All-American junior tailback T.J. Duckett will sit out the rest of spring football practice after undergoing minor shoulder surgery Friday.

“I expect him back at full strength by the time preseason camp opens in August,” MSU head coach Bobby Williams said.

Duckett, who finished last season with 1,353 yards rushing and a team-high seven touchdowns, has seen limited action this spring.

In the spring’s first scrimmage he carried the ball just four times for 25 yards, and didn’t participate in Saturday’s second scrimmage.

Following doctors’ orders to rest, Duckett was unavailable for comment Sunday.

Sophomore quarterback Jeff Smoker said the Spartans have plenty of depth at running back. He said senior tailback Little John Flowers and sophomore tailback Tyrell Dortch will see more practice time.

With Duckett sidelined Saturday, Flowers became the featured back for the second scrimmage. He responded with 63 yards on 14 carries.

The Spartans wrap up the spring season with an open practice at 1 p.m. Saturday in Spartan Stadium.

“T.J. isn’t the only offensive weapon out of the lineup right now,” Smoker said. “(Senior wide receiver) Herb Haygood has missed the entire spring (because of arthroscopic patella tendon surgery) but I like what I’ve seen from the other receivers this spring.”

Despite the injures, Smoker said the Spartans’ offense will be in good shape for the 2001 season.

“When Duckett and Haygood return to the lineup, we’ll have the personnel to feature a well-balanced attack,” he said.