Preseason Camp Update: Player Quotes
8/4/2025 4:38:00 PM | Football
EAST LANSING, Mich. – Several Spartans have visited with the media following preseason practices to give an update on the team during camp.
Selected quotes from the players are available below:
Junior quarterback Aidan Chiles
On the difference between the first day of practice this year (2025) and last year (2024)…
A lot of good energy. It's a different environment for sure. New guys that fit the program and fit the culture and came in and did what we had to do (on day one). Smooth transition from workout to now, and just hoping to grow from here.
On the difference of dwelling on it in a 'good way' vs a 'bad way'…
To really understand the mistake you made, or understand the play in general, what happened this entire play; and not just watching the end result but watching the entire play and trying to understand every little detail and reason for why you made the decision you made.
On the second half of the season, and seeing the mistakes go down…
I kind of came in with a 'it is what it is' attitude. I came in with a winning mindset like I did all year, but I really think it kind of came down to me; I already made the mistakes, just go out there and focus on playing free. Go out there and don't make the mistakes anymore, but go out there and play free, and grow from what you're doing. I really just calmed down and was more patient with myself and just grew each week.
On his comfort level growing off the field…
Yeah, it's really easy to move around here. There's tons of people to get to know here. Everyone here is pretty genuine to me. I'll be walking around, and people will come up to me and be like, 'are you Aidan?' I'm like, 'yeah,' and take a picture, say what's up, and talk to them a little bit and that's really it. Even with the team, like I've said before, this is the closest team I have ever been on. It's easy to talk to one another outside the building, and we'll go to lunch, and we are sitting with everyone (on the team). All of us sitting there just talking to whoever and just mixing it up. It's really cool to see.
On the thinking behind adding muscle to his frame…
Last year, I started off at 220 pounds, and some things went down, and I ended up dropping 10 pounds, so I was playing at 210 pounds last year. This year I was like 'I'm not doing that again.' I need to prepare better, I need to take the hits, I just need to get bigger. I need to make it harder for people to bring me down, things like that. It wasn't my idea solely, but with the help of the nutrition staff and everyone else in the athletic room, we saw something and said we had to get there.
On using his legs more frequently this year…
I mean, at the end of the day, I'm a quarterback. But, as much as these coaches need me to run or whenever I need to make a play, that's what I'm here to do.
On the offensive line's growth throughout winter, spring and summer workouts…
I am very proud of the steps we have made, for sure. I have a lot of faith in these guys, these guys are going to protect me, they hold me down, and I'm here to hold them down as well. Last year, everything was rough, it wasn't just the offensive line, it was the whole offense, so I'm not going to just put it on one position group. But, at the end of the day, we just need to play better and that's what we're looking to do.
On learning on how to use the 'gifts you have' as a quarterback…
Last year, we saw it a lot, I tried forcing things and was trying to make a play, and instead of just throwing the ball away or running out of bounds, I would throw an interception. I watched it today, we have young guys out here like Alessio (Milivojevic) and Leo (Hannan) out here trying to make plays. Ball popped up in the air, and was picked off, when they could have just thrown it away or out of bounds. That's the stuff you have to learn, and it's not always a learning experience. Sometimes you see it happen with other quarterbacks, and you don't want that to happen to you. Other times, you have to learn on the spot, and it is what it is. So, yeah, for sure something you'll have to learn, but it takes time.
On the offseason work with Coach Jon Boyer…
Adding (Coach) Boyer to the room is a great addition, for sure. Just helping me on the mental side, for sure. We do the physical things with the strength staff and stuff on the field, but the mental side is big with Coach Boyer, and I really love that about him because he's real tedious about his work. When we get up on the board or talk to him, he's always ready to go. He can talk for hours, and he knows he can too, we kind of make fun of him for it (smiling). But he's a great coach, and he always has something to teach and it's beautiful how much I have learned from him in the past 6-7 months. It's just beautiful.
On the receiving corps this season…
It's going to be fun, man. It's going to be a fun season, for sure. Those guys can go. We got a lot of speed on the inside and the outside as well. We have some returners in Alante (Brown) and Nick (Marsh) coming back. Even the young guys are stepping up big, so it's big. It's going to be fun.
On the transfer wide receivers…
They're fast. They can run, for sure. They're great additions to the offense, Evan Boyd, who is a big guy, can catch the ball anytime you need him, he's a big target. We got Rod (Rodney Bullard Jr.) and Omari (Kelly). Rod (Rodney Bullard Jr.) Omari (Kelly), and Chrishon (McCray) are all fast, they can all go. Omari (Kelly) is the older guy, he knows his way around, he gets open. Then Rod (Rodney Bullard Jr.) and Chrishon (McCray) are just fast, man. They only know one speed and it's just a beautiful thing to see.
