Hoyer: “Now that I have the whole offense down, I can go out in these 15 practices and work on the finer things — work on getting to the third or fourth progression in my read, work on changing protections at the line of scrimmage — so I don’t have throw a hot route.”

Running back

What to watch for — Last season, the combination of senior Javon Ringer, the departed Jehuu Caulcrick and company carried the ball more than 500 times, with Caulcrick and Ringer each getting more than 200 carries a piece. With the thunder to Ringer’s lightning gone, who is going to step up? In fact, do the Spartans even need someone to step up, considering Ringer rushed for nearly 1,500 yards last season?

Wide receiver

What to watch for — While the early departure of NFL-bound Devin Thomas might seem to leave a gaping hole at the wide receiver position from the outside, the Spartans are loaded with talented players. Sophomore Mark Dell started as a freshman last year and senior Deon Curry also gained some experience, but redshirt freshman B.J. Cunningham is already turning heads. There may not be a clear-cut leader at the moment, but between Dell, Curry and Cunningham (as well as incoming recruit freshman Fred Smith) the wide receiver opening looks to be shaping up nicely.

Dantonio on Cunningham: “B.J. Cunningham is an outstanding jumper. He’s a big body at wide receiver who can really go up and get the football.”

Tight end

What to watch for — Similar to the wide receiver position, the tight end spot is open following the departure of Kellen Davis. While Dantonio has experimented with junior Michael Jordan in the position, he wants — and expects — sophomore Charlie Gantt to distance himself from a talented group of young players.

Offensive line

What to watch for — The offensive line returns three starters to the trenches, but loses four guys who saw quite a bit of playing time last year — including the whole left side. To combat the loss, senior Roland Martin is moving from right guard to left guard, and after getting a few spot starts, junior Joel Nitchman now is the main guy at center. Despite having key returners back, Dantonio said the line must continue to improve.

Defensive line

What to watch for — Losing Jonal Saint-Dic, Ogemdi Nwagbuo and Ervin Baldwin along the defensive front would hurt anyone, and there’s question that the defensive line needs some major reworking. Senior Justin Kershaw is the lone starter returning, but senior Brandon Long and sophomore Oren Wilson each played in every game last season. Freshman defensive end Tyler Hoover also is turning heads, and multiple coaches expect the freshman to make a huge impact in his first season.

Linebackers

What to watch for — Sophomore Greg Jones, a freshman All-American last season, and sophomore Eric Gordon return on at the outside linebacker positions to provide strength, quickness and now experience in their second seasons as Spartans. Junior Adam Decker is listed as the middle linebacker, replacing Kaleb Thornhill. Jon Misch, who started some games last season, has a chance to make an impact, but must continue to get bigger and put on muscle mass.

Defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi on Jones: “He’s going to get a lot better than what he is right now, there’s no question about it. He made plays last year — he could have made them easier, some of the plays he made he could have made bigger hits.”

Defensive secondary

What to watch for — The Spartans return their top two cornerbacks in senior Kendell Davis-Clark and junior Ross Weaver, as well as sophomore Chris L. Rucker, who made an impact before being sidelined with an eye injury. Junior Roderick Jenrette looks to have the best chance to take over the free safety position, which opened up when senior Otis Wiley moved to strong safety following Nehemiah Warrick’s departure.

Special teams

What to watch for — The Spartans are set at punter and kicker, where sophomore Aaron Bates and both senior Todd Boleski and junior Brett Swenson return.

The key question surrounding the return game is who will take over the reigns from Thomas. Dantonio said the early leaders are Dell (who began last season as the returner), Rucker and freshman Johnny Adams.

Dantonio on Adams: “Johnny Adams, it’s been said by people in Ohio, that Johnny Adams is the most exciting punt returner to come out of Ohio since Antwan Winfield, so that’s exciting to all of us.”