Michigan State football: 3 takeaways from first spring practice

Michigan State football, after what felt like the world’s longest offseason, is officially back. The Spartans were back in action for spring practice on Tuesday. It marked the first of their 15 allowed spring sessions before the next resumption for summer and fall camp.

While it was a limited availability, even for media, I had a few thoughts to jot down.

Here is what I observed and heard from the media availability before and after the practice.

1. No spring game, or showcase, etc.

One of the first things Jonathan Smith addressed in the post-practice press conference was that there would be no spring game. In recent years, there was at least a “showcase”, or open practice, for fans to see the team.

That is not the case this year.

Smith followed up by confirming everything will be behind closed doors in the spring. Considering the engagement that all of my photos and videos from practice got on my X account, I understand the urge to see the players.

At the same time, I get it. Smith cited three main causes: maximizing limited practice time, stadium renovations, and player “poaching” via the transfer portal. You cannot blame him for any of it.

Also, understand this: any type of spring game has a watered-down playbook. It is overreaction central. For the last few years, there have been complaints about the practice being “boring”. Then, there were complaints of losing players to the portal post-spring. It appears poaching will not be the reason this season.

2. A few standouts

I have to preface with this: media was only allowed to watch practice for about 20 minutes. Also, there were no pads on, this was a shorts and jersey practice. Finally, there were not even any walk-throughs to observe. This was strictly technique with a little bit of catching at the end.

That said, here are a few observations I had. First off, Nick Marsh looks to have put on muscle. The receiver was never on the “twig” end of the scale, but now, he looks like an NFL-ready player.

With a ton of new faces in the room, I paid close attention to it with my limited time. A trio of incoming Spartans stood out. Chrishon McCray was solid muscle and one of the fastest players I saw on the field. Any concern I had about his listed weight at 168 pounds is gone.

The other two standout receivers were freshmen Charles Taplin and Braylon Collier. Taplin had the most impressive grab of the session with media in the room, jumping up to snag a pass and putting his body on the line. Not bad for a freshman in the first hour of his time practicing collegiately. What also stood out was his smoothness in running routes. He looked extremely polished for a player who was playing high school ball last fall.

Braylon Collier was equally impressive, looking like one of the faster receivers on the field. He also stood out, manipulating his body to haul in a pass in the end zone near the end of the session open to the media.

The final pass-catcher to highlight is Michael Masunas. He returned after missing the final eight games due to injury in 2024, and he did not miss a beat in opening practice. Shadows’ other media member at practice, Nolan Gerou, commented that he did not see Masunas drop a pass. Based on this post by Michigan State football, it is unlikely that No. 81 let anything on the ground.

back in action! pic.twitter.com/rLeYBs0akE

— Michigan State Football (@MSU_Football) March 19, 2025

A one-handed snag from the tight end that I observed as the best blocker of the group last year? Yes, please.

On the defensive front, Chance Rucker looked extremely smooth in lateral drills. His adamant refusal to leave the line until he did the drill right spoke to his character. Incoming freshman Aydan West also looked smooth.

For the front seven, Aisea Moa had good hustle and incoming freshman Derrick Simmons looked like a grown player rather than an early enrolled freshman. On the defensive side, it is hard to tell on standouts, as there are no hitting or pursuit drills to watch. Maybe next time.

3. Michigan State football injury update, position battles

Jonathan Smith had a few updates on the injury front, along with position battle updates. On the less fun news, Ashton Lepo, Brennan Parachek, and Wayne Matthews III were all confirmed out for spring ball. Parachek and Matthews were both given a June timetable.

Kristian Phillips was also mentioned as out, but Smith was more hopeful for the junior. I also noticed a few players, such as Khalil Majeed, Keshawn Williams, and Anthony Jones without helmets. Now, with it being the first day of practice, it could very well be equipment staff working on their helmet when I was making my rounds and checking out position groups.

A few players were back after missing parts of 2024 with injury, too. As mentioned earlier, Michael Masunas and Chance Rucker were back. Additionally, Gavin Broscious was back playing with MSU. Alante Brown was running routes with the receivers. There were not very many nagging injuries, thankfully.

As far as position battles and spots, Smith had a few updates. With Lepo out, Conner Moore is expected to be taking a majority of reps at tackle, where the staff had projected him. Dillon Tatum will continue to roam between nickel and safety.

Elijah Tau-Tolliver, Bradon Tullis, and Makhi Frazier are all among the running backs competing for carries in 2025. Jace Clarizio and Zion Gist are also in the competition. Smith said it was open season for the role.

Finally, on the kicking front, Tarik Ahmetbasic and Martin Connington are in a dead heat. Smith said that he had felt comfortable clearing either to play if anything had happened to Jonathan Kim last year. Now, he is observing all their reps for field goals, extra points, and kickoffs for 2025.

Overall, there was not a ton to go off at practice on Tuesday. It’s hard to say there is a “winner” or “loser” from practice since the pads are not on, and plays are not being called. Hopefully, there will be a bit more to go off of during the next media session. We will see.