On Tuesday, Michigan State football began their last week of spring practice. The Spartans look to finish the week strong leading into Saturday, which is the Spring Football Showcase in Spartan Stadium.
Michigan State football is in the midst of a rebuild, with Pat Fitzgerald being selected as the Spartan head coach in December after two unsuccessful seasons with Jonathan Smith in charge of the program, taking over for Mel Tucker after misconduct saw the coach dismissed midseason.
With the Spartans ramping up the intensity with their first time in front of the fans in the near future, here are some observations from spring practice.
Ball Security at the Focal Point, Again
The Spartans began practice no. 13 much like they began their very first practice, with ball security drills and acceleration drills. As a unit, the group was much more polished than the first practice, which is to be expected, and also a welcome sign.
That said, there were heavier expectations of the group, with Pat Fitzgerald personally observing and reminding the players that ball security is everything to the program. The coach was also complimentary of his players, uplifting them and encouraging them before a rep.
Perfection and Accountability
While practice was open to media, the Spartans had a few players with a miscue during their sessions. The coaches took the time to hold them accountable, expecting more from them in the last week of practice. Additionally, there would be times where a player felt their own performance was off, and demanding the next rep to fix their mistake.
Coaches Hank Poteat, Winston DeLattiboudere III, and Max Bullough were among the high intensity coaches today, and running back coach Devon Spalding joined in his assistants in trying to rip the ball free from players during the ball security drill.
Outdoor Practice, Again
Michigan State football started the day inside, but before the final session open to media expired, the Spartans took to the outdoor practice field. With the spring game obviously being outdoors, and the light rain from the morning subsiding, the players got a chance to shine in the early morning darkness.
Fitzgerald has noted that the Spartans will be practicing outdoors as much as possible this spring, and lived up to his word on Tuesday.
Standouts from Spring Practice
With my focus primarily being on the defensive players in the last media session of the spring, here were a few of my standouts. Jordan Hall looks as solid as ever, with the senior set for a big year. DiMari Malone looks be set for a bigger role despite a loaded linebacker room. KJ Deriso was a player I watched more closely after Michigan State football’s social media has shown him breaking up a pair of passes this spring.
Hudson Aultman does not look out of place among the giants in the defensive line room, and Evan Young had a solid hands catch. Braylon Collier looked sharp and fluid during his runs after ball security drills. Anelu Lafaele had high energy heading out to the outdoor section of practice.
What is next for Michigan State football?
Fans get the chance to see Michigan State football themselves on Saturday, April 18, for the Spartan Spring Showcase. Gates open at 10:30 a.m. EST, with practice commencing at noon EST. Afterwards, there will be a chance to meet the players and get autographs from them approximately 15 minutes post-practice, which ends at 2 p.m. EST.
All fans wanting to attend the game need to download tickets from Michigan State football’s website to be allowed admission to the game. Seats will be general admission.
