team is the team, and that is his philosophy. He believes that there are going to be guys that are going to do well, and there are going to be guys that aren't, but everybody has got to play as a team, because it is a team game at the end of the day. He knows that, and he wants to preach that, so we all know that. He talked about being connected in everything, so that is big to him too. We want to be as close as we possibly can, because the closer you are, the more you will play for each other.
On his alignment with coach's philosophy...
Oh yeah, I like it a lot. It's going to make a difference for sure. Hopefully we will see the results coming in the fall.
On his thoughts on the linebackers...
It's a good room. We did lose two guys that are pretty tough to replace (Aaron Brule and Jacoby Windmon), but I think the new guys are going to do a really good job. They are really good players. They come from other schools, one in the Big Ten (Jordan Turner) and one from Old Dominion (Wayne Matthews III), and they did well at both of those schools. They are going to be a big impact. We will see them out on the field, and they are going to help us become better too, because we will be competing every day. And then when fall comes around, we will be competing even more for the season.
On the impact of a new staff and being able to improve from last season...
For sure. That was a bad taste in our mouths for sure, the way the season ended and the way the season went. We are looking at the future now. What happened happened, and that is over. We just need to move onto the future and prepare for that. I think that's what the new staff came here to do, and they are excited, and they are anxious to get back out onto the field. We are doing what we can right now to get ready for the season.
Redshirt Junior Defensive Lineman Derrick Harmon
On if losing weight and being in better shape was a point of emphasis for him…
I wanted to get in the best shape I could. Last year I wasn't able to do things because of the surgery I had. This year I was full steam ahead.
On entering spring ball thinner and adding more muscle…
I just wanted to get my speed up. That was a big emphasis during the offseason.
On his thoughts on defensive line coach Legi Suiaunoa…
He's bringing way different things. We're getting a feel for all of it still, different angles and different moves to work.
On what are the vibes like coming back…
It's good. We went through some things last year. This year it's new, everything is new.
On how he reflects on last year and did it make him better…
It made me better. It makes you fight through things. Now you don't really think about it, the past is the past and it's time to look towards the future.
On the difference linebackers are playing…
Those linebackers are coming down hill. I like that. It's just get ball.
Redshirt Junior Offensive Lineman Geno VanDeMark
On what were the selling points to come back to MSU after entering the transfer portal…
I just love this place. The way Coach Smith and coach M [Michalczik] conversate with me. I just liked who they were. Everyone seemed genuine and trustworthy from day one. That's most important to me.
On new approaches on the offensive line and how he has adapted…
It's a difference scheme and different techniques. We're not all the way where we need to be, it's still early in spring ball. It's still football, there's going to be some overlap with certain concepts.
On his early impressions on Aiden Chiles…
He's a good dude. Funny guy to be around. He's great for us to be around.
On the resource Tanner Miller has been with game reps in this system…
Tanner has been more of a resource when I ask about certain things about the scheme or technique. He's a great guy to have around because he knows how everything is supposed to work.
On how important it is having a guy who knows the system…
I think it's huge for our room and huge for the team.
On learning the scheme building towards fall camp…
We been building towards spring ball as well doing drills when we're allowed to.
On how importance is the learning piece…
It's huge. It's huge to get the reps during the live team period against the defense.
On does it feel like a new era of football with certain players not back in the group like J.D. Duplain and Nick Samac…
I don't know if I would call it an era. It's different that they're not here. I love those guys, it's like a turnover in the leadership.
On if anyone stands out in the position room throughout the practices…
I think we have a lot of guys who are good at football and can be a factor for us. There's a lot of guys who like to play and play well. I'm looking forward to seeing their development throughout spring and take it into camp.
On what are Coach Michalczik's main priority points…
Get your eyes where you need to go and move people. That's his main thing, we have to move.
Following practice, assistant head coach/running backs coach/co-special teams coordinator Keith Bhonapha, quarterback Aidan Chiles, linebacker Cal Haladay, defensive lineman Derrick Harmon and offensive lineman Geno VanDeMark met with the media to give an update on the Spartans.
