Spring football has begun at Michigan State, and the Jonathan Smith era has begun.
With the new season just around the corner, some familiar faces have changed jersey numbers this spring. The Spartans have several new transfers and early enrollees, but here are some names and numbers to keep an eye on.
On offense, four players changed jersey numbers, including two wide receivers and two tight ends. Senior receiver Montrey Foster Jr. changed his jersey number from No. 83 to No. 3, and sophomore Jaron Glover changed from No. 15 to No. 4. Defensively, there are three D-linemen who changed their uniform numbers from last season. Redshirt junior Derrick Harmon has been changed from No. 41 to No. 4, sophomore Jaylen Thompson has been changed from No. 55 to No. 9, and redshirt freshman Ken Talley has been changed from No. 44 to No. 11.
Michigan State added some interesting transfers, which Smith brought in from Oregon State. The biggest name and likely starting quarterback, sophomore Aidan Childs, will wear No. 2 for the Spartans in the fall. His teammate and one of his biggest targets, junior tight end Jack Belling, will be No. 12 at Michigan State. On the offensive line, the Spartans added All-Pac-12 guard Tanner Miller, who wears No. 61. Each of the three transfers from Oregon State will likely be starters this season.
MSU also acquired players from other schools through the portal who will play key roles next season. Linebacker Jordan Turner, a transfer from Wisconsin, is the likely starter and will wear No. 7. The Spartans also added two star players from “Group of 5” schools, No. 99, defensive end Quindarius Dunnigan, a transfer from Middle Tennessee State University and Old Dominion. Wayne will be a linebacker. Matthews III is number 26. Dunnigan will be a big part of the Spartans' new defensive line rotation, but Matthews will also compete for a starting spot.
In the modern era of college football, it has become the norm for high school freshmen to enroll early to spring practice. The Spartans already have nine 2024 recruits participating in spring practice, with 12 more arriving for summer training in June. Nick Marsh, a four-star prospect and one of the top wide receivers in the class, will wear No. 15 as a freshman. Currently listed at 6-foot-3 and 208 pounds, he has impressive size and has already put on weight since enrolling in January. Another early enrollee who could compete for playing time as a freshman is cornerback Jalen Thompson, who wears No. 16. Thompson is the Spartans' first commit to the 2024 class and has a chance to play right away at the position of need. Michigan.
MSU will look much different than last season, both schematically and personnel-wise, as well as new jersey numbers for several returning players. Spring is an opportunity for fans and coaches to see what new players can make an impact in the fall and whether any freshmen are ready for the college stage.
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