Fifth-year senior offensive lineman Matt Gulbin
On the amount of time spent getting on the same page as QB Aidan Chiles…
Yeah, I think a good amount of it was spent kind of with Aidan (Chiles), but more kind of with Coach M (Jim Michalczik), and our assistant offensive line coach, Coach Lail (Jacob Lail), just trying to get everything down, every facet of the playbook. Obviously, the quarterback-center exchange is really important, so I've worked out a ton with Aidan (Chiles). And also, I think it's good to have a relationship with the quarterbacks, so I've gotten to know Aidan (Chiles) really well this offseason.
On adjusting to the communication of a new team…
You kind of have to do your job, whoever's back there at quarterback. I mean, it's more about what you got to know. But I mean, it's important to kind of have some sort of connection, like how they like the snaps, how they like it under center, or whatnot. It's definitely important, I'm not downplaying that. But, I mean, whoever is back there, you got to do your job and figure it out.
On what led him to choose Michigan State as his new destination…
So I hit the portal, and I think it was December – yeah, December. And I was talking to a bunch of schools, and I talked to Coach M (Jim Michalczik and Coach Smith (Jonathan Smith), and my old coach at Wake Forest (Dave Clawson) knew Coach Smith (Jonathan Smith) from some sort of coaching clinic or something. He raved about him and everything he said, has been true. I think I have built a really good connection with Coach M (Jim Michalczik). I visualized, like, this is a guy I want to play for. Also, just the history of Michigan State is awesome. I'm a big history guy, so I like to know the history of stuff, and I've always admired this program and university, so it's really an honor to be able to be a Spartan and play for this program.
On what excites him about this time of year…
I mean, not a lot keeps you up when it's time to go to bed during camp. When it's time to go to bed, you're pretty exhausted, you shut it down. But yeah, just the new beginning is really fun, and just going through the grind with your teammates is awesome. Like, you're literally here the entire day with your teammates. So, you bond with them, you grow closer, you fly around with them out on the field, you compete together, and that's what football is all about. Like, I think that's my favorite part about camp. Obviously, it gets a little monotonous, but that kind of mindset is not how you get better.
On what him and Aidan Chiles have in common…
We both like to kind of joke around, when it's appropriate. We both are kind of extroverts, kind of talking to everyone and whatnot. We're both competitors, we want to win, and I think that's kind of the biggest thing.
On the most surprising thing he learned about Aidan Chiles…
I didn't really know that much about him, but, I mean, ever since I got here, I've loved him a lot. He's a competitor. He works his butt off, and that's all you can ask for in a quarterback.
On coming in as a leader but also gaining the trust of his new teammates…
I think respect is earned. When you come in here as a transfer, everybody is like, 'oh, this guy?' You have to earn respect, and I like to think that I've earned some respect.
On how he is earning his respect…
Just by my work ethic, not talking, you have to show it, you can't really talk about it. You have to show it during lifts and during meetings. That you know what you're doing and that you're here to work hard.
On learning a new offense and position…
I think I've taken a lot of big jumps in the spring. My old offense was a lot different than this one, and I think I've gotten the technique down a lot better. It's not where it needs to be but definitely have taken strides there. My understanding of the playbook, I think, has gotten a lot better. It was good in the spring, but I think it's gotten a lot better.
On how much of his old offense was under center…
It was like 98 percent shotgun, maybe short yardage drives we'd be under center.
On the depth of the of the offensive line…
I think we got a lot of talent in our offensive line, and everybody is just working their butt off, just trying to get better every day. I mean, guys like Conner Moore, Ashton Lepo, Dooley (Kristian Phillips), Caleb (Carter), and Cooper Terpstra. I'm sorry, people are going to be mad that I didn't call them out, but there's a lot more. I'm playing next to them, so I can kind of sense what is going on with them. But yeah, I mean, there's a ton of guys competing and getting better every day, and it fires me up.
On if having experience at guard has helped him transition down the offensive line…
Yeah. Especially, just your understanding of football, playing all three (positions on the offensive line) is beneficial. Also, something I wouldn't want a center doing, now I know that I shouldn't do that to the guard, because it'll mess him up. But yeah, I think it's helped.
On the emphasis and urgency of improving the offensive line…
We've taken it on fully. I think it comes down to if our unit isn't good, then we aren't going to be good as a team. So, we have to take the responsibility and the accountability to grind and give Aidan (Chiles) time and we have a bunch of playmakers that we have to give time to make plays. So, it's really on us to facilitate the offense. I think we have done a good job of that. We take a lot of shots in the summer, and I think we're not there yet, but we're definitely getting there.
On thinking about how this will be his 'last college camp'…
Yeah, definitely. I mean, just enjoy every day. My old coach, Dave Clawson, said, 'enjoy every sandwich'. So that's definitely rung true, camp can get brutal at times, but like, just enjoy it, because this is my last year of college football, so I'm going to enjoy it, even the kind of rough parts about it.
On the chemistry of the offensive line……
Really good. I think we're all really tight. We all kind of have the same mindset, we all want to succeed and kind of do what we need to do. But yeah, we're always hanging out in the offensive line room, watching film, eating together and whatnot. So, I think we're really tight and I think it will translate on the field.
