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Spartan Nation has a new nickname for Payton Thorne
By Kate Norum
Published:
Michigan State redshirt junior quarterback Payton Thorne has earned quite a rapport with the Spartan fan base, gaining a new nickname, per MSU head coach Mel Tucker.
Tucker said during an interview with the media that Michigan State fans are calling Payton Thorne “the bird feeder.” While, on the other hand, redshirt senior wide receiver Jayden Reed’s nickname is “bird,” per Chris Solari, sports reporter at the Detroit Free Press.
Is this a coincidence? Perhaps.
Both players exhaust pretty poignant plays, Reed with the catches and Thorne with the throws to add to the Spartans’ victorious offense.
Turns out “the bird feeder” nickname came to fruition from Big Ten Media Days by way of Jack Ebling, per The Drive with Jack podcast.
Thorne is coming into his fourth season with the Spartans with 30 career TD passes on 282-of-473, passing for 3,815 yards in 17 career games, including 14 career starts (11-3 record).
Whereas, Reed, a transfer from Western Michigan, has also put up the numbers and gained quite the recognition. He will be back for a fifth year of eligibility this season, with 148 receptions for 2,230 yards and 21 TDs (total) in his career.
The bird feeder and bird will be in action together Friday, Sept. 2, at 7 pm EST at Spartan Stadium against Western Michigan.
Kate Norum covers college football for Saturday Tradition. She graduated from Kennesaw State University with a B.S. in journalism and has always been passionate about sports. Follow Kate on Twitter @katenorum