Jeff Smoker's possible successor and MSU's potential next power running back showed their potential and inexperience in their first competition before an MSU crowd on Saturday.
Redshirt freshmen Stephen Reaves and Jehuu Caulcrick - both scout teamers last year - could be the starting quarterback and running back, respectively, in the fall for the Spartans.
In Saturday's Green-White Spring Scrimmage at Spartan Stadium, Reaves eventually settled into a rhythm after struggling early, and Caulcrick ran the ball with power and speed most of the day.
Reaves, who played with the first-string offense Saturday, was 15-of-26 for 184 yards and two interceptions, while Caulcrick rushed for 108 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries
"Early on, I thought I could've done some things better throwing the ball, made a little better reads," Reaves said. "Late first half, early second half, I started feeling a little more comfortable.
"Hopefully I'm a player that most fans are going to like and cheer for on the field."
Reaves' most obvious mistake came when he tried to squeeze a pass through a tight opening to senior tight end Jason Randall. The ball was a little behind Randall, and junior linebacker Seth Mitchell grabbed the interception.
Head coach John L. Smith said forced passes like that are typical for young, talented quarterbacks.
"He wants to think he can throw it through that little window," he said. "That's where Reaves is right now. He's thinking he has to make every play down there - he doesn't."
Reaves will compete with sophomore Drew Stanton for the starting job in the fall, Smith said. Stanton still is recovering from a knee injury he suffered in the Alamo Bowl and sat the scrimmage out.
While Reaves got off to a somewhat slow start, Caulcrick flew out of the gate, gaining 31 yards on his first carry of the afternoon. He had at least four carries, for more than 10 yards on the day.
His most impressive rush was about halfway through the scrimmage on a handoff from senior quarterback Damon Dowdell. Caulcrick took the ball up the left side of the field, broke a tackle to get in the open field, then dragged about four defenders on his way to a 23-yard gain.
"You're coming out and playing in front of them, you have to impress them and make them look forward to the season," Caulcrick said.
Caulcrick's counterpart Saturday was senior DeAndra Cobb, a speedster with more experience and slightly better receiving skills than Caulcrick. The duo's contrasting style could keep opposing defenses off balance next season.
