Spring Practice Update: Jonathan Smith Press Conference Coverage
4/2/2024 5:24:00 PM | Football
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EAST LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan State football team entered its third week of spring ball with its seventh practice of the spring on Tuesday morning inside the Duffy Daugherty Football Building.
The Spartans will also hit the practice field this week on Thursday and Saturday.
MSU, which is allotted 15 spring practices, will conclude spring practice with the Spring Showcase on Saturday, April 20 at 2 p.m. in Spartan Stadium. Admission is free.
Following Tuesday's practice, head coach Jonathan Smith, secondary coach Blue Adams and offensive line coach/run game coordinator Jim Michalczik met with the media to give an update on the Spartans.
Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith
On today's practice…
I thought it was solid. Today was the first day emphasizing the red zone. There were plays made on both sides and a lot to learn from too. The guys been going, I really appreciate their effort throughout. It was another solid day.
On if they scrimmaged yet…
We've done some live tacking. We haven't flat out scrimmaged but we're hopeful in the next couple of practices we can get something done.
On how they approach minimizing tackling…
We try to approach it by having great practice habits, where we're getting in posture to make a tackle but not going to the ground and guys have been doing a great job at that. You want to stay up, you want to stay healthy, at the same time we're going to practice this game and live tackling some. There's a fine balance; we want to get a little more live the rest of the spring.
On areas he has seen the most growth…
I've seen some growth really across the board. I think about where our secondary is at; those guys are adapting to new schemes, doing a good job. O-Line, Jim [Michalczik] does a good job mixing the o-line in different spots, they're learning and growing there. We been pleased with the understanding, kind of learning the receiving group in general, brand-new offense, a lot thrown at them and they've handled that well. So there's been progress.
On hosting the Horatio Williams Foundation with coaches from the Detroit area and the importance of building those connections…
It was great having them. They were here for all of practice, then being able to talk some football at the end of it. That's an important group. That close to home to campus, we want to make sure we're making end roads there. (It's been) an awesome partner so far.
On the new helmet technology communicating to the quarterbacks…
I think they've liked it. I know [Brian] Lindgren's been liking it a lot, being able to communicate there, a lot of calls and things. We haven't done a ton of it on the defensive side, we're going to try to get that going in the next couple of weeks. But it's been efficient.
On will a scrimmage setting help work out some kinks…
We've got to work through that because we haven't flat out done a scrimmage where it's completely game like. Hopefully we get some of that in the next few days.
On if he has a plan for the April 20th Spring Showcase yet…
We definitely want to get some work done. We don't have an exact plan, some of it depends on the health. We look to have some fun, make it competitive and put on a good show.
On if he feels the aspirations from the tight ends who hasn't had much playing time…
Yeah, really as a group, each of them had different days making plays. Obviously with Velling knowing the offense a little bit, he's been out there and helping those guys come along. We feel like we got some depth there.
On how much he relies on the players that came from Oregon State to help him everybody else…
To an extent. We're coaches for a reason, but those three guys on the offensive side (Aidan Chiles, Tanner Miller, Jack Velling) have been beneficial for each group…This whole group, I've enjoyed. Football means a ton to them, they're wearing it out in the meetings, going to practice, it's a fun group to coach.
On how much he put his philosophy to teach the players…
Well, I have some big-picture, philosophical thoughts on teaching that the staff hears, and then that filters down to the players. But we've got a big-time staff. These guys know what they're doing in regards of teaching, experience, been in the big leagues and won big games before. I haven't had to do too much with this staff.
On the roster extension…
More opportunities. Again, the way this game is, it's physical and reps. Having a number you can go through August practice with as many as possible.
On Aidan Chiles' progress throughout the practices…
I think he's been solid. The offense part hasn't been hard on him. Just getting timing with those guys, he's working at it. I think he's done solid so far.
On the biggest thing he wants to work on before the spring game…
Well, we've got to put them in a live scrimmage situation where you have some consequences for bad plays, that type of thing. Still have to emphasize a couple of scenarios in the game; two-minute, goal line, some short yardage we haven't gotten to yet, there's still more to come. And then, you want to see progression. The install, there's still more to come, and how they absorb that, and continue to execute.
On the difference between Aidan Chiles now compared to last August…
It's a lot different. He's so much more comfortable. Physically, he's bigger, he's about 20 pounds heavier, so that's a difference. That group in general; Tommy [Schuster] been making plays; the two young freshman [Alessio Milivojevic and Ryland Jessee] have made some plays. We feel like that group has been working really well together.
