Mel Tucker talks Michigan State standouts, practice updates and spring game format
On Saturday, Michigan State will hit the field one final time in the spring. The Spartans will host their annual spring game to close out the 15-practice slate.
This weekend’s event is scheduled for a 2 p.m. ET start with the game airing on Big Ten Network.
Monday, head coach Mel Tucker met with reporters to talk about Saturday’s spring game format, up-and-coming stars and a recap of how practice has gone thus far. While Michigan State is playing it cautious with some guys, it sounds like Tucker has been generally pleased with what he’s seen.
Saturday’s spring game will be split into halves. The first half will primarily be dedicated to team drills. The second half will feature more of a live scrimmage.
Tucker acknowledged he’d prefer to play a full game but says there are too many injuries.
Here’s more of what the third-year Spartans leader at to say while meeting with reporters on Monday:
Tucker says the transfers are making an impact and fans will surely notice them on Saturday. Jokes about CB Ameer Speed saying, " they'll notice him because he's like 7-2."
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) April 11, 2022
Tucker says Thursday's scrimmage "was cleaner on both sides of the ball" w/fewer mistakes. "Guys were playing faster" and improvement evident. Adds OL "did some good things, even as thin as we are." Adds that RB Jalen Berger wasn't healthy for first scrimmage but was Thursday.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 11, 2022
Tucker says he sees a buzz in recruiting and wants Saturday to have a big crowd presence. Right now, it's supposed to be sunny but only a high of 41 projected.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 11, 2022
Tucker: "I would love to be able to play a traditional game if we could, but numbers don't allow it." Says a scrimmage would provide "a game-like atmosphere" that mimics a preseason game.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 11, 2022
Tucker asked what he wants to see on Saturday: "A relentless effort."
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) April 11, 2022
Tucker says it will be a practice with some live periods on Saturday. "It will be physical and chippy." Adds that "a lot of recruits" will be in town.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 11, 2022
Tucker talking about last Thursday's scrimmage, said Jalen Berger popped a couple runs. It was the first time Berger was at full strength
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) April 11, 2022
Tucker on RB Davion Primm: "I'm not putting him in the Hall of Fame or anything, but you asked about players who've gotten better. And he's flashing." Adds that he has used the term "player alert" to describe what he's seeing from the redshirt freshman during practice/scrimmages.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 11, 2022
Tucker talking about two-way players, says TE Adam Berghorst "is banged up." The one-time Texas Rangers draft pick has not yet pitched this spring for MSU's baseball team.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 11, 2022
Mel Tucker on CB Ronald Williams: "I like Ron. Ron cares. …I think he's starting to come into his own. I really do."
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) April 11, 2022