On if the offensive line did any team bonding activities this summer…
Yeah, we did. We went to Holland, Michigan. We went to Lake Michigan, and that was pretty cool and really fun. I've never swam in Lake Michigan. That was pretty awesome. I didn't realize it had big waves like that, so that was pretty cool.
Senior wide receiver Omari Kelly
On the growth made since spring ball…
As far as my development, I feel like Coach Hawk has done a good job in developing myself and everybody else in the room and, you know, getting to know the playbook has also been good for myself and I can see that it's helping out with the rest of the room as well. So, feel like we're in a good spot right now. I personally am as well.
On how he can help the younger wide receivers, like Nick Marsh…
Just being there for him, or whether it's on something on the field or something off the field. Just being there, being somebody he can call whenever he needs or somebody he can talk to.
On something that has stuck with him through his college career, and something new he has learned…
I've always been an underdog my whole career. So, I feel like I have to play bigger than I actually am, and that's something I always take with me. Something new, I would say, just being as consistent as possible. In my past, I haven't been as consistent as I really need to be or as I should be. So, I've been carrying that with myself.
On how you practice consistency…
You can't really practice it. You have to do it. It's not something that you can just turn on and turn off. You have to go at it every day. Just trying to do all the right things as much as often as you can.
On what It takes to be a productive receiver in this offense…
Detail. Paying attention to every detail, so you can get better and try to master every detail. That's something that Coach Hawk (Courtney Hawkins) preaches about – pay attention to detail. That's one of the main things that we talk about every day.
On working with Courtney Hawkins...
He just seemed genuine when we were talking, and it felt like he was telling me the truth. Some coaches will just tell you what they want you to hear and just tell you things to make you feel good. But I felt in my spirit that coach Hawk (Courtney Hawkins) wasn't one of those coaches. And you know, playing for him is very fun. You guys probably don't see it much, but he's a really fun guy. He's down to have a good time, but he also likes to take care of business.
On what it means to be coached by someone who has made it to the next level...
It means a lot. He's actually not the first coach that I've had that played in the NFL. My freshman year, Ike Hilliard was my wide receivers coach. So, seeing it from him and seeing it from Coach Hawk (Courtney Hawkins) is good. It's a blessing to even be playing under somebody that's been at that level.
On what he's been working on most…
Releases. I would say playing behind my hands. That's something that I've struggled with. It's something that I haven't always been good at, and he's (Courtney Hawkins) working with the whole room every day. Really, just play behind your hands. More so, like using your hands at the line of scrimmage and things like that to try to keep DBs off of you.
On what it's like working with Aidan Chiles through the offseason…
It's a very good experience and a very good progression. I feel like getting to know him and getting to know his play style, and things like that. It's actually been really fun, you know, because he's a very interesting guy. He's a very fun guy to be around. So, just getting to be around him all the time, it's a good experience.
On Aidan Chiles' skill set…
Great player, honestly. He can do everything from top to bottom. Whatever you need him to do, he can do it.
Senior defensive back Malik Spencer
On what it feels like to be a month away from the regular season…
After the season everyone was able to see what they did right and what they did wrong, and then we just worked on making those corrections and fixing it. It's that time to make those corrections and do what everyone wants to do better.
On what he wants to improve upon this season…
Most definitely man coverage. I just need to be 'stickier'. Being at the top of my cover 2, and really just knowing how everything is going to go. Progressions, whether that's cover 2, cover 3, cover 4, just knowing, 'ok cool' we need to be in this or that. Really, it's just knowing the how to and the why, and with it being the second year in the defense, I feel like everybody has that opportunity to learn the how and why and the where and when.
On the growth of the secondary this offseason…
Most definitely. I was just telling somebody earlier, this year is my first time going through a defense more than once. Even though it's my fourth year here, it's my first time being with this defensive scheme and unit for two years. So, with that being said, I feel like everybody knows why they're doing something, and how to do it.
On the coaching staff entering year two…
Being in year two, it's all of that in all aspects. People just know people better, we know how to really talk to each other, people know how to talk to each other, people know the why now.
On which defensive backs have impressed him so far…
I can most definitely say Joshua Eaton. Really, all of the corners are just sticky, and again, everybody is really starting to understand the how and why of covering. Then Anthony Pinnace (III), I really like him a lot. He's really quick. Really just all of the guys, Coach Blue (Adams) got those guys working. He's getting them better for sure, day by day.
On how the transfers are adjusting…
Again, I feel like everybody can help us this year, because everybody will have to help us when we get deep into the season. People get hurt and some people are out, so everybody is going to help us. We got some good pickups. We got some guys who can really add value to the room. Getting more picks, getting the ball on the ground, and getting more tackles.
Junior defensive lineman Jalen Thompson
On his youth camps he put on this summer…
We are going into year two of doing this. I did anti-violence and mental health last year, and then again, this year.
On why he does these camps…
More so just to give back, of course. Being from Detroit, gun violence is a big thing, so just to be able to give back and educate the youth the right way.
