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Dantonio compares WRs to ‘great wide receiver groups we’ve had in the past’
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Fall camps are under way and the 2019 college football season is slated to start later this month.
Michigan State has gotten through multiple practices now and coach Mark Dantonio got to speak with the media on Monday. He was asked numerous questions, and due to last year’s issues on the offensive side of the ball, many of them came regarding the offense.
At one point, Dantonio said QB Brian Lewerke has to be able to create and improvise with both his arm and legs. That’s not exactly a statement of high praise in regard to the offensive line.
However, what about the skill players? What about the wide receivers?
That’s a different story:
Dantonio on WRs, says they are experienced and "fit in with those great wide receiver groups we've had in the past." Thinks it will be a position of strength. Says CJ Hayes stepped up, Barnett has impressed, Cam Chambers and Laress Nelson back to help depth.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) August 5, 2019
This is a statement of strength. Dantonio knows what his wide receiver corps is going to bring to the fold. Health is a necessity. Last season is a testament to that.
But if health isn’t an issue, the Spartans have a number of high-quality pass-catchers for Lewerke to utilize.
Dantonio on injuries: "We had guys playing with casts on. Someone told me we had guys miss 96 games (with injuries in 2018)." Says no asterisk with injuries, it has to be next-man-up and won't make excuses for last season because of those. "Some years, you have things like that."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) August 5, 2019
One pass-catcher Dantonio talked about as well was Weston Bridges. Bridges is making the transition from the backfield and he has plenty of speed to burn:
Dantonio says Weston Bridges "has 100 meter speed" and has a transition to make to WR, but says there could be an opportunity for him there. Moved from RB in summer.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) August 5, 2019
We’ll see exactly how the offense works out starting Aug. 30 when Michigan State hosts Tulsa.
Kevin covers Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.