In a year where most of the high-profile quarterbacks and running backs are set to return, there aren’t a whole lot of question marks in Big Ten backfields. Michigan State provides an exception.

The Spartans must replace Kenneth Walker III, who was the best running back in the country in 2021. Walker averaged 136.3 yards per game with 18 touchdowns.

The upside to that scenario? A year ago at this time, hardly anybody knew who Walker was. He had put up good numbers as a sophomore at Wake Forest, but being a year before their breakthrough season, the Demon Deacons weren’t exactly on the forefront of people’s minds in 2020.

Now he’ll be remembered as one of the best to play at Michigan State even though it was only for a year.

The next Walker, if there is one, could be a transfer too. Mel Tucker has brought a pair of outsiders into Michigan State’s running back competition. Or it could be someone who was stuck behind Walker on the depth chart.

And if you’re quick to say “it won’t matter, none of them will be as good as Walker,” never forget Barry Sanders.

Sanders was stuck behind the great Thurman Thomas at Oklahoma State in 1987, then broke through with the greatest season by a running back in college history in 1988. Which is not to say any of these guys is Barry Sanders. But one of these backs could be better than anyone knows just yet.

We’ll get a glimmer when the Spartans hold their spring game this Saturday.

The newcomers

Jalen Berger

Berger was a Badger before being dismissed by coach Paul Chryst last October. The Wisconsin State Journal reported that he missed multiple team workouts and meetings after the team brought in transfer Chez Mellusi last offseason.

Ironically, now Berger’s the transfer that will inevitably cause someone to leave this program.

He started 3 games for Wisconsin in 2020 before testing positive for COVID-19, finishing with 301 yards on 60 carries.

Jarek Broussard

Broussard, a transfer from Colorado, isn’t scheduled to arrive in East Lansing until this summer. He played for Tucker at CU in 2019. Broussard was the Buffaloes’ leading rusher each of the past 2 seasons, so he has the chops to be a feature back.

However, at 5-9 and 185 pounds, he also isn’t the biggest back. So it feels like Tucker’s best move will probably involve Broussard splitting time with another back.

The incumbents

Elijah Collins

You can’t question Collins’ loyalty to Michigan State, though one wonders if he fits what Tucker wants in a running back.

Collins showed plenty of promise as a redshirt freshman, rushing for 988 yards in 2019. He barely played upon Tucker’s arrival in 2020, finishing with 41 carries for 90 yards.

Last season injuries limited him to just 8 games as a backup to Walker. This spring feels pretty big in determining whether he sticks around or decides to prove himself elsewhere.

Jordon Simmons

Simmons is the guy who got the call when Walker sat out the Peach Bowl, so presumably he’s next in line among the Spartan incumbents. He didn’t exactly wow on that stage, however, finishing with 23 yards on 16 carries against a pretty sketchy Pitt defense.

Harold Joiner

It’s now or never for Joiner, a senior who transferred from Auburn last May.

Joiner was primarily a special teams weapon for the Spartans last year, contributing 6 tackles on kickoffs and punts. He only had 86 offensive snaps.

Joiner was rated the No. 5 running back in the 2018 recruiting class by 247 Sports, so the talent is there. But the potential has thus far been unfulfilled.

Donovan Eaglin

Given the experience in the running back room, it’s going to be a pretty steep climb for the sophomore to get on the field. But perhaps he can position himself high enough in the pecking order to get some carries and be in position to take over in 2023. If that’s a thing players are willing to do these days.

Davion Primm

It’s a similar story for Primm, who redshirted last season. The Detroit native is unlikely to elevate to the top of the depth chart. But can he position himself high enough to make such an ascension possible next year? Primm, like Eaglin, is more likely to help the Spartans in a special teams role this fall.