On what receivers been standing out…
(Antonio) Gates (Jr.) has made some plays, Montorie [Foster] had a couple today, Cadillac [Alante Brown], we're pleased with where that group is progressing.
On does the talent level he inherited measure up to where he thought it would be coming in…
I don't know if I came in with a huge expectation one way or the other. I'm pleased with the work ethic. You're always trying to add to your talent and be a place of development. I think we're on that progression.
On how Tanner Miller who has familiarity with the offense and Aidan Chiles helps the offensive line…
I'm sure it helps. You might have to ask the other lineman or Jim [Michalczik] himself. That group as an -o-line has been working, this is a brand new scheme, we're asking them to do some different things and they're definitely working on it.
On how the new members of the staff been working together…
I think about the defensive side in particular on that. I think Rossi and that crew has been working well. They got some good minds in the room, obviously Rossi has a system that he's been around but has some nuggets and new things coming from other places. It's gone well.
On the players health so far…
Solid. We haven't had an injury where a guy is out for the season. We definitely have bumps and bruises, we're trying to be smart with that, this is spring ball, but we feel solid where the team is at.
On Tommy Schuster's experience…
He does. He's poised, made some throws, understands the offense, been smart with the ball not turning it over. We're pleased with him so far.
On the running back group…
All of them are getting carries. I think Nate (Carter) has stood out, he's in great shape, he knows what he's doing. (Jalen) Berger has had some carries, [Jaren] Mangham has had some good carries, Davion [Primm] been coming along. But, we've still got a ways to go there.
On the importance having a kicker and punter established…
We punted today (outside) and [Ryan] Eckley was dropping bombs. We're pleased in not just him but the whole group. On the field goal side, we've done that every day and the made percentage is way up there. With Kim and Eckley being veterans, and I think the snapper has helped as well.
Secondary Coach Blue Adams
On how he is adjusting to East Lansing and the Michigan weather…
The weather is the weather. As long we have a building, I'm happy. I'm married to the building. I get in here early and leave late; the weather is not a factor to me.
On how long it took him to decide to follow Coach Smith and why did he want to be a part of this…
That's a good question. When you look at what Coach Smith brings to the table, he's always going to preach of getting the best out of these young men and helping guys grow on a day in and day out basis as men. When you look at what he stands for and what he was able to do at the last spot we were at, it was only fitting.
On the defensive staff…
The new additions bring a different look on the program. We're working with Demetrice Martin and Joe Rossi and those guys have been successful at their last stops. I'm excited to get to work with those guys.
On how he and Demetrice Martin work together…
Oh, that guy there can do it all. He has a ton of information and I'm trying to pick his brain any chance I get. I'm trying to learn from him as much as I can.
On how much he looked at last year's pass defense struggles…
Last year's tape is last year's tape. You got to take who you have now and try to get those guys to play better. That's the task, to get those guys to play at a level that will allow us to be successful on the back end. That's the focus there.
On do they talk about the secondary being more aggressive than last year's scheme…
I don't know about more aggressive. Anytime they play fast, it can translate that way. Just getting those guys to play fast is the key and make the plays when they get there.
On the challenge coming in here knowing the obstacles last year team had to go through…
I think rather you come into a new spot or not, that's the task, getting guys to play better than they played last year. I think that's where it is at. We got some guys who can play ball here. What happened last year is what happened last year.
On the secondary that he gets to mold…
There's a bunch of guys in the back end that can play at a high level. Just training the little things, believe in the small details and it hopefully it translates.
On the benefit of having a youth group mixed with veterans…
I think it's a good mix to have those guys who played a lot of snaps on the back end, then you got some young guys who are still waiting. I think the older guys have done a phenomenal job leading the way.
On whom has impressed him through the Spring season…
We're still a work in progress. I think [Jaden] Mangham is a big time player; Malik Spencer is a big time player; DT [Dillon Tatum] is a big time player; you got Chance Rucker who's a young dude; Chuck [Charles Brantley] who's been here. So we have some guys on the backend who can do it. We just got to be healthy and allow those men to be great.
On what he thinks of Dillon Tatum and his versatility…
Versatility is always great. He's like a Swiss army knife, just throw him in and let him work. From a football IQ standpoint, he's good. Just allowing him to take on any role he wants. He can end up in multiple positions.
On does he vision playing a lot of dime or nickel packages…
I just want to stop the run. Make explosive plays and create turnovers, whatever we got to do to get that done, that's what we'll do. We have to find out what the other team can do and what do we have to do against them to be successful.
On where Angelo Grose fits in the system…
I'm pleased with how he's developed. He's kind of leading us in terms of the back room. He's another guy that I failed to mention that should lead us to turning things around.