On what he would tell his senior high school year self now…
I would say just stay on path and just stick to what you know and be yourself. Play fast and play ball.
On how day one in year three feels compared to the previous first two years…
It feels great. You have way more knowledge and more insight, you know right from wrong, and you know what it takes, so now, it's about putting it together.
On how the defense is emphasizing the pass rush this fall…
We felt like that was somewhere we needed to pick it up, and as a defense we have been holding on to that and focusing on how we can get better and things like that.
On his comfort level heading into year three in the program…
I feel like this team that we have right now is together…We're hanging out outside of here, we're going to coach's house and spending time with the coaches. It just feels like we are all together this year, and it's our second year in the same scheme, so we feel more comfortable about fixing the details and things like that.
On year two of Joe Rossi's defense and the growth he sees out of the rest of the defense…
Our defense is definitely a complex defense. We have a lot of guys going into year two, just like the scheme, so we are trying to play faster this year.
On the next steps for himself…
Just cutting it loose. I know what I need to do and I know what the next step is for me, now it's just about cutting loose and playing ball.
Redshirt junior offensive lineman Luka Vincic
On having familiarity with the coaching staff…
Absolutely, I know this coaching staff really well. This is the coaching staff that I played for coming out of high school (at Oregon State), and I was able to develop a relationship with, and it's awesome being back with this staff and getting to work with them again. Coach M (Jim Michalczik), Coach Woz (Brian Wozniak), everyone. I mean, just Coach Blue (Blue Adams) and the whole coaching staff, including the strength staff, it's really awesome having that bit of familiarity, especially going into fall camp.
On what side of the offensive line he has been playing in practice so far…
I've been playing more on the right side so far in camp. I mean, it's still pretty early, knowing Coach M (Jim Michalczik) we'll probably get a little bit of both sides, because he likes you to work on everything. But yeah, I've been playing more on the right side so far.
On his preference of what side of the offensive line he plays…
I'd say I prefer the right side a little bit more, but I'm more than capable to play both sides of the line and I look forward to that challenge, if it comes to that. But yeah, I'd say I like the right side a little bit more.
On adjusting back to this offensive scheme…
I think it was a little bit of a learning curve those first couple days. They've adjusted a few things in the scheme since their time at Oregon State. But overall, it was pretty similar, and it was good to kind of get back into the groove of things. Coach M Jim Michalczik) has kind of a set of rules that you kind of learn and follow, and I think it's been really good getting back in the flow of things. I feel good about it, but now, I feel great about the scheme and the playbook as a whole.
On the offensive line receiving the message of needing improvement out of this unit…
I think we've taken it to heart. I think we understand that our room has to kind of be the heart and soul of the team. We have to lead by example, and we're going to try to be the first ones on the field and the last ones off, and we're going to do everything we can to make this a great year.
On what he tells the other offensive lineman about Jim Michalczik…
He's awesome, he's great. I think that if you know that you can go into every day, knowing your rules and giving your best. His bar is (points upward) is up here, every single day. He wants you to get better, and he wants you to compete, and if you go out and you do that, then we're going to have a great day. If you're not going to do that, then you're going to get left behind. You're going to get forgotten, so you got to keep going. We have to bring the whole room with us, including freshmen.
On what these 'rules' are…
So, we just have a set of rules that we come to the line of scrimmage, and we have a procedure for everything we do. How we ID things and how we operate, and I think the group at Oregon State that last year that this coaching staff was there (2023) was a very veteran group, who learned it very well and could operate very well, and everyone kind of just bought into that system. I think that's something I'm kind of seeing this group do now, everyone is starting to kind of buy in, and it's a really cool thing to see.
On how the offensive line is working on communication…
One thing that we really focus on is our communication. I mean, we try to be loud and communicate openly. Even when we're in meeting rooms, not even on the field, we're speaking loudly, we're speaking up, we're going through and making all our calls just like we would on the field. I think that level of detail has really helped us. I thinks it's really good.
On how he has grown individually…
It's been great. I played at Oregon State for three years, and it was nice being on the West Coast, a little bit closer to home, and I felt like this was a good change to come out here, getting an opportunity to really just focus on myself, focus on the grind, and focus on football. It's been a great adjustment. I've gotten really close with a lot of the new guys, like Caleb (Carter), Matt (Gulbin), Stanton (Ramil), all those guys in our room, I've gotten really close with them, and it's been awesome. They've really been like a new family to me, because everyone (back home) is three hours behind, and that's a big difference to me.
On his favorite part of East Lansing…
The teammates, man, 100 percent. I mean, me, Caleb (Carter), Stanton (Ramil), Cole (Dellinger), there's a ton of guys. We'll go out and have a meal and we'll just talk, and that's what's really cool is you can just have a normal conversation with a bunch of guys, and everyone's really down to earth, it's a really good group.
Selected quotes from the players are available below:
Junior quarterback Aidan Chiles
On the difference between the first day of practice this year (2025) and last year (2024)…
A lot of good energy. It's a different environment for sure. New guys that fit the program and fit the culture and came in and did what we had to do (on day one). Smooth transition from workout to now, and just hoping to grow from here.
