Michigan State football wrapped up its spring practice schedule with it’s annual spring game (really an open practice) on Saturday afternoon from Spartan Stadium.
The “Spartan Football Kickoff” event served as an opportunity for fans to return to Spartan Stadium and get their first up close look at the 2023 team. This also was an opportunity for the media to dissect the Spartans, and come up with some early takeaways before we hit the fall.
Here are a few of the notable takeaways and thoughts from local media members who cover the Spartans and were in attendance on Saturday:
A couple guys in uniform aren't active in drills, including Keon Coleman, who is hanging with the WRs but not wearing his helmet. Guys in uniform but not working out: DL Khris Bogle/Jarrett Jackson, DB Charles Brantley/Dillon Tatum/Ade Willie. Not in uniform: DT Dre Butler. 1/2
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 15, 2023
Drill work continues. Eyeballing the OL, looking like the first group right now is LT Baldwin, LG Duplain, C Samac, RG VanDeMark, RT Brown.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 15, 2023
Tunmise Adeleye with a nice tackle going down the line on Davion Primm, but he taps out after making it and went on a knee on the sideline before heading to the bench. No trainers looking at him.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 15, 2023
Darius Snow, Khris Bogle and Jarrett Jackson are in uniform but doesn't look like they'll be doing much if anything today. Same for Keon Coleman, Charles Brantley, Dillon Tatum, Ade Willie. Quavian Carter and A.J. Kirk among those not seen at all.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) April 15, 2023
Jacoby Windmon at DE for the one defense during this two-minute drill
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) April 15, 2023
At first look, I believe Bai Jobe and Jordan Hall will see the field on defense. https://t.co/pOdIBJdRhJ
— Rico Beard (@RicoBeard) April 15, 2023
LB Ma'a Gaoteote is down and hurt, grabbed immediately at his left shoulder. Scrimmaging continuing as he's helped to the sideline.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 15, 2023
Calling out "1 offense, 1 defense." Here's what we see:
Offense: QB Thorne, RB Carter, TE Hopper, WR Foster/Fitzpatrick/Mosley, LT Baldwin/LG Duplain/C Samac/RG VanDeMark/RT Brown
Defense: DE Dunn/Wright, DT Hansen/Barrow, LB Haladay/Windmon, CB White/Lowery, S Mangham/Grose
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 15, 2023
In live 2-minute drill, Payton Thorne and Noah Kim both lead TD drives after 57 seconds were put on the clock. Thorne scrambles in for a 15-yard score while Kim throws a perfect pass to Antonio Gates Jr. for a 31-yard TD.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) April 15, 2023
BONUS TAKE: Noah Kim is No. 2
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) April 15, 2023
Anyone who watched MSU today and thinks Katin Houser was better than Payton Thorne and Noah Kim isn’t a serious person.
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) April 15, 2023
The QB pecking order during MSU's practice was clear: Payton Thorne, Noah Kim, Katin Houser. Results when they had opportunities match up to that depth chart projection.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 15, 2023
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