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Michigan State OC talks offensive challenges, injury updates, new recruits with spring practice underway
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Michigan State OC Jay Johnson spoke to the media on Thursday with spring practice heating up around the country for many teams.
One of the biggest things that Michigan State has to deal with in 2022 is somehow finding a replacement for star running back Kenneth Walker III. Walker was 2nd in the nation in rushing yards with 1,636 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns this past season. He is now projected to be one of the 1st running backs taken. Whether that will be in the 1st or 2nd round of the 2022 NFL Draft is yet to be seen.
Other topics discussed by Johnson were injury updates on certain Spartan players. One of those was LT Jarrett Horst, who was sidelined in the last 4 games of the season last year. Luckily for Michigan State, Horst is returning for his final year of eligibility. Another injury update that Johnson talked about on the offensive line was senior guard Matt Carrick. Carrick missed time with an ACL injury last fall.
Michigan State also has a new quarterback on campus that Johnson talked about. Katin Houser has enrolled with the Spartans and has been impressive so far. Houser was listed as a 4-star recruit, and the 15th-ranked QB from the class of 2022 per the 247Sports Composite.
Lastly, Johnson discussed the rest of the QB situation. Payton Thorne has made a big jump according to Johnson.
Keon Coleman’s performance after coming back from playing on the basketball team was also another topic of discussion. He is an underclassman WR that has been showing a lot of promise. The team expects to have a scrimmage on Saturday to evaluate players even further as well.
Here’s everything Johnson said:
Johnson says MSU expects to try and scrimmage Saturday.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) March 24, 2022
Johnson says LT Jarrett Horst “struggled with some injuries” at the end of the season. Excited to have him back, said having to “force-feed” Spencer Brown also is expected “to pay big dividends.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) March 24, 2022
Johnson says Katin Houser “has been very solid” and has a good IQ, mobility and skill-set. “I think his future is really bright.” Adds WR Bernard also has a bright future.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) March 24, 2022
Johnson on replacing Kenneth Walker III at RB: “It’s a ton of competition right now.” Says Davion Primm “has really done some good for us early in the spring campaign.” Says it will take time into fall camp to determine who may emerge.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) March 24, 2022
Johnson said Keon Coleman immediately jumped back into football after MSU’s hoops season ended. “He really started to come on in just WR play” last season. Expects his talent “to skyrocket” this spring.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) March 24, 2022
Johnson said Matt Carrick still isn’t practicing with his ACL injury in the fall. “We need them to come along,” he says about the younger OL with a number of veteran experience up front gone from 2021.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) March 24, 2022
MSU OC Jay Johnson says a big key this spring is QB Payton Thorne taking another big jump.
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) March 24, 2022
In terms of QB depth Johnson says Noah Kim is playing well and Hamp Fay is “300%” better than he was at this point last year
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) March 24, 2022
Grant Bricker covers the B1G for Saturday Tradition. His previous stops include the Williamson Homepage and Nashville Post.