Spartans Nearing End of Spring Practice
4/17/2025 5:18:00 PM | Football
EAST LANSING, Mich. – With one spring practice remaining for the Michigan State football team on Saturday, second-year head coach Jonathan Smith met with the media following Thursday's practice to give an overview of the five weeks of spring ball leading into the 15th and final practice.
Smith also announced that the program is bringing back the "Meet the Spartans" event in Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 21. More information on the free event will be released at a later date and will be available at msuspartans.com/meetthespartans
Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith
Let's start with wishing our gymnastics team good luck tonight in the NCAA Championships. We wrapped up practice 14 today. We will get some work done on Saturday; we'll get a little bit of scrimmaging in, a little bit of practice in, but really feel good about the work that we've gotten done over the last five weeks. Guys stayed into it, continued to work, so we'll kind of wrap things up Saturday. We'll kind of turn it into family day, so a bunch of families coming back and watching a little bit and then breaking bread together after practice and mingling with them. I think it's a great way for us at least, finishing (spring practice) as a program.
Two scrimmages, I haven't talked to you since the last one, but we got a lot of work done. Close to 95 snaps there, last Saturday. Defensively as a whole, I felt pretty good. The tackling, the effort, making it hard on the offense; the offense picked it up toward the end in the red zone. But I feel pleased with that second scrimmage, getting a bunch of work for a lot of guys, and evaluation, and guys getting better. I feel good there. It's a critical part. Spring practice is a critical part, guys improving, diving into the summer, we're going to have a big-time summer and all that getting ready for August camp.
With that, I do want to mention, speaking of August, we're going to bring back the 'Meet the Spartans' event. We're looking to August 21st to do that, leading into our first home game. I learned a little bit about the tradition of that in meeting our group. There's more to come on the exact details of that, but we're bringing that back in August on the 21st.
Is there one area you think you've seen the most growth on your team? Or one area you think you really need to address?
I think a couple things stand out. I think some of our coverage, and man coverage, we've taken a step there in regards to man to man, keeping hands on, and a limited amount of separation. We've liked the progress we've made in that area. I think offensively, the line of scrimmage has been more physical. And somewhat you anticipate that too, second year in the scheme, obviously some of the additions, creating that competition there, but the line of scrimmage and playing some man coverage, we've been pleased with that progress.
Where do you feel you're at on both sides of the ball? Are you far enough ahead or do you feel like you're behind?
We don't feel drastically behind. You're always feeling like you always want to improve. But that's what, with spring ball, some of these guys that were maybe two's or three's last year, have they taken a step up enough in their game to be in the two-deep travel roster, feeling awesome to put them on the field. We've made progress there. We do feel good that we have a chance to be better. No guarantees to that, there's still work to be done, but as a staff, we were just talking about it the other day, from year one to year two, there's a lot of areas we've made some serious progress.
How have the offensive and defensive lines improved since the end of last year? What new guys specifically have stood out to you?
On the offensive side, Matt (Gulbin) coming in, the center piece is huge, the communication. Conner's (Moore) done a really nice on the edge offensively. The way we like to run the ball, the edge is an important piece. Those two guys have stood out and helped us. I think defense, thinking about the interior D-line, I feel similar to last year in regard to how many guys we can play at the d-line. There are six or seven guys that we feel confident can contribute. I think that both sides, looking at the weight room, strength, size, that has taken a step. We feel good about that progress.
Do you expect you might add another body to either of those areas? Is that possible?
It's possible. The portal is open. I should mention next week, sitting down with each individual player, they'll meet with their position coach, and then I'll get the opportunity to meet with each player throughout the following week or two. We feel good about where we're at, but if there is opportunity to improve some depth, we won't hesitate to do that.
How do you expect the running backs to go into the summer and keep building on the momentum from the spring?
Four of those guys are in either year one or year two. I think we've got some talent in there. This spring ball was really good for that group. A lot of carries, a lot of reps, a lot of things to learn. They have to continue that momentum into the summer with, yeah, Elijah (Tau-Tolliver) has played more, but this is still new to his game in regard to the scheme and things. That group has progressed. It's pretty competitive, multiple guys in that room can catch the ball out of the backfield. We're also into asking in the protection things, not only being able to block him but identify who they are supposed to block, and they've done better this back half of spring ball in that area.
I know things are fluid right now, but are there any positions or areas that you are thinking about adjusting?