On the difference of dwelling on it in a 'good way' vs a 'bad way'…
To really understand the mistake you made, or understand the play in general, what happened this entire play; and not just watching the end result but watching the entire play and trying to understand every little detail and reason for why you made the decision you made.
On the second half of the season, and seeing the mistakes go down…
I kind of came in with a 'it is what it is' attitude. I came in with a winning mindset like I did all year, but I really think it kind of came down to me; I already made the mistakes, just go out there and focus on playing free. Go out there and don't make the mistakes anymore, but go out there and play free, and grow from what you're doing. I really just calmed down and was more patient with myself and just grew each week.
On his comfort level growing off the field…
Yeah, it's really easy to move around here. There's tons of people to get to know here. Everyone here is pretty genuine to me. I'll be walking around, and people will come up to me and be like, 'are you Aidan?' I'm like, 'yeah,' and take a picture, say what's up, and talk to them a little bit and that's really it. Even with the team, like I've said before, this is the closest team I have ever been on. It's easy to talk to one another outside the building, and we'll go to lunch, and we are sitting with everyone (on the team). All of us sitting there just talking to whoever and just mixing it up. It's really cool to see.
On the thinking behind adding muscle to his frame…
Last year, I started off at 220 pounds, and some things went down, and I ended up dropping 10 pounds, so I was playing at 210 pounds last year. This year I was like 'I'm not doing that again.' I need to prepare better, I need to take the hits, I just need to get bigger. I need to make it harder for people to bring me down, things like that. It wasn't my idea solely, but with the help of the nutrition staff and everyone else in the athletic room, we saw something and said we had to get there.
On using his legs more frequently this year…
I mean, at the end of the day, I'm a quarterback. But, as much as these coaches need me to run or whenever I need to make a play, that's what I'm here to do.
On the offensive line's growth throughout winter, spring and summer workouts…
I am very proud of the steps we have made, for sure. I have a lot of faith in these guys, these guys are going to protect me, they hold me down, and I'm here to hold them down as well. Last year, everything was rough, it wasn't just the offensive line, it was the whole offense, so I'm not going to just put it on one position group. But, at the end of the day, we just need to play better and that's what we're looking to do.
On learning on how to use the 'gifts you have' as a quarterback…
Last year, we saw it a lot, I tried forcing things and was trying to make a play, and instead of just throwing the ball away or running out of bounds, I would throw an interception. I watched it today, we have young guys out here like Alessio (Milivojevic) and Leo (Hannan) out here trying to make plays. Ball popped up in the air, and was picked off, when they could have just thrown it away or out of bounds. That's the stuff you have to learn, and it's not always a learning experience. Sometimes you see it happen with other quarterbacks, and you don't want that to happen to you. Other times, you have to learn on the spot, and it is what it is. So, yeah, for sure something you'll have to learn, but it takes time.
On the offseason work with Coach Jon Boyer…
Adding (Coach) Boyer to the room is a great addition, for sure. Just helping me on the mental side, for sure. We do the physical things with the strength staff and stuff on the field, but the mental side is big with Coach Boyer, and I really love that about him because he's real tedious about his work. When we get up on the board or talk to him, he's always ready to go. He can talk for hours, and he knows he can too, we kind of make fun of him for it (smiling). But he's a great coach, and he always has something to teach and it's beautiful how much I have learned from him in the past 6-7 months. It's just beautiful.
On the receiving corps this season…
It's going to be fun, man. It's going to be a fun season, for sure. Those guys can go. We got a lot of speed on the inside and the outside as well. We have some returners in Alante (Brown) and Nick (Marsh) coming back. Even the young guys are stepping up big, so it's big. It's going to be fun.
On the transfer wide receivers…
They're fast. They can run, for sure. They're great additions to the offense, Evan Boyd, who is a big guy, can catch the ball anytime you need him, he's a big target. We got Rod (Rodney Bullard Jr.) and Omari (Kelly). Rod (Rodney Bullard Jr.) Omari (Kelly), and Chrishon (McCray) are all fast, they can all go. Omari (Kelly) is the older guy, he knows his way around, he gets open. Then Rod (Rodney Bullard Jr.) and Chrishon (McCray) are just fast, man. They only know one speed and it's just a beautiful thing to see.
Fifth-year senior offensive lineman Matt Gulbin
On the amount of time spent getting on the same page as QB Aidan Chiles…
Yeah, I think a good amount of it was spent kind of with Aidan (Chiles), but more kind of with Coach M (Jim Michalczik), and our assistant offensive line coach, Coach Lail (Jacob Lail), just trying to get everything down, every facet of the playbook. Obviously, the quarterback-center exchange is really important, so I've worked out a ton with Aidan (Chiles). And also, I think it's good to have a relationship with the quarterbacks, so I've gotten to know Aidan (Chiles) really well this offseason.
