Observations from Michigan State Football Spring Practice Four

On Tuesday, Michigan State football hosted their fourth spring practice of the season, with local media being allowed in for photo and observation for a few segments. With a coffee in hand and a camera in the other, here are some observations following the early morning practice.

Coach Dantonio in attendance

On Tuesday morning, a familiar face was back on hand for practice, with Pat Fitzgerald bringing in Mark Dantonio to the fourth spring practice of the year. The winningest coach in Spartan history was seen watching practice from the sidelines as the newest Spartan coach had his usual high-octane, high-energy practice.

From his opening press conference, Pat Fitzgerald has promised to bring Dantonio in and embracing the legacy that “Coach D” had in East Lansing. While part of it is time healing wounds following the abrupt departure and retirement of Mark Dantonio, it is a contrast from the Mel Tucker and Jonathan Smith regimes. While Harlon Barnett embraced Dantonio in an adviser role following Tucker’s ousting, Mark Dantonio is a welcome sign of tradition, rather than a figurehead.

During the opening periods, the Spartan video board in the facility had some highlights running, from Tony Lippett touchdowns to Kenny Willekes sacks. It felt appropriate.

High energy, high intensity

It might have been early in the morning, but the coaches were demanding of the players. There were multiple calls for players to wake up and avoid going through the motions, despite it being 6:40 a.m. EST.

There is no one saving the Spartans and Pat Fitzgerald, and they are attacking each practice with the intensity needed to return Michigan State football to the “competitor” category.

There was a focus on blocking for receivers and tight ends during the session, which fits Coach Fitzgerald’s emphasis on returning the Spartans to the intimidating smash-mouth team they were for awhile with Mark Dantonio.

This is Alessio Milivojevic’s team

The main takeaway from today’s session open to media is that Alessio Milivojevic is the voice of the offense. Milivojevic was the player rising to match the energy with the coaches, running around, encouraging his teammates, calling for everyone to hustle. The quarterback was making players match his energy.

Alessio Milivojevic is quickly becoming the voice of Michigan State. My observations remained on the offense today, and it was clear that Milivojevic was the top voice in the room. He was the leader of the entire offense, from calling out the cadence with three quarterbacks throwing to rushing to the sidelines or to his next throwing spot.

One last note

Among the receivers, Colin Charles, Braylon Collier, KK Smith, and Rod Bullard all stood out. They had some of the sharpest routes and best athleticism of the group. Charles had a highlight grab, Bullard had the best athleticism, and Smith and Collier each had the best routes and steadiest hands of the media session.

What is next for Michigan State football?

Michigan State football has 11 spring practices left, with the general public getting their first glimpse on Saturday, April 18 for the Spartan Spring Showcase.