One thing about his defense are people going to see…
Playing physical. That's the message, you got to be a physical bunch. Although we're in the back end, we still want to be physical and fly around. Right now, it's about learning the assignment and when they get a lot more comfortable with that, they'll play a lot faster.
On did he learn anything about the program when he played for the Lions…
I did from the far. I kind of just watched Michigan State ball. My experience is that they were big; they were physical and blue collared. That's what we're trying to implement to the secondary here. When you have a guy like Demetrice [Martin] who lived that life, it's easier to tap into that energy and get our guys to walk that path. He [Martin] is a good resource, on and off the grass for me.
On has he had a chance to test their physicality…
I haven't tested it yet. We're planting those seeds.
On how Justin Denson Jr. been coming along…
He's just a true freshman. We'll see what he can do. It's one thing to practice but we all know when they get into those stadiums, we got to make sure we're locked into those small details before we make a play. He's a young dude, he has talent. It's a process for us.
Offensive Line Coach/Run Game Coordinator Jim Michalczik
On why he came to Michigan State…
Coach Smith does a great job. He's a great coach to work for, he lets us coach but he's also there to help us. The man he is and the program he runs, for me is a no brainer. The chance to come here is pretty cool to me, my mom was an alumni. Even though I was a West Coast kid, I spent my whole life on the West Coast, she always talked about the Spartans and the Big Ten. That part made it a bonus to me.
On did he see these traits of Coach Smith coming when he was coaching him as a player…
Yes. He wasn't the tallest quarterback, very levelheaded but very competitive. I don't think people realize the competitiveness in him. For me, we never worked together. He was a player when I was a young coach. When he got the job at Oregon State and he asked me to join him, it was a no brainer. I just want to be around good people and have a chance to win.
On what his mom said to him about Michigan State…
The people are awesome, friendly, so connected to the university and the program, it's really fun to be a part of.
On what the first few months been like…
Crazy. It's been hectic but it's been a lot of fun. I think there are some good young men here. I been showing them the vision, how we're going to do things, how Coach Smith does things and the type of program we run. It's been fun getting to know these guys.
On how it's been passing the message to the guys who were already here…
Kids nowadays are not dumb. They know when people are trying to sell them on things. We're getting to know each other, and we get to develop as a team, I think that's the part these guys will buy into.
On having Tanner Miller and leading the transition…
It's good to have Tanner here and talk about expectations. He's going to play center; he played guard last year with me at Oregon State. He's going to be at center.
On how's everything sorting out along the offensive line…
When you're starting fresh, you go back to the beginning and teach everything. We don't have starters, there are no starters, we're just trying to get better. Come game time, we're going to have our best five guys on the field.
On what he saw on film from Michigan State's run game last season…
We watched more of the players and less of the scheme. We have our scheme and we feel good about what we do and how we do it.
On how different week three look compares to week one…
Every day is getting better. That's what we need to do, getting better every day. It's fun to see the progress, but it's frustrating because we still have a lot more work to do.
On how challenging it is walking into a new program…
It's very challenging. I like to think kids will buy into our program because the way we do it and how we do it.
On seeing Tanner improve from being a walk-on as a freshman to now being a leader…
He's done great. He's self-made. The ones work, develop and continue to grow are the ones who become leaders, and that's what he is. Every day he gets a little bit better.
On how it feels as a coach having players follow him over from previous schools…
I think it's validation of what you do.
On if there had been any scrimmaging at practice…
Little. Very little. There's a lot of teaching going on, we're going back to square one. I'm looking forward to seeing them scrimmage and letting them go. We'll get to see where some players are at and that's the encouraging part.
On did he watch a lot of Michigan State's game/practice film from last year…
A little bit of both. I really looked at who they were, how they would fit and finding guys who could fit in our system.
On the advantage as an offensive lineman having a mobile quarterback…
A pretty good advantage. Us coaches, we want to diagram everything and every play, sometimes you need guys to just go out and make a play.
On if there's a blueprint for most guys must wait three years before they're ready to play…
I don't like to think that way. The jump from high school to college as an offensive lineman is a lot bigger than making the jump as a wide receiver. But there's no timeline, let's get better every day and let's see how they come a long.
On the tackle position…
Like I said, we're getting better. Are we where we want to be, no, as long we keep getting better. It's early to make assumptions. As a true freshman in 2023, linebacker Jordan Hall ranked fourth on the team with 67 tackles and second with 7.5 TFLs and 4.5 sacks. Sophomore linebacker Jordan Hall
On the difference from being an early enrollee last year to starting experience…
Just feeling a little bit more comfortable, knowing where I'm supposed to be and trying to step up more, becoming a leader as much as I can.
