Mel Tucker addresses Nathan Carter as a lead RB with mounting injuries
Mel Tucker and Michigan State received another strong performance from running back Nathan Carter in the win over Richmond. Two games into the season, Carter is one of the early stars for the Spartans.
In the season opener against Central Michigan, Carter went for 113 yards on 18 carries with a touchdown. During Week 2, Carter once again led all Spartans with 19 carries for 111 yards and 3 touchdowns, a hat trick scored all in the third quarter.
After the game, Tucker was asked about Carter shouldering the load with Jaren Mangham and Jalen Berger banged up. The head coach said Carter is “very serious” about his training and work in the weight room to keep his body healthy.
However, Tucker also knows the RB room needs depth to get through the grind of a B1G season.
Asked Tucker if Nathan Carter can shoulder the load alone with Berger/Mangham hurt: “He’s very serious about his training, how he takes care of his body, what he does in the weight room. But we need obviously more than one back if we expect to get anything done this season.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) September 9, 2023
The competition takes a big step up next weekend with Michigan State facing a top-10 opponent in Washington. Carter is likely to be the lead in the backfield once again, but the Spartans would like to have multiple options available down the road.
