MSU Football Spring Showcase will be coach Jonathan Smith's first and will help evaluate team performance next season

On April 20, students and fans will be able to see newly hired football coach Jonathan Smith and his Spartan players at the annual Spring Showcase at Spartan Stadium. Smith, who recently transferred from coaching at Oregon State University, will officially participate in this year's Spring Showcase, which will be his 15th and final spring practice during the offseason.

Smith hit the ground running in the offseason shortly after arriving at MSU, taking over the role from former coach Mel Tucker. After losing every quarterback on his depth chart, Smith acquired sophomore Aiden Chiles, who was Smith's freshman backup quarterback at Oregon State. The Spartans also acquired junior tight end Jack Vering, also from Oregon.

Coach Smith also retained Michigan State's No. 1 player in the freshman class, Nick Marsh, who will compete for playing time at the wide receiver position.

“At the first team meeting, (Smith) gave us a piece of paper and asked us to write down three things that we thought were problems for the team last year,” said the sophomore linebacker, who will participate in the Spring Showcase. Jordan Hall said. He said at a press conference, “Last year I wrote about two things that I felt were problems, and for the third one, I said, “This is how we build trust.'' All I really want to know is whether you're going to read this or not. 'I wrote down my phone number and a day or two later (Smith) called me and we sat down. It was a huge jump start for our relationship. ”

Junior safety Jayden Mangum said the new coaching staff has adapted very well in recent months and the chemistry on the team is meshing more.

“We're taking everything they've taught us. Coach (Blue Adams) has taught us a lot of new things, we're learning new defenses, new philosophies, and we're making good progress.” Mangum said.

The Michigan State Football Spring Showcase will be held at Spartan Stadium starting at 2 p.m., giving fans, students and others a chance to see what next season's team will look like.