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Michigan State quarterback Rocky Lombardi enters the transfer portal

December 18, 2020
<p>Michigan State University quarterback Rocky Lombardi breaking out of the pocket to run for first down against Northwestern on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020.</p>

Michigan State University quarterback Rocky Lombardi breaking out of the pocket to run for first down against Northwestern on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020.

Photo by Di'Amond Moore | The State News

Michigan State's former starting quarterback Rocky Lombardi has entered the transfer portal, an MSU spokesperson confirmed Friday.

Lombardi is one of several Spartan players to enter the portal including Devontae Dobbs, Julian Barnett, Davion Williams and Jeslord Boateng most recently.

Lombardi threw for 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in his career for Michigan State, including eight touchdowns and nine interceptions this season. 

The quarterback room for Michigan State has become more crowded with the rise of Payton Thorne as a freshman, the addition of Anthony Russo from Temple via the transfer portal and Hampton Fay, the 6-foot-5 quarterback out of Texas, signed on with Michigan State and plans to enroll early.

In addition, both Theo Day and Noah Kim had competed for the starting job this fall prior to Lombardi being named the initial starter.

Michigan State Head Coach Mel Tucker expected to both lose and gain players from the transfer portal this offseason.

“The portal is here," Tucker said. "It’s not going away. We're going to embrace it. I've gotten players out of the portal and I've seen guys go on to the portal. That's part of college football now.”

Lombardi had his fair share of moments for the Spartans, including winning over rival Michigan on the back of his three touchdowns and 323 yards in the passing game. Lombardi busted out onto the scene in 2018 against Purdue, stepping for an injured Brian Lewerke and throwing for 318 yards and two touchdowns.

Accuracy and injuries prevented Lombardi from reaching his full potential, as Lombardi threw eight interceptions this season and ended his career with an injury against Ohio State.

As the season wraps up, more movement should be expected across the college football roster.

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