On adjusting to the new staff and losing Jacoby Windmon and Aaron Brule…
We've added some new guys in the room, that'll really help us improve. But on the team, Coach Rossi has been really harping on us about being vocal and becoming leaders. We meet with him every day, making sure that we're understanding the defense as best as we can.
On the dynamic of trying to gain trust and building relationships with all the new players…
Everything is going to come with consistency and time. That's how you trust one another. So that's through practice, we have to depend on one another.
On when he knew he was going to stay at Michigan State with the new staff…
In late December, I just wanted to see how the chips fell. I believe I made the right decision and staying here. I really like the new staff. When I talked to Coach Rossi on the phone, when he was first hired here, he had a few good things to say about me but mostly it was about corrections he could mostly help me improve on basic linebacker skills, blitzing, tackling, play recognition and footwork. He has a lot of experience, coaches a lot of good defenses and really good players.
On what's different about the team right now than at this point last year…
I say defensively, we're more connected as a defense. We've met every day, making sure everybody has the same understanding. No discredit to the last staff but it seems like we're more connected this year and everybody understanding their roles.
On challenges of learning a whole new system…
A little bit. It's how its going to be in the NFL. I'm just looking at it as a better way to prepare me for later down the road. You have to take one thing in, forgetting old things but at the end of the day defense is defense. As long you take in everything, it'll be all right.
On how he stays locked in with so many changes…
God is my number one source and I have a really loving family that I know I can attend to anytime and who supports me.
On did he exceed his expectations last season…
I had some goals I had going into last season that fell short. I always felt like I was more than capable of going out there and competing with some of the best players.
On the teachings of the new defense…
Like I said before, defense is defense. Everybody has their own defense that's called something different. There are some correlations. Of course with Coach Rossi coming over he has his own terms and rules that we go bye.
On what he would tell himself last year if he knew what was ahead…
Just keep playing and having fun. At the end of the day, you can't control what happens. As long you show up every day and work, that's all that matters.
On him and Cal being the experience players what he sees from the younger guys in the linebacker room…
We brought in Wayne Matthews from Old Dominion who's a hard worker, who's going to be very good for us. Jordan Turner from Wisconsin, who has more experience than me. I'm still in that young guy role to some of the other guys. Both of those guys are going to come in and play their part. We brought in a young guy, Brady [Pretzlaff], who's learning new things but he's getting better each day.
On what was in his mind with the transfer portal opening during the season…
At the end of the day, I'm here to play football. I try not to get distracted by the outside things that go on. It's the same mindset, as long I'm here playing football, there's not too much to complain about.
On how he has improved as a leader…
It's still improving. In that room I'm still the young guy. Just trying to be as vocal as I can, still trying to accept the role the best I can.
On his first impressions of Coach Smith…
Our first team meeting here, he gave us all a piece of paper to write down the three things he thought the issues were with the team last year, he told us he would go through these personally. I wrote down two things that I thought were an issue from last year, on the third one, this is how I build trust, I wonder if he was going to read this or not. I wrote my number and told him to give me a call once he read it. A day or two after that, he gave me a call. That was a big jumpstart to our relationship, from that alone I have a lot of trust in him.
On if there's an intense side of Coach Smith at practice…
I haven't seen him get too wild up yet. I'm sure he has that ability. It's mostly he's usually pacing around and observing.
On what drew him back to stay at Michigan State…
I feel like me staying was like transferring with a whole new staff coming in. I feel like it is paying off well. I learned a lot from Coach Rossi. I feel like I can be accepted more in a leadership role to the team. My mom loves it here, she wanted me to stay. It was never a thought of transferring, I'm here, I'm here.
On did he add more weight to adjust to the new scheme…
When Coach Rossi got here, he told me I have great height, weight and size. I been losing fat and gaining muscle.
On players being attracted to the coach's honesty…
Yeah, they'll let you know when you're doing something good, but they'll let you know when you do something bad. We as a team, accepted our mistakes, we try to fix those mistakes and not let it happen again.
On the most attractive aspect to the new scheme…
The opportunities that the linebackers can make. Coach Rossi has coached a lot of good linebackers that are in the NFL, he's a great coach. Being here with him, taking in the knowledge he gives, is what's really attractive to me.
On how it's easier having an attack minded scheme…
As linebackers we always want to attack, so it's real appealing to play free and make plays. I think the whole linebacker room would agree that we're excited about that.