Michigan State Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs Coach/Co-Special Teams Coordinator Keith Bhonapha
On the offense throughout the practices…
Obviously it's early, it's only practice four. We're able to do some stuff in practice. It will be a lot more enthusiastic around here in a week when we put in most of the install, now guys are having retention, having confidence in the plays we're running and going out there running in full speed. You can tell when guys are still thinking at times on the field.
On if he's quizzing the players and how well they have retained the information…
Our meetings are energetic. I'm asking them questions depending on the level our guys are at, some are at a 300 level, some are a 100 level. I think these guys are retaining very well now. A true test, I haven't been doing a bunch of that because we got so much stuff we're trying to build, from protection to the run game and route concepts. We're just trying to make sure their knowledge of the offense and football is good.
On how much he works with Jim Michalczik on improving the run game from last year to this year and working together…
I can't speak on last year. I know for us, coach M [Michalczik] and I get together post practice. Depending on the day, we get together and watch film. Right now, we got so much stuff we're trying to get a handle on first. Obviously if he sees stuff or I see stuff, we're communicating. Are they pressing it too wide, are they too fast, are we false stepping, that's our communication for now. When we install, we'll talk where the points are going, where's the end points and are the double teams working. That's one thing I'm always talking to my guys about. Know where the double teams are, where is the offensive line working. If you don't know where they're going, it's going to be hard to be efficient on the play.
On recruiting, and ties to the state of Texas…
It's good. I'll say this, I have gotten the chance to go into Detroit and the surrounding areas, I also been to Cleveland. When I think about all three areas, these coaches and players are serious about football, which is awesome. Having a connection in Texas, and building ties in Detroit and Cleveland, I'm hoping to build a foundation with our staff on how we recruit and ways we're going to treat these kids.
On does he like recruiting running backs who also played linebackers…
I will say this. When I'm watching film and there's a running back that is lined up at corner, receiver or in the backfield, you love it because those guys are having to learn multiple things. You figure this guy has a football IQ and if he's making plays at all positions, he's giving 100 percent effort and is always on the field. Imagine if you have him on one side of the ball, focusing on one craft, the upside can be very good.
On Nate Carter…
Nate is a great kid. I think he is very conscientious and he cares. He plays with a very low center of gravity. I think when it comes to his ability to start, stop and accelerate, he's really good at that. I think the big thing as always, with guys that have that ability, you have to get them to be urgent but have pace as they work their way through different holes, and when we get to some of our other run schemes, that's where he's going to continue to take that next step. I'm excited to watch him as he gains confidence throughout the course of spring because he has some special tools that are awesome to see.
On does he watch more of Jaren Mangham tape when he was at UCF vs. last year when he was injured the first half of the season…
I watched a little bit of what he did before he got hurt and mostly practice tape because of his circumstances. I think from a talent standpoint, he's a big body; I think he moves well for his size. For us and the things we do, if we can get him running and not second guess himself on when to get vertical or change of direction or things like that, I think he's going to be really good.
On Jalen Berger…
With the injury he had, you want to make sure he's 100 percent before going full throttle with him. I've been pleasantly surprised the way he moves. He catches the ball well; we haven't done a bunch so far in our installs. I do think he's going to be a very exciting player to watch. With the injury he had and his mass, he's going have to get bigger and continue to work out. He should be good.
On does it help taking it slow…
It definitely helps. Spring ball is an awesome time because it's not back-to-back-to-back. You can pull back the reigns. We have a lot of time, but we don't at the same time. Let's not cram these guys because we want them to go out there with a high self-esteem and confidence.
On how he goes about creating relationships with the players throughout this process…
One of the things we try to do is to have these guys over. Some of the stuff us coaches are doing is having our groups we work with at the house or take them out to eat. I want them to see me as a husband and father around my wife and kids. I want them to see me more as a coach. We'll do some team activities and talk about life. We might look different but once you pull those layers back, we're not so different. This game allows people to build very deep-rooted relationships.