Honestly, you have to be looking at really all spots, because you don't know until 10 days from now exactly what you've got. I think on both sides, the edge of the defense, we would maybe be looking at that area. I think about the secondary in general. You're playing five guys a lot of the time, so having enough depth there. Those two stand out defensively. I think offensively, coming out of this thing pretty healthy. We have that tight end position, we have depth in that room, so that's a consideration, but we will see how that goes.
On the likely potential of having the 105-roster limit…
Obviously, once we get final, final (word) exactly on what the roster…we're anticipating 105, but that's not final, final. We've been making plans on that, so you're managing around that number, then it breaks down per position, who you keep and who's continuing to develop. I don't see a mass exodus and so a mass needs to bring a ton in.
How's Aidan Chiles different from a year ago?
Let's start physically. Heavier, stronger, faster. Second year going through the install of this scheme, the experience that he had, I think there's growth and maturity that's come there. I think the addition of Jon Boyer has helped his game in some details, and really drilling down on some of his technique. I think he's getting pushed – Alessio (Milivojevic) has had a really nice spring, made a lot of good throws, and he's taking a step in his game. Those ways I think he's different.
What impresses you about Elijah Tau-Tolliver and how many running backs do you like to play?
I always like to play multiple, like three. I'm talking about in the season, the wear and tear, the load and all of that, so that's the target, but really we've got five guys currently in there that are competing for those carries.
What specifically about Tau-Tolliver? How has he impressed you?
He's done a nice job. I think he's picked up the vision of what we're asking him on the wide zone game. Physical runner. Can make you miss out in space. Catches the ball pretty decent out of the backfield. That's been impressive.
Are you operating under the assumption that the revenue share will already be in place in July?
"Presumption, yes, we are. I haven't heard breaking news today that that's final, final yet, but we're anticipating, we will hopefully have some clarity here in the next week or whatever that timeline is.
Has it been difficult at all to deal with the portal or deal with transfers with that still being finalized?
It's not easy, but you have to kind of anticipate. This has been the plan to discuss for a while now, so that's how you made plans, and you try to be as transparent as possible with our own players in the portal and conversations of what this is what we anticipate in taking place.
How difficult is it for a coach having to raise the money that you do? How much are you involved in that?
You try to use your time for what's best for the program. That's always been a thing in coaching on the fundraising side. I do feel like we're in a competitive place here, and we really appreciate Spartan Nation with all the support we continue to get. Part of my role is to help in that area.
On not having a spring game to be able to utilize all 15 spring practices…
Yeah, again, some of the logic was just how are you going to use some of the week leading into the spring game, and the work we've gotten done today, (and) Tuesday, is a little bit different because we're not having a (spring) game like that. I've liked it, like I've mentioned, what we've gotten done in these 14 days, I feel really targeted about what we'll do on Saturday, along with having the families around. I feel good about it.
How different do you feel, assuming what the roster looks like, how comfortable do you feel in terms of ability to compete and all that versus where you were a year ago?
I definitely feel more comfortable and just confident knowing the roster so much better. You get the full calendar year of these guys. The schematics, we're not wholesale changing offense, defense, special teams, we've been able to recruit to the schemes. I feel way better that we're in a better place in year two than year one. A lot of it, just the way we're practicing, the culture, the expectations, all that has been established. I think we've made some real strides from year one to year two.
What position group do you think is the deepest right now?
Inside linebacker, we've got a lot of guys that can play at a high level in that room. They stand out and it's great because they can stay fresh. We've got some leaders in that room. Inside linebacker, we've got some depth there. The receivers; we've got six new guys in there, and they are new, but I think that we've complimented that receiver room. We have multiple guys we feel good about putting in the game. That'll be pretty competitive come August for the amount of snaps in that room.
(Long snapper) Kaden Schickel's injury last year, how's he coming off that?
I'm very confident he will be back. He hasn't done much in spring ball, some of that's just risk and reward. I think he could be full go, like today, but he hasn't done much in the spring. So, counting on him having a great summer.
Leading into summer, if there's one area you want to improve significantly, what would make you feel the best?
I think detail of the red zone play. I think about us offensively, coming off of last year's opportunities we didn't score as many touchdowns as we wanted to. That has taken a step in this spring. Taking care of the ball. I think they've done a nice job, again, spring ball, you're not live tackling all the time, but our ball security and keeping the thing locked up. We have to take a step there. Again, 14 days of spring ball I think we have.
