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Michigan State Football spring game 2017: 5 things to watch for

By John Buhler

Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans Mark Dantonio walks on the field during a warmup prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans Mark Dantonio walks on the field during a warmup prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Donnie Corley (9) celebrates after MSU defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 36-28 at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Donnie Corley (9) celebrates after MSU defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 36-28 at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Depth at wide receiver

What will go a long way in helping the Spartans get things back on track is to be able to lean on its passing game. Quarterback play may be a concern, but the Spartans are going to need more help than anything in the receiving corps.

Michigan State loses its most accomplished wide receiver from last year’s team in R.J. Shelton to the NFL Draft. Not only did he make plays in pass catching, but Shelton also factored in returning kicks on special teams. Wide receiver Monty Madaris and tight end Josiah Price have also exhausted their collegiate eligibility.

Fortunately for Dantoni, he looks to have a sure-thing in sophomore wide receiver Donnie Corley. He looked good in the Spartans passing game as a true freshman in 2016. Michigan State should expect big things from him in his second season with the program.

However, the cupboard starts to get bare after Corley in the Michigan State receiving corps. It could be Felton Davis III, Trishton Jackson, or even early enrolled Hunter Rison that could make a difference in the Michigan State aerial attack. How the wideouts do in this spring game will be a big talking point about how Michigan State feels about itself heading into this upcoming regular season.

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