On adjusting to the communication of a new team…
You kind of have to do your job, whoever's back there at quarterback. I mean, it's more about what you got to know. But I mean, it's important to kind of have some sort of connection, like how they like the snaps, how they like it under center, or whatnot. It's definitely important, I'm not downplaying that. But, I mean, whoever is back there, you got to do your job and figure it out.
On what led him to choose Michigan State as his new destination…
So I hit the portal, and I think it was December – yeah, December. And I was talking to a bunch of schools, and I talked to Coach M (Jim Michalczik and Coach Smith (Jonathan Smith), and my old coach at Wake Forest (Dave Clawson) knew Coach Smith (Jonathan Smith) from some sort of coaching clinic or something. He raved about him and everything he said, has been true. I think I have built a really good connection with Coach M (Jim Michalczik). I visualized, like, this is a guy I want to play for. Also, just the history of Michigan State is awesome. I'm a big history guy, so I like to know the history of stuff, and I've always admired this program and university, so it's really an honor to be able to be a Spartan and play for this program.
On what excites him about this time of year…
I mean, not a lot keeps you up when it's time to go to bed during camp. When it's time to go to bed, you're pretty exhausted, you shut it down. But yeah, just the new beginning is really fun, and just going through the grind with your teammates is awesome. Like, you're literally here the entire day with your teammates. So, you bond with them, you grow closer, you fly around with them out on the field, you compete together, and that's what football is all about. Like, I think that's my favorite part about camp. Obviously, it gets a little monotonous, but that kind of mindset is not how you get better.
On what him and Aidan Chiles have in common…
We both like to kind of joke around, when it's appropriate. We both are kind of extroverts, kind of talking to everyone and whatnot. We're both competitors, we want to win, and I think that's kind of the biggest thing.
On the most surprising thing he learned about Aidan Chiles…
I didn't really know that much about him, but, I mean, ever since I got here, I've loved him a lot. He's a competitor. He works his butt off, and that's all you can ask for in a quarterback.
On coming in as a leader but also gaining the trust of his new teammates…
I think respect is earned. When you come in here as a transfer, everybody is like, 'oh, this guy?' You have to earn respect, and I like to think that I've earned some respect.
On how he is earning his respect…
Just by my work ethic, not talking, you have to show it, you can't really talk about it. You have to show it during lifts and during meetings. That you know what you're doing and that you're here to work hard.
On learning a new offense and position…
I think I've taken a lot of big jumps in the spring. My old offense was a lot different than this one, and I think I've gotten the technique down a lot better. It's not where it needs to be but definitely have taken strides there. My understanding of the playbook, I think, has gotten a lot better. It was good in the spring, but I think it's gotten a lot better.
On how much of his old offense was under center…
It was like 98 percent shotgun, maybe short yardage drives we'd be under center.
On the depth of the of the offensive line…
I think we got a lot of talent in our offensive line, and everybody is just working their butt off, just trying to get better every day. I mean, guys like Conner Moore, Ashton Lepo, Dooley (Kristian Phillips), Caleb (Carter), and Cooper Terpstra. I'm sorry, people are going to be mad that I didn't call them out, but there's a lot more. I'm playing next to them, so I can kind of sense what is going on with them. But yeah, I mean, there's a ton of guys competing and getting better every day, and it fires me up.
On if having experience at guard has helped him transition down the offensive line…
Yeah. Especially, just your understanding of football, playing all three (positions on the offensive line) is beneficial. Also, something I wouldn't want a center doing, now I know that I shouldn't do that to the guard, because it'll mess him up. But yeah, I think it's helped.
On the emphasis and urgency of improving the offensive line…
We've taken it on fully. I think it comes down to if our unit isn't good, then we aren't going to be good as a team. So, we have to take the responsibility and the accountability to grind and give Aidan (Chiles) time and we have a bunch of playmakers that we have to give time to make plays. So, it's really on us to facilitate the offense. I think we have done a good job of that. We take a lot of shots in the summer, and I think we're not there yet, but we're definitely getting there.
On thinking about how this will be his 'last college camp'…
Yeah, definitely. I mean, just enjoy every day. My old coach, Dave Clawson, said, 'enjoy every sandwich'. So that's definitely rung true, camp can get brutal at times, but like, just enjoy it, because this is my last year of college football, so I'm going to enjoy it, even the kind of rough parts about it.
On the chemistry of the offensive line……
Really good. I think we're all really tight. We all kind of have the same mindset, we all want to succeed and kind of do what we need to do. But yeah, we're always hanging out in the offensive line room, watching film, eating together and whatnot. So, I think we're really tight and I think it will translate on the field.
On if the offensive line did any team bonding activities this summer…
Yeah, we did. We went to Holland, Michigan. We went to Lake Michigan, and that was pretty cool and really fun. I've never swam in Lake Michigan. That was pretty awesome. I didn't realize it had big waves like that, so that was pretty cool.
Senior wide receiver Omari Kelly
On the growth made since spring ball…
As far as my development, I feel like Coach Hawk has done a good job in developing myself and everybody else in the room and, you know, getting to know the playbook has also been good for myself and I can see that it's helping out with the rest of the room as well. So, feel like we're in a good spot right now. I personally am as well.
