Mel Tucker talks spring game, recruiting and Michigan State's progress
Michigan State is preparing to close out spring practices in this month, marking an end to Mel Tucker’s first full spring as the head coach in East Lansing.
Last year, Michigan State was forced to call off its spring practice due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tucker and his staff didn’t get any chance to interact with players on the field and were forced to recruit virtually after being named the head coach just a few weeks earlier.
Tucker understands the importance of getting better this spring as Michigan State tries to re-establish itself as a power in the B1G. On Tuesday, as the Spartans approach their annual spring game, Tucker spoke with reporters about spring progress, recruiting and Saturday’s game.
Here’s what Tucker had to say while speaking with reporters:
MSU coach Mel Tucker says the spring "game" format is meant to give fans "an inside look at how we practice" with the focus on details. Live scrimmage work will be the second half of the practice.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 20, 2021
Tucker says he doesn’t anticipate using the transfer portal as much in the future as MSU has this year. Wants to build from high school ranks.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 20, 2021
Tucker says band and cheerleaders will be at spring game.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 20, 2021
Tucker says MSU hasn’t had any catastrophic injuries this spring but plans to assess who may not practice Saturday after today’s workout. Says that health factor has helped enhance position competition. “You can’t make the club in the tub,” he adds.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 20, 2021
Tucker on what to expect Saturday: “It’s gonna be a meat and potatoes practice. There’s not gonna be a lot of French pastries inside the lines.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 20, 2021
Tucker on having fans and band/cheerleaders at Spartan Stadium: “Everyone wants to be in the stadium. Everyone is hungry for football.” Says it is big for program exposure.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 20, 2021
Tucker on June 1 opening of recruiting: “We’re gonna hit the ground running.” Says coaches are used to using that month for visits and camps on their normal calendar. “We’ll be ready to rock n roll.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 20, 2021
Tucker on his view of when MSU might get back to competing for Big Ten titles: “Only time will tell how far away we are. We got a lot of work to do … and some catching up to do.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 20, 2021
Tucker says Saturday will be a "meat and potatoes practice."
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) April 20, 2021
Tucker says the team has been relatively healthy this spring. Health has helped increase competition. "You can't make the club in the tub."
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) April 20, 2021
MSU coach Mel Tucker talking spring game and ongoing use of the transfer portal. Says it will be used moving forward as the team needs, but focus is on high school recruiting
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) April 20, 2021
Mel Tucker on recruiting restrictions being lifted in June:
"We’re gonna hit the ground running. …We’ve been planning for it and we'll be ready to rock and roll."
— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) April 20, 2021
“How quickly we get there is gonna depend on us.” https://t.co/TU09kheAdX
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 20, 2021
