Running back

Sophomore Nick Hill Skills: The 5-foot-8 Hill is the lone running back with game experience on MSU’s roster heading into next season. He has elite speed, but has struggled in pass protection and running between the tackles.

Chances of landing the job: Low. Hill lost his job as the Spartans’ punt returner during the season and the coaches haven’t expressed an overwhelming amount of confidence in him.

Freshman Nick Tompkins Skills: The Georgia native is a high school teammate of receiver Andre Sims Jr. and was rated as the No. 11 all-purpose running back by Rivals.com after rushing for 1,225 yards and 11 touchdowns as a high school senior.

Chances of landing the job: Moderate. Although Tompkins spent time battling an ankle injury this past season, he’s been in MSU’s system and will be ahead of incoming freshmen.

Incoming freshmen Gerald Holmes and R.J. Shelton Skills: Shelton is an explosive running back with breakaway speed who rushed for more than 2,000 yards and more than nine yards per carry in high school. Holmes is more of a power runner, known for being able to push the pile.

Chances of landing the job: Moderate. It likely will be running back by committee for MSU next season, and because it’s a position freshmen can make a difference right away, expect at least one of these two to see the field.

Tight end

Redshirt freshman Paul Lang Skills: At 6-foot-5, Lang uses his big body to make an impact as a blocker and has decent hands as a receiver, nabbing his first career touchdown Oct. 20 against Michigan.

Chances of landing the job: High. When Sims went down with injury, Lang stepped in and impressed the coaching staff as a young player with potential.

Sophomore Andrew Gleichert Skills: The Ann Arbor native and former walk-on earned a scholarship before the season and, much like Lang, has ideal size for the position at 6-foot-5.

Chances of landing the job: Moderate. Gleichert started in MSU’s two games when MSU used a two tight end set, including in the Buffalo Wild Wings bowl victory over TCU.

Defensive end

Redshirt freshman Shilique Calhoun Skills: Calhoun is built similarly to Gholston, a physical specimen at 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds who provides size and speed.

Chances of landing the job: Good. Calhoun has rare physical skills other players simply don’t have to help him make an impact.

Redshirt freshman Joel Heath Skills: At 6-foot-6 and 266 pounds, Heath is an imposing figure with a good combination of size and strength.

Chances of landing the job: Moderate. The former Associated Press All-Ohio Division II Co-Defensive Player of the Year has the tools to make a difference in his third year in the program and likely will be a part of the rotation at defensive end.

Redshirt freshman Lawrence Thomas Skills: Thomas was the top recruit in head coach Mark Dantonio’s 2011 recruiting class and used his high IQ and rare athletic talent to play both offense and defense for MSU in 2012.

Chances of landing the job: Good. The only thing holding Thomas back from nabbing the open spot could be the desire to move him to defensive tackle to replace senior Anthony Rashad White. Either way, Thomas is expected to be a playmaker on the Spartans’ defensive line next season.