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Michigan State freshman WR to play more after recovering from eye infection
By Dave Holcomb
Published:
Freshman Julian Barnett has yet to make the impact most expected from him this season. He’s only playing his first month of college football and is actually going through a position change, but inexperience isn’t the reason for his lack of playing time.
Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio revealed Tuesday that Barnett has struggled to practice because of pink eye. But the infection has reportedly cleared, and Barnett is ready to take on a bigger role with the offense.
Barnett arrived in East Lansing as the No. 8 cornerback in the country based on the 247Sports composite rankings, but Michigan State switched him to wide receiver during fall camp. He has two catches for 44 yards this season.
With Jalen Nailor out for the season because of a lower-leg injury, the Spartans are looking for more contributors in the passing game. Senior Darrell Stewart leads the team with 30 receptions, 439 yards and one touchdown, but only one other Michigan State wideout has more than five catches this year.