As for Saturday's practice, are you asking them to peak, as in empty the tank sort of thing?
I wouldn't describe it as peak for this Saturday. Peak was really those two scrimmages, and they were really well. We didn't scrimmage until, I think practice nine leading into that, and then quick turn around and the next Saturday they did it. It'll be intense on Saturday, it just won't be for two and a half hours.
Last week have you seen progress in allowing tackles for loss and the run game?
I would say progress for tackles for loss; we're not getting a ton of the 3-, 4-yard losses. I will give some credit defensively; they have made it hard, and we haven't gotten a ton of the 7-, 8-yard gains with the way our defense has played. There is always going to be some back and forth. I think some of the tackle for loss too is making sure we are on the same page with proper technique, and we are light years ahead from last year.
I would imagine some of that comes with knowledge of the system?
Yeah, second year doing it. We've got some new faces. We've got a lot of them that have been in the system now. I think we did a nice job leading into spring ball with what we were going to emphasize, so what we got emphasized through 14 days currently, you can see on the tape.
How's Conner Moore doing with the wide zone stuff?
I've liked it, (he's an) athlete. Still, working on, because it's a little bit different than what he's been working on the previous couple of years. He has plenty of flashes out there, how athletic, how competitive he is, I think he's doing great.
With Anthony Jones entering the portal, how is all that coming?
This day and age, that's what we're working with. He hasn't done much in the spring, so it's been nice to have other guys getting opportunities because he hasn't been participating, in regards to reps.
On other linebackers in addition to Jordan Hall…
Wayne (Matthews) has been kind of out this spring, but he'll be back and ready to go. Brady Pretzlaff has had a good spring, Marcellius (Pulliam) has been flying around doing good things. Semaj (Bridgeman), Darius Snow. We've got multiple guys in that room. We feel good. They can play and have a voice. Jordan's voice has continued to echo, I will say, throughout this spring ball.
Any new injuries from this spring? Anything new popped up that we didn't know about?
Aydan West I can see being limited early in camp. He was having a nice spring but needed to get something just tightened up and fixed. I might have him limited. Nothing major that we're saying okay this guy will be out for multiple games or anything. Of course, we'll find out too when all these guys do the exit evals and physical. He might be the only one, that at the start of August, might be limited.
Smith also announced that the program is bringing back the "Meet the Spartans" event in Spartan Stadium on Thursday, Aug. 21. More information on the free event will be released at a later date and will be available at msuspartans.com/meetthespartans
Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith
Let's start with wishing our gymnastics team good luck tonight in the NCAA Championships. We wrapped up practice 14 today. We will get some work done on Saturday; we'll get a little bit of scrimmaging in, a little bit of practice in, but really feel good about the work that we've gotten done over the last five weeks. Guys stayed into it, continued to work, so we'll kind of wrap things up Saturday. We'll kind of turn it into family day, so a bunch of families coming back and watching a little bit and then breaking bread together after practice and mingling with them. I think it's a great way for us at least, finishing (spring practice) as a program.
Two scrimmages, I haven't talked to you since the last one, but we got a lot of work done. Close to 95 snaps there, last Saturday. Defensively as a whole, I felt pretty good. The tackling, the effort, making it hard on the offense; the offense picked it up toward the end in the red zone. But I feel pleased with that second scrimmage, getting a bunch of work for a lot of guys, and evaluation, and guys getting better. I feel good there. It's a critical part. Spring practice is a critical part, guys improving, diving into the summer, we're going to have a big-time summer and all that getting ready for August camp.
With that, I do want to mention, speaking of August, we're going to bring back the 'Meet the Spartans' event. We're looking to August 21st to do that, leading into our first home game. I learned a little bit about the tradition of that in meeting our group. There's more to come on the exact details of that, but we're bringing that back in August on the 21st.
Is there one area you think you've seen the most growth on your team? Or one area you think you really need to address?
I think a couple things stand out. I think some of our coverage, and man coverage, we've taken a step there in regards to man to man, keeping hands on, and a limited amount of separation. We've liked the progress we've made in that area. I think offensively, the line of scrimmage has been more physical. And somewhat you anticipate that too, second year in the scheme, obviously some of the additions, creating that competition there, but the line of scrimmage and playing some man coverage, we've been pleased with that progress.
