Takeaways from Michigan State Football’s Seventh Spring Practice

On Tuesday, Michigan State football had the seventh of their 15 spring practices during the start of the Pat Fitzgerald era in East Lansing. The Spartans look to rebound from a disastrous 4-8 campaign that saw an eight-game losing streak.

On top of that, the Spartans saw impact players hit the portal, including top receiver Nick Marsh, top tight end Michael Masuans, and starting running back Makhi Frazier.

At the midway point of the spring season, what are some takeaways from Tuesday?

Spartans Practicing Outdoors

Tuesday saw Michigan State football take the outdoor practice field despite the darkness and the threat of rain. With the temperature outside resembling a pleasant summer day, the Spartans took the field from the beginning of practice.

Under the darkness and light showers, the Spartans kept the energy and intensity up, with defensive coordinator Joe Rossi being one of the most animated members of the staff during the media availability for observations.

In his press conference after the opening day of spring ball, Pat Fitzgerald mentioned wanting to practice outside as much as possible, and Tuesday was no exception. Consider it a promise delivered from the first-year Spartan head coach.

A Key Recruiting Target in Attendance

One of the top recruiting targets in the state of Michigan for the 2027 class is Gideon Gash. On Tuesday, the youngest Gash was up at Michigan State football practice as the Spartans attempt to nail his commitment.

The Spartans landed older brother Samson in the 2026 class, and the speed threat at wide receiver will be enrolling in the summer, joining their older brother Caleb, a junior safety at Michigan State.

247Sports currently lists Gideon Gash as the no. 100 prospect in the nation, and the third-best player among his class in the state of Michigan. He is a projected defensive back with an imposing 6-foot-4 frame to lurk in the secondary.

No Shortage of Intensity

As has been the case all spring, the new Michigan State football staff is intense. Even a holdover from the old staff, Joe Rossi, has taken a step up in demanding excellence from his players. James Adams was also among the louder coaches, with some levity from Pat Fitzgerald as he walked between individual position drills.

Courtney Hawkins was pressing his players, Nick Tabacca was barking out orders, and there was a clear direction and focus towards excellence. While there were similar moments with the last staff, there is a difference in intensity even in warmups compared to the 2025 season.

In defensive warmups, there was palpable energy as they took the field to practice quick change situations. There was screaming and intensity that Michigan State football was all about during their prime.

Standouts at Practice

Lastly, here are a few names that stood out in the limited practice time that Michigan State media members got to observe.

Zach Washington had a great catch with extension to headline the receivers. Among lineman, Nick Sharpe and Ben Murawski each had impressive lateral movement, especially with their size.

Michael Richards drew some compliments during his effort in safety drills, and Brayden Thomas also moved well during those same drills. Jordan Hall, as always, was among the most vocal players in guiding the troops.

The first public opportunity to observe Michigan State football will occur on Saturday, April 18, at the Spring Showcase.