With Michigan State football having three practices in the books, it is peak overreaction season. Everyone has full “football fever” from liking training camp photos and videos (I should know, my X has a minimum of seven notifications at all times of the day) to hounding press conference footage.
With Spartan Shadows having access to the opening two press conferences of the season, it’s time to share the first of a series of articles regarding what who are some names that popped in media availability of practice and post-practice press conferences.
While we are not assuring Heisman or All-Big Ten honors, these are the names coaches are bringing up, as well as players passing the “eye test”.
Who has stood out for Michigan State football?
Derrick Simmons, DL, Freshman
Derrick Simmons is the most notable name on this list, as Jonathan Smith was quick to point out the Frankenmuth product when asked about newcomers. While he has been with the team since January, it appears the adjustment phase from Division 5 football in the MHSAA is not too steep of a curve for the weight room monster. Even since this spring, Simmons is the player to watch right now.
Jace Clarizio, RB, Freshman
Another freshman getting love is East Lansing’s own Jace Clarizio. For the second time in press conference availability, Clarizio was getting love. This time, it was offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren praising the back. Lindgren noted that since the second half of spring camp, the freshman has found his footing and is picking up steam in the race to be MSU’s next feature back.
He is a dangerous player, with the staff having previously discussed the option of having him return kicks or punts with his open field ability. That area has yet to come to fruition, as they want to maximize his learning at running back. That’s OK, as the Spartans brought in all-conference return man Omari Kelly this year.
Kristian Phillips, OL, Junior
Kristian Phillips was a player primed for a big 2024, but an injury in the closing minutes of the Florida Atlantic opening game robbed him of a strong sophomore season. He has since attacked his rehab and is better than ever, with Lindgren, senior lineman Matt Gulbin, and junior lineman Luka Vincic each giving the Detroit-born product a lot of love. All three have praised his work, along with his leadership.
It’s worth noting that Vincic revealed he was playing the right guard slot. In 2024, Phillips was the starting left guard for the FAU game. Vincic did clarify that offensive line coach Jim Michalczik has his players practice all over the line, but that is worth monitoring.
Charles Taplin, WR, Freshman
Charles Taplin was an unheralded name in Michigan State’s 2025 recruiting class. The Red Oak (Texas) product enrolled early, and showcased some speed and playmaking in the spring. Evidently, the next step has already taken place, with Lindgren praising the freshman for “multiple explosive plays”.
Omari Kelly doubled down on this, with the senior saying that Taplin, alongside fellow freshman Braylon Collier, Bryson Williams, and Nick Hardy, were all better than the elder Kelly was as a freshman.
Braylon Collier, WR, Freshman
Braylon Collier was a player that shined during the Michigan State football media access period on Tuesday, recording multiple “hands” catches and showcasing an impressive catch radius. If the ball was within a 6-foot radius of the Ohio native, it was a catch. Combine that with Kelly’s praise, and the note that Collier is working out as a punt returner, and it’s clear that the freshman is one to keep tabs on.
Anthony Pinnace III, DB, Junior
Anthony Pinnace III is a player that flew under the radar, taking a step up from JUCO to practice with UTSA, before hitting the portal again to get closer to home with the Spartans. While he could have been dismissed as an afterthought or depth piece on the roster, the junior is ensuring that is not the case. He was mentioned by senior safety Malik Spencer as a defensive back that shined during Tuesday’s practice.
Joshua Eaton, DB, Senior
Joshua Eaton has been receiving a lot of praise since he stepped foot on campus in January, and the more praise thrown, the clearer it is that the Texas State product likely starts this fall. Spencer was quick to list Eaton as a standout on Tuesday. While the senior also praised all of his fellow backs, Eaton and Pinnace getting the mentions is worth taking some notes.
Mikeshun Beeler, DL, Redshirt freshman
Mikeshun Beeler is a player that was slid under the radar, making his debut last season for less than 10 snaps, making a tackle assist in his only action. This season, he has bulked up and looked to be a force of nature for his second campaign. While the coaches have not called his name out, there is plenty of remaining media sessions. Currently, he passes the eye test.
Rakeem Johnson, OL, Redshirt freshman
Rakeem Johnson was another player called out by Lindgren and Gulbin, with both calling out how he is taking that next step. Johnson got his feet wet in 2024, taking reps against some top competition including a start against Ohio State. His progression continues, and it is clear that the additional transfers in the linemen room is not dissuading him from making a mark this season.
Rod Bullard Jr., WR, Senior
Rod Bullard Jr. is taking the step up from Division II Valdosta State to Michigan State football, and he is adapting quite well. Bullard is a player that flashed on Tuesday, with Shadows’ photographer Nolan Gerou and I both noting his speed. Omari Kelly called him quick during Thursday’s media session, and Lindgren called Bullard one of four “hits” in the receiver transfer class of him, Kelly, Chrishon McCray, and Evan Boyd.
The staff loves what they have gotten with the four so far, and it is clear why. They compliment Nick Marsh nicely, and make Aidan Chiles’ life easier.
Tons of players have been getting compliments, alongside the team unity being repeated by every player to take the podium. This squad is united and counting down the days until they take the field.
Make sure to check back for more Michigan State football training camp content from Spartan Shadows, as well as following my X account for updates during media sessions.
