With 14 seconds left and Langford’s East team trailing 16-13 to the West, the running back out of John Glenn High School in Westland, Mich., burst through the line for a one-yard touchdown that proved to be the game winner.

“It was a good start,” Langford said of his first game in Spartan Stadium. “I hope to do the same thing when I
come here.”

Langford was one of three future Spartans playing in the all-star game. Tony Lippett, a wide receiver from Crocket High School in Detroit, joined Langford on the East, and Lowell High School guard Connor Kruse played for the West.

Kruse and the West jumped out to a 16-0 lead in the first half, but lead by Langford and Lippett, the East scored 20 unanswered points in the second half to secure the win.

Leading the East in rushing, Langford ran for 42 yards and one touchdown. Meanwhile, Lippett lead all receivers with four catches for 95 yards, all coming in the second half.

All three of the players coming to MSU next fall said they had been to Spartan Stadium before, but actually playing on the field was more exciting than watching games from the stands or sidelines.

“It was different. I came to every home game last year and sat fifth row at the 50-yard line,” Lippett said, pointing at the stands. “The field looked big and to actually play on it — it just felt good.”

Kruse, who said playing in a big stadium was one of the many reasons he chose MSU, said he can’t imagine what playing in Spartan Stadium is going to be like when it’s full on Saturdays in the fall.

“(The game) got me really excited,” Kruse said. “The stands were only a quarter of the way full and I was hyped up. Just knowing that this whole thing will be full and 78,000 people will be here — it’s just going to be a great experience.”

Starting last Sunday, both teams practiced separately to get ready for Saturday’s game. Lippett said the week of preparation gave him a good idea of what it’s going to be like next year as a Spartan football player.

“I think it prepared me well,” Lippett said. “Having three practices a day and meeting with coaches, that goes along with discipline. That disciplined me enough so I know I can wake up in the morning and go to practice, take a 30-minute nap, then turn around and go to practice again.”

As teammates for the week, Langford and Lippett both said their future together in East Lansing was a main topic
of discussion.

“We talk about it all the time,” Langford said. “We can’t wait to come here. We report July 5, and we’re really excited.”