On how he can help the younger wide receivers, like Nick Marsh…
Just being there for him, or whether it's on something on the field or something off the field. Just being there, being somebody he can call whenever he needs or somebody he can talk to.
On something that has stuck with him through his college career, and something new he has learned…
I've always been an underdog my whole career. So, I feel like I have to play bigger than I actually am, and that's something I always take with me. Something new, I would say, just being as consistent as possible. In my past, I haven't been as consistent as I really need to be or as I should be. So, I've been carrying that with myself.
On how you practice consistency…
You can't really practice it. You have to do it. It's not something that you can just turn on and turn off. You have to go at it every day. Just trying to do all the right things as much as often as you can.
On what It takes to be a productive receiver in this offense…
Detail. Paying attention to every detail, so you can get better and try to master every detail. That's something that Coach Hawk (Courtney Hawkins) preaches about – pay attention to detail. That's one of the main things that we talk about every day.
On working with Courtney Hawkins...
He just seemed genuine when we were talking, and it felt like he was telling me the truth. Some coaches will just tell you what they want you to hear and just tell you things to make you feel good. But I felt in my spirit that coach Hawk (Courtney Hawkins) wasn't one of those coaches. And you know, playing for him is very fun. You guys probably don't see it much, but he's a really fun guy. He's down to have a good time, but he also likes to take care of business.
On what it means to be coached by someone who has made it to the next level...
It means a lot. He's actually not the first coach that I've had that played in the NFL. My freshman year, Ike Hilliard was my wide receivers coach. So, seeing it from him and seeing it from Coach Hawk (Courtney Hawkins) is good. It's a blessing to even be playing under somebody that's been at that level.
On what he's been working on most…
Releases. I would say playing behind my hands. That's something that I've struggled with. It's something that I haven't always been good at, and he's (Courtney Hawkins) working with the whole room every day. Really, just play behind your hands. More so, like using your hands at the line of scrimmage and things like that to try to keep DBs off of you.
On what it's like working with Aidan Chiles through the offseason…
It's a very good experience and a very good progression. I feel like getting to know him and getting to know his play style, and things like that. It's actually been really fun, you know, because he's a very interesting guy. He's a very fun guy to be around. So, just getting to be around him all the time, it's a good experience.
On Aidan Chiles' skill set…
Great player, honestly. He can do everything from top to bottom. Whatever you need him to do, he can do it.
Senior defensive back Malik Spencer
On what it feels like to be a month away from the regular season…
After the season everyone was able to see what they did right and what they did wrong, and then we just worked on making those corrections and fixing it. It's that time to make those corrections and do what everyone wants to do better.
On what he wants to improve upon this season…
Most definitely man coverage. I just need to be 'stickier'. Being at the top of my cover 2, and really just knowing how everything is going to go. Progressions, whether that's cover 2, cover 3, cover 4, just knowing, 'ok cool' we need to be in this or that. Really, it's just knowing the how to and the why, and with it being the second year in the defense, I feel like everybody has that opportunity to learn the how and why and the where and when.
On the growth of the secondary this offseason…
Most definitely. I was just telling somebody earlier, this year is my first time going through a defense more than once. Even though it's my fourth year here, it's my first time being with this defensive scheme and unit for two years. So, with that being said, I feel like everybody knows why they're doing something, and how to do it.
On the coaching staff entering year two…
Being in year two, it's all of that in all aspects. People just know people better, we know how to really talk to each other, people know how to talk to each other, people know the why now.
On which defensive backs have impressed him so far…
I can most definitely say Joshua Eaton. Really, all of the corners are just sticky, and again, everybody is really starting to understand the how and why of covering. Then Anthony Pinnace (III), I really like him a lot. He's really quick. Really just all of the guys, Coach Blue (Adams) got those guys working. He's getting them better for sure, day by day.
On how the transfers are adjusting…
Again, I feel like everybody can help us this year, because everybody will have to help us when we get deep into the season. People get hurt and some people are out, so everybody is going to help us. We got some good pickups. We got some guys who can really add value to the room. Getting more picks, getting the ball on the ground, and getting more tackles.
Junior defensive lineman Jalen Thompson
On his youth camps he put on this summer…
We are going into year two of doing this. I did anti-violence and mental health last year, and then again, this year.
On why he does these camps…
More so just to give back, of course. Being from Detroit, gun violence is a big thing, so just to be able to give back and educate the youth the right way.
On what he would tell his senior high school year self now…
I would say just stay on path and just stick to what you know and be yourself. Play fast and play ball.
On how day one in year three feels compared to the previous first two years…
It feels great. You have way more knowledge and more insight, you know right from wrong, and you know what it takes, so now, it's about putting it together.
On how the defense is emphasizing the pass rush this fall…
We felt like that was somewhere we needed to pick it up, and as a defense we have been holding on to that and focusing on how we can get better and things like that.
