Michigan State football kicked off its season with a win over Central Michigan, but I want to see more of these guys.
Michigan State football had a shaky first half but ended up closing the game on a 21-0 run in the second half against the Chippewas. This Michigan State team had a lot of question marks going into the season but below are players I’d like to see more of.
Zion Young
Zion Young, who was the starting defensive end opposite of Khris Bogle, showed he could play soundly against a tough zone read and option team in Central Michigan. He was making the third start of his career and was a surprise start but showed he belonged and should stay as the starter going forward. Young had four tackles with one tackle for loss which led all defensive linemen for the Spartans.
Brandon Wright
Brandon Wright is a rotational defensive end who can be extremely valuable for this Spartan team. Wright does one thing very well and it is rushing the passer. The Spartans’ defense will need guys to get after the passer versus teams such as Washington and Maryland coming up. Against these heavy passing teams and on third-down situations I’d like to see more of Wright. He ended up with one tackle and one hurry in the game against CMU.
Jordan Hall
Jordan Hall is just a freshman but has shown that he belongs. Hall was ranted and raved about in the offseason by coaches, and we could see why in this game. He had just one tackle but was able to carry and run with a receiver on a fade ball. He currently gives the Spartans a fourth linebacker with Darius Snow still trying to come back from last year’s injury. The freshman gives Michigan State a chance to use Jacoby Windmon as a pass rusher sparingly if he continues to improve and play well.
Jaron Glover
Jaron Glover finds himself amidst a very talented and deep receiving group corps. He is just a redshirt freshman who only played in one game a year ago and he’s a 6-foot-1 dynamic receiver who can stretch the field vertically. Jaron was able to spark the Spartans’ 2-minute drive with a 33-yard reception. He led this Michigan State team in receiving with three catches for 75 yards.
These Spartans showed a skill set that may not always show up on the stat sheet but provided them with options and situational players. They will continue to develop, and I hope to see them more going forward into the season.