Progress on offense
With junior Connor Cook firmly planted as the No. 1 quarterback, senior Jeremy Langford entrenched as the No. 1 running back and an experienced receiving core, the offense is mostly set heading into the 2014 season. This is somewhat unusual for the Spartans, who typically are more solid on defense this time of the year.
Dantonio said the offense found its stride last November and has been consistently good from that point onward.
“I think there’s confidence in our receivers and confidence in our offense overall when you have a (quarterback) who is solidified in that position,” Dantonio said. “Not that it wasn’t last year, but there were some questions. It makes it easy for everyone else to transition.”
Dantonio said sophomore quarterback Tyler O’Connor — currently No. 2 on the depth chart — has been impressive in scrimmages and described redshirt freshman Damion Terry as “a talent,” albeit one that is young.
Injury struggles
Sophomore guard Zach Higgins could miss the entire season with an ACL injury suffered in practice last Friday, Dantonio revealed.
Sophomore running back Delton Williams and redshirt freshman running back Gerald Holmes both missed Friday’s scrimmage with injuries. Senior running back Nick Hill, who Dantonio said has made some big plays in spring practice, now likely is the No. 2 running back behind Langford.
Redshirt freshman Jon Reschke has emerged as the No. 1 option at middle linebacker for now — senior Taiwan Jones is limited right now with an ankle injury.
Junior wide receiver A.J. Troup, who underwent knee surgery last July, is expected to miss the rest of spring practice but should be back in time for the fall season.
Stepping up in spring practice
Dantonio said junior wide receiver DeAnthony Arnett is moving up the depth chart following some strong performances.
Arnett took a redshirt year last season after transferring to before the 2012 season from Tennessee.
Bennie Fowler graduated, which represents the only loss to the playing group of receivers from last season.
Sophomore tight end Jamal Lyles, who was moved to offense from defensive end last fall, also has “taken a big step forward,” Dantonio said.
