RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Michigan State is in the midst of it's first training camp under Pat Fitzgerald, who is tasked with rebuilding the Spartan football program. Aiming for their first bowl game appearance since 2021, this is a highly competitive camp that is going to help set the tone for the Fitzgerald era of MSU football.
With such a highly competitive camp, and the new coaching staff bringing in 50 new players to the program between transfers and freshmen, there are several key position battles that have broken out. Almost every position on the roster was open for competition coming into the season, and now, those competitions are shaking itself out.
1. WR 2 & 3
Michigan State's wide receiver room had a massive overhaul this offseason following a multitude of departures, but the Spartans new offensive staff has done a good job rebuilding the room, and that has created a strong competition this fall.
Of the three starting wide receiver spots, one is locked up by returning receiver Chrishon McCray, that much is known. The other two spots, though, those are up for grabs.
Notre Dame transfer KK Smith and Michigan transfer Fred Moore are leading candidates for the roles after being brought in this offseason, but returning Spartans Charles Taplin and Rodney Bullard (waiver pending) are making this a very close competition.
2. Right Tackle
Usually, at this point in camp, there are multiple offensive line spots that are up for grabs still, but MSU has honestly got most of their starting offensive line covered. That is every spot but right tackle. With Conner Moore seemingly making the move to left guard, it has left the right tackle position wide open and it is a two person battle.
Rakeem Johnson, a returner that has appeared in 16 games during his first two years in East Lansing, has emerged as a major candidate for the position. Competing with him, though, is Georgia Southern transfer Robert Wright, who comes in highly touted after dominating the Sun Belt Conference.
There is no way this one is leaning, and feels very 50-50, but Spartan fans should have comfort that there are two capable bodies fighting for this spot.
3. Strong-side defensive end
Another position on the field that is as wide open as it gets is the strong side defensive end spot. On the opposite side, Kenny Soares and Anelu Lafaele have the rush ends spot locked down, but the open spot on the strong side defensive end spot, it is anyone's spot.
Competing for the spot will be Weber State transfer Keahnist Thompson and returners Cal Thrush and Kekai Burnett. Thompson is the veteran, who has the most experience, making him the favorite for the position, but both Thrush and Burnett have been in the Rossi system for a couple of years now.
Truthfully, this one could go any way and could bleed into the season.
4. Kicker
Michigan State has had a history of good kickers and the position is wide open again this year. Charlotte transfer Liam Boyd and true freshman Stephen Gonzales are battling it out for the position.
This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Four Michigan State football position battles to monitor in fall camp
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