Dantonio talks quarterbacks, men's basketball, freshmen

MSU football head coach Mark Dantonio addressed the media Tuesday afternoon before the team’s fourth of 15 spring practices.

Dantonio

Here’s what Dantonio had to say about the Spartans practicing in pads, the position battles and the men’s basketball team’s journey to the Final Four:

Question What is the update on the starting quarterback competition between sophomores Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol?

Mark Dantonio Those guys are playing and they are all getting opportunities right now. I’ve been impressed with both quarterbacks. I think Cousins has a great hold on the offense right now and Keith (Nichol) is learning. There is a little bit of a learning curve there, but he’s made great plays as well.

Q Has anyone stepped up into a leadership role?

MD Somebody is going to come to the forefront. We have some strong leaders in that area. We have a lot of guys that have played a lot of football. These are the type of things — spring practice, summer camp, summer conditioning — those are the times when you show your leadership.

Q How are early-enrolled freshmen Donald Spencer and Patrick White doing thus far?

MD Both those guys are getting reps at defensive back. It’s a challenge and there’s a lot of things to pick up, but both of those guys have been great players for us. Spencer is a big-bodied defensive back, a lot like Otis Wiley was. He can bring a lot of good things to the table when you look at him. He’s been impressive and Patrick White has been as well.

Q Who are some other players that have stood out thus far?

MD (Sophomore wide receiver) Keshawn Martin is picking up where he was in the fall. I’m impressed with what he’s done. But it’s a little too early to tell without being in pads. We will have a better sense of where we are at next week.

Q What do you think of the men’s basketball team’s run to the Final Four?

MD There is a respect for the basketball program and the other programs here that play at a high level. We need to aspire to do that. We played in a New Year’s Day bowl (game) last year, but we need to have consistency in what we are doing. That’s what our basketball team has done. They are not one-shot wonders. They have played at that level for quite a few years.