On his comfort level heading into year three in the program…
I feel like this team that we have right now is together…We're hanging out outside of here, we're going to coach's house and spending time with the coaches. It just feels like we are all together this year, and it's our second year in the same scheme, so we feel more comfortable about fixing the details and things like that.
On year two of Joe Rossi's defense and the growth he sees out of the rest of the defense…
Our defense is definitely a complex defense. We have a lot of guys going into year two, just like the scheme, so we are trying to play faster this year.
On the next steps for himself…
Just cutting it loose. I know what I need to do and I know what the next step is for me, now it's just about cutting loose and playing ball.
Redshirt junior offensive lineman Luka Vincic
On having familiarity with the coaching staff…
Absolutely, I know this coaching staff really well. This is the coaching staff that I played for coming out of high school (at Oregon State), and I was able to develop a relationship with, and it's awesome being back with this staff and getting to work with them again. Coach M (Jim Michalczik), Coach Woz (Brian Wozniak), everyone. I mean, just Coach Blue (Blue Adams) and the whole coaching staff, including the strength staff, it's really awesome having that bit of familiarity, especially going into fall camp.
On what side of the offensive line he has been playing in practice so far…
I've been playing more on the right side so far in camp. I mean, it's still pretty early, knowing Coach M (Jim Michalczik) we'll probably get a little bit of both sides, because he likes you to work on everything. But yeah, I've been playing more on the right side so far.
On his preference of what side of the offensive line he plays…
I'd say I prefer the right side a little bit more, but I'm more than capable to play both sides of the line and I look forward to that challenge, if it comes to that. But yeah, I'd say I like the right side a little bit more.
On adjusting back to this offensive scheme…
I think it was a little bit of a learning curve those first couple days. They've adjusted a few things in the scheme since their time at Oregon State. But overall, it was pretty similar, and it was good to kind of get back into the groove of things. Coach M Jim Michalczik) has kind of a set of rules that you kind of learn and follow, and I think it's been really good getting back in the flow of things. I feel good about it, but now, I feel great about the scheme and the playbook as a whole.
On the offensive line receiving the message of needing improvement out of this unit…
I think we've taken it to heart. I think we understand that our room has to kind of be the heart and soul of the team. We have to lead by example, and we're going to try to be the first ones on the field and the last ones off, and we're going to do everything we can to make this a great year.
On what he tells the other offensive lineman about Jim Michalczik…
He's awesome, he's great. I think that if you know that you can go into every day, knowing your rules and giving your best. His bar is (points upward) is up here, every single day. He wants you to get better, and he wants you to compete, and if you go out and you do that, then we're going to have a great day. If you're not going to do that, then you're going to get left behind. You're going to get forgotten, so you got to keep going. We have to bring the whole room with us, including freshmen.
On what these 'rules' are…
So, we just have a set of rules that we come to the line of scrimmage, and we have a procedure for everything we do. How we ID things and how we operate, and I think the group at Oregon State that last year that this coaching staff was there (2023) was a very veteran group, who learned it very well and could operate very well, and everyone kind of just bought into that system. I think that's something I'm kind of seeing this group do now, everyone is starting to kind of buy in, and it's a really cool thing to see.
On how the offensive line is working on communication…
One thing that we really focus on is our communication. I mean, we try to be loud and communicate openly. Even when we're in meeting rooms, not even on the field, we're speaking loudly, we're speaking up, we're going through and making all our calls just like we would on the field. I think that level of detail has really helped us. I thinks it's really good.
On how he has grown individually…
It's been great. I played at Oregon State for three years, and it was nice being on the West Coast, a little bit closer to home, and I felt like this was a good change to come out here, getting an opportunity to really just focus on myself, focus on the grind, and focus on football. It's been a great adjustment. I've gotten really close with a lot of the new guys, like Caleb (Carter), Matt (Gulbin), Stanton (Ramil), all those guys in our room, I've gotten really close with them, and it's been awesome. They've really been like a new family to me, because everyone (back home) is three hours behind, and that's a big difference to me.
On his favorite part of East Lansing…
The teammates, man, 100 percent. I mean, me, Caleb (Carter), Stanton (Ramil), Cole (Dellinger), there's a ton of guys. We'll go out and have a meal and we'll just talk, and that's what's really cool is you can just have a normal conversation with a bunch of guys, and everyone's really down to earth, it's a really good group.
Players Mentioned
WR
/ Football
QB
/ Football
DB
/ Football
OL
/ Football
WR
/ Football
OL
/ Football
WR
/ Football
OL
/ Football
OL
/ Football
DB
/ Football
OL
/ Football
DL
/ Football
OL
/ FootballJonathan Smith | Football Press Conference | Oct.13 2025
Monday, October 13
Jonathan Smith Post Game Comments | UCLA | Oct. 11 2025
Saturday, October 11
Jonathan Smith | Football Press Conference | Oct. 6, 2025
Monday, October 06
Jonathan Smith Post Game Comments | Nebraska
Sunday, October 05