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What Mel Tucker said during presser as MSU opens up spring practice
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Mel Tucker is finally going to get to coach Michigan State during the spring.
Last year, Michigan State’s spring practices were cut out because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The head coach had only been on the job a few weeks before everyone was sent home, forced to get to know his players and assistant coaches through virtual platforms.
There’s no question that the Spartans were one of the most affected teams during last year’s spring cancellations. So Tucker is putting extra emphasis on making this spring count.
Michigan State finished the 2020 season with a 2-5 record with wins over in-state rival Michigan and Top 10 foe Northwestern. It wasn’t the most memorable season in East Lansing, but there were some highlight moments in Tucker’s first season.
Now, Tucker is looking to build off those success and envisions a future at Michigan State that he believes can be special. He spoke with the media about that on Tuesday.
Here’s what Tucker had to say on Tuesday, as the Spartans started spring ball:
Mel Tucker says he doesn't feel like this is a fresh start with his first spring practice, it's more of a normal out-of-season.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) March 23, 2021
Tucker reiterates: “We’re not here just to collect players. We’re here to build a team.” Goal now is to build chemistry toward that.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) March 23, 2021
On seniors returning/not, Tucker says every player has to make the best decision for themselves.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) March 23, 2021
Tucker: “We’re in the building phase of something we feel is gonna be special.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) March 23, 2021
Tucker says he doesn’t know if the spring game will be open to fans but wants that to happen if possible. Also wants a “real” game format but will depend on player availability.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) March 23, 2021
Tucker calls the QB battle "an open competition."
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) March 23, 2021
Tucker says the first year is important to “shift the culture,” and Year 2 “to continue to work toward building a strong and winning football team.” Goal is “to see improvement” and expects to see it since players know what they’re required to do and who coaches are.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) March 23, 2021
Tucker says “there may be some more attrition” after spring practice. Adds MSU plans to add more players from the portal up to fall camp. “That’s the name of the game, to get the best players you can find.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) March 23, 2021
Tucker on what he likes about his players: “They’re hungry and they have a chip on their shoulder.” Says there’s “a different vibe in the locker room, a different type of energy.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) March 23, 2021
Tucker asked by @Graham_Couch about vaccine for the team, doesn’t have timetable for that. “It’s certainly gonna be a game changer for us. To what extent and how soon, I’m not sure.” MSU testing six days a week during spring, he adds.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) March 23, 2021
Tucker said pads will go on either practice 3 or 4 and then for the rest of the spring after other than just before the spring game.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) March 23, 2021
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB