Michigan State football freshman tracker vs. Youngstown State

Which Michigan State football freshmen played against Youngstown State, and what does that mean for their redshirts?

Michigan State football hosted Youngstown State on Saturday, and the expectation was that more freshmen would get their first taste of the field.

Last year, the Spartans played 10 against Prairie View A&M. This year, however, was different, as Michigan State could never put the Penguins away, winning 41-24.

That said, the “usual four” freshmen remained on the field.

How did they do?

Jack Wills, LS

Wills was, as always, consistent. The freshman has shown no signs of inexperience during his first three starts, and was perfect again on Saturday. He got extensive action, with the Spartans kicking two field goals, punting once, and having five touchdowns. The long snapper has done admirable stepping up for redshirt senior Kaden Schickel. When the senior leaves, Michigan State football does not have long snapper woes next year.

Aydan West, DB

West played 16 defensive snaps on Saturday, tying his career-high from the season opener. The defensive back added his first two career tackles, and the only catch against him went for two yards. This was a solid step up for the freshman after his limited action against the Boston College Eagles did not go as well as hoped. His PFF grade of 72.6 in coverage was the highest of his three-game Spartan career, too.

Derrick Simmons, DL

Simmons, much like West, recorded the first two tackles of his young career. His PFF grades remain in the middle range, with the freshman still adjusting to the speed of play at the collegiate level. He has 36 career snaps under his belt heading into Big Ten play, which will be a whole new level for the freshman. Simmons was primarily utilized on third down packages against YSU.

Jayden Savoury, TE

Savoury recorded another handful of snaps on Saturday. The tight end was in for six snaps but did not come down with his second career target. However, he was in for his first four run blocking snaps in his career, with the freshman slowing down a defender on a Brandon Tullis four-yard touchdown run. Overall, the freshman got some film for tight ends coach Brian Wozniak to critique, and the staff put film on Savoury in run block situations so opponents cannot sit on the pass with No. 31 in. If the staff is content using him on less than ten snaps per game, I am still slightly annoyed at a burnt redshirt.

Overall, the core four freshman that are playing have stepped into their roles well, and now enter the conference slate with high pressure and high leverage situations under their belt. With multiple injuries taking place in the receiver room Saturday, I am surprised that Braylon Collier, Charles Taplin, or Bryson Williams did not get their name called late.

Now, the big watch becomes for the Michigan State football travel roster. This is the first glimpse for which freshmen are close to making their collegiate debut.