The more connected we are, the better we become. pic.twitter.com/deSnJaiCs0
— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) March 25, 2024
Sophomore Quarterback Aidan Chiles
On the process of Coach Smith getting the job at MSU and following him…
When I heard about it, I went and talked to him, but he couldn't say much about it. The process of me getting here was very easy. I committed to Oregon State as a program at first, but throughout the year I had conversations with coach Smith the entire time. We built a bond and he's my coach. That's why I followed him here.
On how the coaches developed their relationship with him…
They treat everybody the same as a person and a player. It's not just me. That's what I like the most, I can talk to them about anything.
On how it was playing in every third series his freshman season…
During the fall camp, I was told I wasn't going to redshirt…It wasn't until the middle of the Utah week where the coaches told me I was going to play on the third drive and see how it goes. From there we just kept it going.
On how important it was getting those game reps…
It was very important. I'm glad I did it. I'm also glad I didn't start as a true freshman. If I didn't have DJ [Uiagalelei], the growing pains would have been way worse than what they were. I'm glad I had DJ there to guide me to prepare for moments like this.
On how it felt when the game slowed down…
I already felt the game was slow enough for me. I played against one of the best defenses in the PAC-12 every day in practice. Certain times it was different, like the Utah game. It was my first game and I was real nervous and that's what it was. Other games it just slowed down and it felt good.
On how it is having players picking his brain about the new scheme…
It's really different this year. The people really want to know what you think and how the process is. It's nice knowing that they really care.
On if he's feeling the positive vibes in the building…
I feel it. These guys wouldn't have stayed if they didn't feel it. I'm happy with the guys we have and I think we're going to do big things this fall.
On has he put himself out there to be friends with everybody…
I take pride in knowing all my teammates names and knowing who they are. There's always going to be some guys you don't communicate with all the time. I took my offensive line out to dinner, it's bonding, we just have to bond. It's going to take some time.
On what were the keys as a freshman to take the pressure off himself…
I started talking to a sports psychologist and talking to my parents more. I think talking to Coach Smith has helped me a lot through all of this. I wouldn't be (here) right now if it wasn't for Coach Smith and the conversations we had prior to this. It really came down to those people and I appreciate them for that.
On the transition to a new campus…
It's much bigger. I got lost on the first day on campus. It hasn't been too difficult. The difficult thing is the cold. Football is going to be football. It's a game, it's competitive and we do what we do because we love what we do.
On his thoughts on the receivers and if there's a guy that stood out to him that he can count on…
I think all these guys are proving themselves right. It's going to take a lot more, we've only had four practices. We talk, we grow, we watch film and we communicate with each other all the time. It comes to reps now.
Graduate linebacker Cal Haladay
On defensive adjustments from prior seasons...
For the defense, our personnel are pretty similar, as to what we've had before. I think the philosophy is more downhill and more aggressive defense. I think you will see that, especially with the linebackers, the way we play is more downhill, and I think that will show up on tape.
On his thoughts on the defensive adjustments...
I mean, I have been doing one thing for three years, so you have to break the old habits. Coach Rossi's been good about that, he knows that we've been doing that for four years for me now, and I'm going on my fifth year. So, I got to break those habits, but we will take it day by day. I think it is progressing in the right direction.
On the potential aggressiveness of the defense...
Coach Rossi likes to make more opportunities for tackles for loss and minus yards plays. It'll help the D-line too, so they don't have to fight off double teams the entire time. When we go lateral, it kind of makes them have to play the double team a little longer, whereas if are more downhill it forces the O-line to let them go and one of the guys has to come off.
On balancing next season's goals and future potential professional aspirations...
It's exciting. I needed to come back for another year to get a little bit better. I think as a team we didn't quite have the year that I'd like to as a senior and going out on a good note with good memories leaving MSU. For the future, it'll allow me to be successful and develop and take my game to another level hopefully over the next nine months.
On addressing prior struggles with the new scheme...
The scheme is a little bit different, and it is hard to tell how we are going to do stuff. He's got a way that helps the linebackers for sure, which will make our jobs a little bit easier from the past coverage. I think it'll be noticeable how we play the pass differently now. Just slight differences, but I think it will make a big difference in the end.
