V-Cast: What we learned at Michigan State Spring Showcase
East Lansing, Mich. – Under first-year football coach Jonathan Smith, Michigan State finished out spring football with a combination practice scrimmage called the Spring Showcase, which was won by the offense, 31-24.
Afterward, SpartanMag.com staffers Jim Comparoni and Paul Konyndyk checked in from press box at Spartan Stadium with a V-Cast.
V-Cast Topics
Quarterbacks: The Spring Showcase proved that Michigan State has quality personnel at the quarterback position. The Spartans received solid quarterback play from starter Aidan Chiles and back-up Tommy Schuster. Chiles threw a touchdown pass to running back Nathan Carter. Shuster completed a touchdown pass to true freshman Nick Marsh, who had three catches for 103 yards in the Spring Showcase. Chiles’ favorite target on the day was Montorie Foster, who had three catches including a long downfield reception, which set up a Carter touchdown run.
Nick Marsh: One of the highest ranked players in Smith’s first recruiting class at Michigan State, Marsh had a loud Spring Showcase hitting the century mark on three grabs. Marsh showed toughness catching the ball over the middle. He also showed good athleticism on a 75-yard touchdown grab at the start of the second half. The challenge for Marsh moving forward will be learning enough of the offense to maximize his skillset as an impact wide receiver.
Nate Carter: UConn transfer Nate Carter led the Spartans in rushing a year ago with just under 800 yards. In the Spring Showcase, Carter showed that he has a lot more to give as both a ballcarrier and a receiver. Michigan State coaches have routinely touted Carter’s receiving skills out of the backfield. We saw those skills put to good use in the Spring Showcase.
Offensive Line: The Spartan o-line delivered their best performance during spring football in the Spring Showcase, and that play powered their side of the ball to its first scrimmage victory over the spring. Although Michigan State lacks depth on the o-line, this was a solid performance by the group overall.
