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What Mel Tucker said following Michigan State’s second spring scrimmage
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Michigan State held its second spring scrimmage on Tuesday, as the Spartans begin to hit the second half of the schedule.
Following that spring scrimmage, head coach Mel Tucker met with the media to discuss his team’s progress. He talked about improved communication, the quarterback battle and individual player performances.
Tucker seems pleased with the progress the Spartans have made this spring after a 2-5 season in 2020. This is his first full spring since taking over in East Lansing and it’s certainly a key spring for he and his staff.
Michigan State will wind down its spring season on Saturday, April 24 with a spring game. But before we get to that, here’s what the second-year leader of the Spartans had to say following his team’s second scrimmage on Tuesday:
Michigan State had its second spring scrimmage today at Spartan Stadium and Mel Tucker says he was pleased with the energy and communication.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) April 13, 2021
Mel Tucker said he is seeing stronger communication from his players, particularly in MSU’s second scrimmage this morning. “You could see the confidence.” Says Spartans are “gaining ground” but not yet where they want to be.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 13, 2021
Tucker said MSU is filming the scrimmages and practices and working with players individually in reviewing what they are doing right and wrong: “If you don’t compete, you’re gonna stick out like a sore thumb.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 13, 2021
Tucker calls the LBs a "thin group" with young guys getting a look. He's impressed with Noah Harvey stepping up to lead more even though he's not a "rah, rah" guy. Tucker says they'll really need to add depth this summer, which will happen with portal and '21 incoming recruits.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) April 13, 2021
Tucker says MSU’s special teams “had so many things to address” and the Spartans need more depth in the third phase of the game. Has dedicated a lot of practice time to special teams.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 13, 2021
Tucker says Elijah Collins has gained weight and gotten stronger. “He’s hitting the hole with velocity … and running with authority.” Likes the way he is trending and says Collins is focused and improving.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 13, 2021
Tucker said administration is still discussing whether fans will be allowed at spring game
— Matt Charboneau (@mattcharboneau) April 13, 2021
Tucker says there's too many areas to address to pick out one thing to improve by the end of spring but noted the need of more depth on special teams.
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) April 13, 2021
Asked about RB Elijah Collins, Tucker says he has gained weight, is more explosive, running with authority and "his best football is ahead."
— Matt Wenzel (@mwenzel2) April 13, 2021
Tucker on QB battle: Says MSU has been mostly giving even reps to Payton Thorne and Anthony Russo with the first team offense and mentions others getting snaps. Says preseason camp will be more about deciding who will be the leader for starting job.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 13, 2021
Tucker says there has bee “incremental improvement across the board.” Eschews details of which position group is getting better and says the equipment managers have improved.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 13, 2021
Tucker says MSU is still installing things on offense, defense and special teams for the next few practices. “The spring is really a time of technique and fundamentals and doing simple better.”
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) April 13, 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