Where do you feel you're at on both sides of the ball? Are you far enough ahead or do you feel like you're behind?
We don't feel drastically behind. You're always feeling like you always want to improve. But that's what, with spring ball, some of these guys that were maybe two's or three's last year, have they taken a step up enough in their game to be in the two-deep travel roster, feeling awesome to put them on the field. We've made progress there. We do feel good that we have a chance to be better. No guarantees to that, there's still work to be done, but as a staff, we were just talking about it the other day, from year one to year two, there's a lot of areas we've made some serious progress.
How have the offensive and defensive lines improved since the end of last year? What new guys specifically have stood out to you?
On the offensive side, Matt (Gulbin) coming in, the center piece is huge, the communication. Conner's (Moore) done a really nice on the edge offensively. The way we like to run the ball, the edge is an important piece. Those two guys have stood out and helped us. I think defense, thinking about the interior D-line, I feel similar to last year in regard to how many guys we can play at the d-line. There are six or seven guys that we feel confident can contribute. I think that both sides, looking at the weight room, strength, size, that has taken a step. We feel good about that progress.
Do you expect you might add another body to either of those areas? Is that possible?
It's possible. The portal is open. I should mention next week, sitting down with each individual player, they'll meet with their position coach, and then I'll get the opportunity to meet with each player throughout the following week or two. We feel good about where we're at, but if there is opportunity to improve some depth, we won't hesitate to do that.
How do you expect the running backs to go into the summer and keep building on the momentum from the spring?
Four of those guys are in either year one or year two. I think we've got some talent in there. This spring ball was really good for that group. A lot of carries, a lot of reps, a lot of things to learn. They have to continue that momentum into the summer with, yeah, Elijah (Tau-Tolliver) has played more, but this is still new to his game in regard to the scheme and things. That group has progressed. It's pretty competitive, multiple guys in that room can catch the ball out of the backfield. We're also into asking in the protection things, not only being able to block him but identify who they are supposed to block, and they've done better this back half of spring ball in that area.
I know things are fluid right now, but are there any positions or areas that you are thinking about adjusting?
Honestly, you have to be looking at really all spots, because you don't know until 10 days from now exactly what you've got. I think on both sides, the edge of the defense, we would maybe be looking at that area. I think about the secondary in general. You're playing five guys a lot of the time, so having enough depth there. Those two stand out defensively. I think offensively, coming out of this thing pretty healthy. We have that tight end position, we have depth in that room, so that's a consideration, but we will see how that goes.
On the likely potential of having the 105-roster limit…
Obviously, once we get final, final (word) exactly on what the roster…we're anticipating 105, but that's not final, final. We've been making plans on that, so you're managing around that number, then it breaks down per position, who you keep and who's continuing to develop. I don't see a mass exodus and so a mass needs to bring a ton in.
How's Aidan Chiles different from a year ago?
Let's start physically. Heavier, stronger, faster. Second year going through the install of this scheme, the experience that he had, I think there's growth and maturity that's come there. I think the addition of Jon Boyer has helped his game in some details, and really drilling down on some of his technique. I think he's getting pushed – Alessio (Milivojevic) has had a really nice spring, made a lot of good throws, and he's taking a step in his game. Those ways I think he's different.
What impresses you about Elijah Tau-Tolliver and how many running backs do you like to play?
I always like to play multiple, like three. I'm talking about in the season, the wear and tear, the load and all of that, so that's the target, but really we've got five guys currently in there that are competing for those carries.
What specifically about Tau-Tolliver? How has he impressed you?
He's done a nice job. I think he's picked up the vision of what we're asking him on the wide zone game. Physical runner. Can make you miss out in space. Catches the ball pretty decent out of the backfield. That's been impressive.
Are you operating under the assumption that the revenue share will already be in place in July?
"Presumption, yes, we are. I haven't heard breaking news today that that's final, final yet, but we're anticipating, we will hopefully have some clarity here in the next week or whatever that timeline is.
Has it been difficult at all to deal with the portal or deal with transfers with that still being finalized?
It's not easy, but you have to kind of anticipate. This has been the plan to discuss for a while now, so that's how you made plans, and you try to be as transparent as possible with our own players in the portal and conversations of what this is what we anticipate in taking place.
How difficult is it for a coach having to raise the money that you do? How much are you involved in that?
You try to use your time for what's best for the program. That's always been a thing in coaching on the fundraising side. I do feel like we're in a competitive place here, and we really appreciate Spartan Nation with all the support we continue to get. Part of my role is to help in that area.
On not having a spring game to be able to utilize all 15 spring practices…
Yeah, again, some of the logic was just how are you going to use some of the week leading into the spring game, and the work we've gotten done today, (and) Tuesday, is a little bit different because we're not having a (spring) game like that. I've liked it, like I've mentioned, what we've gotten done in these 14 days, I feel really targeted about what we'll do on Saturday, along with having the families around. I feel good about it.
How different do you feel, assuming what the roster looks like, how comfortable do you feel in terms of ability to compete and all that versus where you were a year ago?
I definitely feel more comfortable and just confident knowing the roster so much better. You get the full calendar year of these guys. The schematics, we're not wholesale changing offense, defense, special teams, we've been able to recruit to the schemes. I feel way better that we're in a better place in year two than year one. A lot of it, just the way we're practicing, the culture, the expectations, all that has been established. I think we've made some real strides from year one to year two.
What position group do you think is the deepest right now?
Inside linebacker, we've got a lot of guys that can play at a high level in that room. They stand out and it's great because they can stay fresh. We've got some leaders in that room. Inside linebacker, we've got some depth there. The receivers; we've got six new guys in there, and they are new, but I think that we've complimented that receiver room. We have multiple guys we feel good about putting in the game. That'll be pretty competitive come August for the amount of snaps in that room.
(Long snapper) Kaden Schickel's injury last year, how's he coming off that?
I'm very confident he will be back. He hasn't done much in spring ball, some of that's just risk and reward. I think he could be full go, like today, but he hasn't done much in the spring. So, counting on him having a great summer.
Leading into summer, if there's one area you want to improve significantly, what would make you feel the best?
I think detail of the red zone play. I think about us offensively, coming off of last year's opportunities we didn't score as many touchdowns as we wanted to. That has taken a step in this spring. Taking care of the ball. I think they've done a nice job, again, spring ball, you're not live tackling all the time, but our ball security and keeping the thing locked up. We have to take a step there. Again, 14 days of spring ball I think we have.
As for Saturday's practice, are you asking them to peak, as in empty the tank sort of thing?
I wouldn't describe it as peak for this Saturday. Peak was really those two scrimmages, and they were really well. We didn't scrimmage until, I think practice nine leading into that, and then quick turn around and the next Saturday they did it. It'll be intense on Saturday, it just won't be for two and a half hours.
Last week have you seen progress in allowing tackles for loss and the run game?
I would say progress for tackles for loss; we're not getting a ton of the 3-, 4-yard losses. I will give some credit defensively; they have made it hard, and we haven't gotten a ton of the 7-, 8-yard gains with the way our defense has played. There is always going to be some back and forth. I think some of the tackle for loss too is making sure we are on the same page with proper technique, and we are light years ahead from last year.
I would imagine some of that comes with knowledge of the system?
Yeah, second year doing it. We've got some new faces. We've got a lot of them that have been in the system now. I think we did a nice job leading into spring ball with what we were going to emphasize, so what we got emphasized through 14 days currently, you can see on the tape.
How's Conner Moore doing with the wide zone stuff?
I've liked it, (he's an) athlete. Still, working on, because it's a little bit different than what he's been working on the previous couple of years. He has plenty of flashes out there, how athletic, how competitive he is, I think he's doing great.
With Anthony Jones entering the portal, how is all that coming?
This day and age, that's what we're working with. He hasn't done much in the spring, so it's been nice to have other guys getting opportunities because he hasn't been participating, in regards to reps.
On other linebackers in addition to Jordan Hall…
Wayne (Matthews) has been kind of out this spring, but he'll be back and ready to go. Brady Pretzlaff has had a good spring, Marcellius (Pulliam) has been flying around doing good things. Semaj (Bridgeman), Darius Snow. We've got multiple guys in that room. We feel good. They can play and have a voice. Jordan's voice has continued to echo, I will say, throughout this spring ball.
Any new injuries from this spring? Anything new popped up that we didn't know about?
Aydan West I can see being limited early in camp. He was having a nice spring but needed to get something just tightened up and fixed. I might have him limited. Nothing major that we're saying okay this guy will be out for multiple games or anything. Of course, we'll find out too when all these guys do the exit evals and physical. He might be the only one, that at the start of August, might be limited.
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