On impact of new coaches...
I think (Coach Smith) is all about the team. When he first got here, it was 'low ego, high output' and the start of the team is the team, and that is his philosophy. He believes that there are going to be guys that are going to do well, and there are going to be guys that aren't, but everybody has got to play as a team, because it is a team game at the end of the day. He knows that, and he wants to preach that, so we all know that. He talked about being connected in everything, so that is big to him too. We want to be as close as we possibly can, because the closer you are, the more you will play for each other.
On his alignment with coach's philosophy...
Oh yeah, I like it a lot. It's going to make a difference for sure. Hopefully we will see the results coming in the fall.
On his thoughts on the linebackers...
It's a good room. We did lose two guys that are pretty tough to replace (Aaron Brule and Jacoby Windmon), but I think the new guys are going to do a really good job. They are really good players. They come from other schools, one in the Big Ten (Jordan Turner) and one from Old Dominion (Wayne Matthews III), and they did well at both of those schools. They are going to be a big impact. We will see them out on the field, and they are going to help us become better too, because we will be competing every day. And then when fall comes around, we will be competing even more for the season.
On the impact of a new staff and being able to improve from last season...
For sure. That was a bad taste in our mouths for sure, the way the season ended and the way the season went. We are looking at the future now. What happened happened, and that is over. We just need to move onto the future and prepare for that. I think that's what the new staff came here to do, and they are excited, and they are anxious to get back out onto the field. We are doing what we can right now to get ready for the season.
Redshirt Junior Defensive Lineman Derrick Harmon
On if losing weight and being in better shape was a point of emphasis for him…
I wanted to get in the best shape I could. Last year I wasn't able to do things because of the surgery I had. This year I was full steam ahead.
On entering spring ball thinner and adding more muscle…
I just wanted to get my speed up. That was a big emphasis during the offseason.
On his thoughts on defensive line coach Legi Suiaunoa…
He's bringing way different things. We're getting a feel for all of it still, different angles and different moves to work.
On what are the vibes like coming back…
It's good. We went through some things last year. This year it's new, everything is new.
On how he reflects on last year and did it make him better…
It made me better. It makes you fight through things. Now you don't really think about it, the past is the past and it's time to look towards the future.
On the difference linebackers are playing…
Those linebackers are coming down hill. I like that. It's just get ball.
Redshirt Junior Offensive Lineman Geno VanDeMark
On what were the selling points to come back to MSU after entering the transfer portal…
I just love this place. The way Coach Smith and coach M [Michalczik] conversate with me. I just liked who they were. Everyone seemed genuine and trustworthy from day one. That's most important to me.
On new approaches on the offensive line and how he has adapted…
It's a difference scheme and different techniques. We're not all the way where we need to be, it's still early in spring ball. It's still football, there's going to be some overlap with certain concepts.
On his early impressions on Aiden Chiles…
He's a good dude. Funny guy to be around. He's great for us to be around.
On the resource Tanner Miller has been with game reps in this system…
Tanner has been more of a resource when I ask about certain things about the scheme or technique. He's a great guy to have around because he knows how everything is supposed to work.
On how important it is having a guy who knows the system…
I think it's huge for our room and huge for the team.
On learning the scheme building towards fall camp…
We been building towards spring ball as well doing drills when we're allowed to.
On how importance is the learning piece…
It's huge. It's huge to get the reps during the live team period against the defense.
On does it feel like a new era of football with certain players not back in the group like J.D. Duplain and Nick Samac…
I don't know if I would call it an era. It's different that they're not here. I love those guys, it's like a turnover in the leadership.
On if anyone stands out in the position room throughout the practices…
I think we have a lot of guys who are good at football and can be a factor for us. There's a lot of guys who like to play and play well. I'm looking forward to seeing their development throughout spring and take it into camp.
On what are Coach Michalczik's main priority points…
Get your eyes where you need to go and move people. That's his main thing, we have to move.
Players Mentioned
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LB
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