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Jalen Berger, Jarek Broussard address potential ‘lightning and thunder’ backfield for Spartans
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The Michigan State backfield appears to be in good shape. The Spartans have two quality backs in Jarek Broussard and Jalen Berger, both of which transferred into East Lansing during the offseason.
Berger, who previously played at Wisconsin, rushed for 88 yards and 1 touchdown during the 2021 season for the Badgers. The Newark native believes his tandem with Broussard will create a positive outcome.
Jalen Berger says having two RBs splitting carries can be like “lightning and thunder.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) August 15, 2022
Broussard is a transfer from Colorado. The Dallas native finished his career in Boulder with 1,556 yards and 7 touchdowns. Broussard reunites with former coach Mel Tucker in East Lansing.
Broussard said his relationship with Mel Tucker and Jay Johnson from their time at Colorado helped him decide to transfer to MSU, though not quite a "no-brainer." He pointed to the comfort coaches gave him when he suffered a second knee injury during their year together in 2019.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) August 15, 2022
Both Berger and Broussard will have a tall task replacing Kenneth Walker III. The Doak Walker Award winner rushed for 1,636 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. Walker also helped Michigan State to an 11-2 record (7-2 B1G) and an appearance in the Peach Bowl.
Michigan State’s season opener is against Western Michigan. The first B1G tilt will come against Minnesota on Sept. 24.
Will Berger and Broussard be a productive tandem? Time will tell.