Michigan State football: Heir to the fullback throne revealed

The heir to the Michigan State football fullback throne has been revealed, and he’s ready to take the reins.

On Tuesday, Michigan State football hosted media members to preview its upcoming matchup against Boston College on Saturday. Tight end coach Brian Wozniak was the coaching representative for the Spartans on Tuesday, and he revealed quite a bit about the Spartans.

Jay Coyne has received added attention this year, with the fullback tying his career-high 11 snaps in the first outing of the season against Western Michigan. Naturally, as things go with Michigan State, the question became: who is the “next man up” in case something happens to Coyne or there is a late blowout to preserve players from unnecessary wear and tear?

Wozniak had an answer ready, and without hesitation. While he admitted other tight ends have been practicing the role, too, his first choice is the scenario that redshirt freshman Jaxon McCaig will take the mantle of Michigan State football fullback.

In fact, he’s already begun taking reps at the spot.

“Jaxon McCaig is getting some reps at fullback, but we have tight ends ready as well,” Wozniak revealed.

The fullback role

The fullback is a thankless role, even dating back to the Mark Dantonio days. The most recognizable fullback from the Coach D era is Trevon Pendleton, and people remember his blocks, his catch-and-run against Michigan in 2015, or his Rose Bowl touchdown. One thing people do not remember is a Pendleton rush. Why might that be? Simply put, he did not have one in his entire career with the Spartans.

Coyne currently has that unique distinction, too, with a single catch for 12 yards to his name. Wozniak revealed that Coyne learned this position as his effort to get “on the plane” or a way to make the team’s travel roster and provide value to the team on game days.

Now, Coyne is adapting to this role and flourishing.

Who is Jaxon McCaig?

McCaig is a preferred walk-on, joining the team before his freshman season in 2024. The running back exploded onto the scene during his senior year, rushing for over 300 yards twice in his final campaign and putting up his second 1,000-yard season at Plymouth (Mich.) High School.

Size-wise, McCaig makes sense to see the fullback role, as he is tied as one of the tallest backs in the Spartan backfield, at 6-foot-1, and also has the most weight, at an imposing 238 pounds. McCaig has nearly identical measurables to Coyne, and the freshman becomes the heir apparent to the New York-born starting fullback.

In an ideal world, McCaig does not get called upon this early in his young career, getting years to learn under Coyne. That said, I recommend learning the freshman’s name with an FCS opponent directly around the corner.

In a few Saturdays, it may save you a few Google searches on your phone.