However, current players, such as sophomore Denicos Allen, junior Steve Gardiner and sophomore Max Bullough, have impressed this spring while competing for starting roles vacated by Jones and fellow departed senior Eric Gordon, as well as regular contributor Jon Misch.

The players will have another chance to showcase themselves at this weekend’s Spring Football Game, which is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Spartan Stadium, and will have a chance to play in front of a large crowd that will provide experience for next season.

“I think those guys have stepped forward,” Dantonio said. “I’ve been very impressed with TyQuan Hammock this spring. He’s a playmaker. He’s got his weight down. So he’s around 230, and he’s running very well. I thought Denicos Allen has had a great spring.”

Hammock, a sophomore, had a team-leading 16 tackles on special teams last year and converted from linebacker to fullback early last season before making the switch back to linebacker prior to the spring.

He has impressed coaches ever since, and as a backup at the Mike linebacker position to begin the spring, he could figure prominently into the Spartans’ rotation next season. Bullough, who had 21 tackles and one interception as a freshman, and Gardiner, who had comparable statistics, are the other players in position to receive time at the Mike position.

Dantonio said both Gardiner and Bullough have had good spring practices. Meanwhile, Allen, whose 18 tackles and solid play last season put him in position for the No. 1 spot on the depth chart at Star linebacker this spring, possesses the athleticism to succeed at the linebacker position.

All together, they’re a young group that has received positive reviews so far this spring.

“Entering this last week of practice, we’re getting ready for the Spring Game, and we’re excited about it,” Dantoino said. “Our players have responded very positively throughout the spring.”

Offensive line
Dantonio announced that senior offensive lineman Joel Foreman and redshirt freshman offensive lineman Connor Kruse both will miss Saturday’s Spring Football Game.

Foreman has missed time because of wrist and ankle injuries, while Kruse is out with an injured knee.

Young players have had a chance to step in on the line this season, and Dantonio said the offensive line, which lost three starters from last season as well as Foreman, should strive to keep improving before the end of the spring.

“I would say we need to continue to address our offensive line,” Dantonio said. “Even though we have some guys out, I think we need to continue to try to improve and try to get better. That’s where the biggest learning curve is.”

Maxwell wins scrimmage
It wasn’t Little Giants, but sophomore quarterback Andrew Maxwell’s 35-yard touchdown pass to senior tight end Garrett Celek on a fake field goal lifted the offense to a victory in the team’s second jersey scrimmage last Thursday.

Dantonio said Maxwell’s play has been improving this spring, and he’s continuing to grow behind senior quarterback Kirk Cousins.

“I thought Maxwell looked very, very good in the scrimmage and was very exciting to watch,” Dantonio said.